All you need to know before buying a stairlift
Essential solution for the elderly and those with reduced mobility, the stairlift can stay at home without making real changes to its habitat. But for what type of stairlift to choose? Are major works necessary to install one? Here are some answers!
A stairlift, who's it for?
For people who find it difficult to get around and still want to stay at home rather than going to live in a retirement home or nursing home.
The installation of a stairlift therefore allows, for anyone wishing to stay at home, to avoid having to make a complete redevelopment of their home, by moving their rooms on the upper floors (bedroom, bathroom, toilet, etc. .) towards the ground floor of the house.
Several criteria to take into account
A stairlift is not chosen on a whim. Thus, before considering a probable installation, functional and technical constraints are to be studied.
- At the level of functional constraints:
- Does the user still have the use of his lower and upper limbs?
- Can the user always sit?
- How big and how big is the user?
- Is the user subject to loss of balance?
- At the level of technical constraints:
- How wide is the staircase at the user's home?
- What space is available at the top and bottom of the stairs?
- What is the height of the ceiling of the stairwell?
The operation of a stairlift
The use of a stairlift is relatively simple : it is sufficient for the person to sit in the chair and operate the command . This allows him to reach the other end of the stairs .
This ease of use is made possible by the elements that constitute the stairlift: an electric motor unit, one or more rails, and of course an armchair.
Two types of stairlifts
When a person wishes to equip himself with an armchair, two options are possible. They do not depend on what the future user wants, but on how his home is configured.
Thus, if the stairwell to be arranged is perfectly straight (the first and the last step are in the same alignment), it is a right stairlift that will be installed. On the other hand, if the stairwell has a turn , the choice will turn to a curved stairlift.
The type of installation has an impact on the price and the installation time : a curved stair lift will cost more, and will take longer to install.
Safety and ergonomics
When an obstacle is found across the path of the stairlift, the stairlift stops systematically , thanks to safety sensors built into the installation.
The risk of falling is also severely limited since the speed at which the stairlift moves is programmed to avoid sudden jolts. Most often, a seatbelt is also available to attach and move safely.
As for ergonomics, the seats are designed in such a way that the people who sit in them are installed as well as possible : to do so, manufacturers usually offer models with wide armrests and an enveloping backrest, fabric or leather.
The price of a stairlift
The cost of installing a stairlift varies depending on the type of system chosen and the options added. Armchairs are available in a wide range of prices: it is possible to equip with 3,000 euros , even if the final amount can go up to 15,000 euros.
Where to buy a stairlift?
To be certain of choosing the most suitable stairlift for your needs, go to a professional in the sector .
A free visit without commitment can be considered, in order to receive a quote.
This article has been realized in partnership with Legrand Monte Escaliers
