Tips to choose the best stairlift on a budget
If the stairs in your home have become difficult to manage due to a significant injury or limited mobility, then a stairlift might be the best solution for you. However, because there are various models available, it might be hard to decide which one to choose. A stairlift is also the best answer to a disabled aging member of the family that wants to remain in the same home they have been living their whole life. Studies point out that 90% of seniors prefer to stay in their house when getting older rather than move to a nursing home or an assisted living facility.While this will not be that easy for the family members, with a few adjustments and the right help, you will be able to ensure that your loved one keeps living comfortably in their own home. Thanks to solutions like stairlifts, your sick or aging family members can still have an independent life.In this article, we will explore all the information you need to know to choose the best stairlift on a budget.
Keep in mind your current and future mobility needs
Unfortunately, seniors are at a high risk of falls, which can lead to severe injuries, broken bones and even fatalities. So, it will be better to reduce the chances of falls and consider installing a stairlift. Falling downstairs is a huge risk to anyone with mobility issues. Besides falls, seniors might also need to move and walk with medical devices, and these types of gadgets can be challenging to use when they need to go upstairs. Canes and walkers are great for flat surfaces, but they are not an excellent option for stairs.
Therefore, each senior who chooses to age at home must consider their future mobility needs. Depending on the house, there could be some modifications to keep in mind that will allow the installation of the stairlift. Also, when searching for a stairlift, it is important not to forget about height and weight, as this will narrow the options you have.
Consider the design of the house
Stairlifts are fitted to the staircase and have a seat that is parked either at the bottom or top of the stairs. Depending on the design of your house, you can opt for curved or straight stairlifts. But you will not need to worry about the fact that the stairlift will take up a lot of space, as it can fold away when it is not used. However, the staircase must be wide enough to fit the person sitting in the house chair. If you have narrow stairs, you might need to remodel your house. Summit Stairlifts has a variety of new and used stairlifts you can choose from that will fit your needs and budget.
Different types of stairlifts available
Straight stairlifts
As you have probably figured from the name, these types of stairs can be installed on a straight rail. Straight options are the most common types of stairlifts you will find on the market, and because of this fact, they are easier to install and more affordable. They have seats, footrests, armrests and retractable rails. Furthermore, straight stairlifts have a power swivel that will make things much easier for the users to get off and on the stairlift.
Curved stairlifts
Curved stairlifts are excellent for curved staircases. They have rails that will be able to fit each type of curve and thus encourage easy navigation. These types of stairlifts are suitable for houses with winding or spiral staircases or homes that have landings between the floors. Curved stairlifts have seats, armrests, footrests, and retractable rails. However, because these stairlifts are custom-designed, they are more expensive than the other options.
Outdoor stairlifts
There are also available outdoor stairlifts in case you need to navigate a staircase outside. But, because these types of lifts are located in the exterior, they will need to have waterproofing materials.So, they must be designed to withstand UV rays, precipitation, heat, cold and other outdoor weather elements. You will find outdoor stairlifts, both in straight and curved designs, that can be used to access driveways, yards, porches and decks. They feature footrests, armrests, a power swivel option and foldable seats. Additionally, they can have a lock-and-key system and a protective cover to enhance safety, improve durability and prevent direct exposure from terrible weather elements.
Balance the cost
If you want to know how much is a stairlift, then you need to know that the answer depends on several factors. The price of a stairlift relies on individual needs, design and brand. But other factors, such as the level of customization, the length of the rail, and other additional features, can also influence the cost.
For instance, curved stairlifts are more expensive than straight ones because they require two motors, customized gear racks, and sensors to detect changes in the slopes. Other features that can affect the cost are:
- Higher weight capacity
- Thinner frame
- The color chosen
- A more comfortable seat
But, if you are on a budget, you don’t need to worry, as you can also opt for a second-hand stairlift. Various suppliers and manufacturers sell reconditioned stairlifts, which are much cheaper than brand-new ones. You can also rent a stairlift if you need it for a shorter period. Renting a stairlift can save you money, and it is the perfect option if you are on a tight budget.
The bottom line
Once you have figured out what type of stairlift you need, you must ensure your staircase is wide enough to fit the user and the lift. Although most staircases are suitable for a stairlift without the need for modification, there are cases when the technicians will need to assess the staircase before installation. A stairlift can be the best solution for a disabled person or a senior who wants to age independently in their own house.
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