Some Safety Tips for Using a Stairlift Correctly

Staying safe on the stairs should be the number one priority. It’s vital to choose a stairlift that meets your individual needs so it will be easier to use. That’s why it’s important to keep safety in mind when choosing which stairlift to buy from the many on offer.

Staying safe on the stairs is the number one reason why people invest in a home stairlift. It allows them to travel easily between the floors in their home without the risk of falling. That’s why it’s important to keep safety in mind when choosing which stairlift to buy from the many on offer. Above all, it’s vital to choose a stairlift that meets your individual needs, so it will be easier and safer for you to use. Here are some things to consider:  

Will the stairlift carriage be suited to you? Most stairlifts are designed for the passenger to travel in a seated position, but some people struggle to bend at the knees. For them, a stairlift that lets the passenger stand or ‘perch’ on a specially designed seat – half-way between sitting and standing – is a safer option.  

Will the stairlift carry you easily? Larger users might need a stairlift designed for a heavier load. Special features on ‘heavy-duty stairlifts’ could include strengthened components, a seat designed to accommodate larger people, or more powerful batteries and motor. Check the ‘maximum user weight’ of any stairlift you’re considering and check you don’t exceed it.  

Will you be able to operate the controls? If you find small and fiddly controls difficult to operate, look for a stairlift with ‘chunky’ ergonomically designed controls that are easy to use. Remote controls are another useful feature, letting you send or summon the stairlift to where it’s needed. Some companies supply remote controls as standard with their stairlifts.  

Who’ll use the stairlift? Will it be used by just one person or more than one? If it’s more than one, then the stairlift should meet the needs of every user. That could mean having controls suitable for either left or right-handed users, or maybe a ‘sit-stand stairlift’. As its name suggests, this type of stairlift can be used either seated or standing with support from sturdy extra handrails.  

Before choosing a particular stairlift brand or model, make sure it meets your needs so you can use it safely. Don’t let a salesman steer you towards any model not ideally suited to you. If his company can’t meet your needs, look for a supplier who can. A ‘home survey’ by a stairlift supplier shouldn’t just be about surveying your staircase. Also, it needs to discuss what your individual needs and how the stairlift can meet them.   

There are also some essential built-in safety features of stairlifts to look for:  

Auto-stop sensors: Make sure your stairlift has built-in sensors to detect anything inadvertently left on the stairs and blocking its path of travel. As soon as they detect something, the sensors will automatically stop the stairlift until the object is removed and the journey can resume safely.  

Safety seatbelt: Your stairlift should have a safety seatbelt for added security, just like a car, and it should be easy for you to operate.  

Lockable swivel seat: A seat that swivels and locks securely into different positions makes it easier to get on and off the stairlift safely and comfortably. The lever (or levers) to operate this feature should be within easy reach and simple to use. The stairlift should not work until the seat is locked into a safe position for travel.  

Battery power: Your stairlift should be powered by a rechargeable battery pack stored in the carriage (the part you ride one), not directly from the mains supply. It means the stairlift won’t stop if there’s a power cut and you’ll never be stranded part-way up or down the stairs.  

Slimline design: The stairlift should be designed with safety in mind not just for the person using it, but for anyone else using the stairs in the normal way. It should be possible to fold up the seat, armrests, and footrest on the stairlift carriage when it’s not in use, so it doesn’t present a difficult obstacle for other people using the stairs. Some straight stairlifts can have a short-hinged section at the bottom of the stairlift rail where it meets the floor at the foot of the stairs. This is so it can be folded up and isn’t a trip hazard for anyone walking near the bottom of the stairs.  

Lastly, choose a supplier whose installation process includes a thorough practical demonstration of the stairlift once it’s in your home, to make sure you can use it safely and confidently. If you’re reliant on the stairlift, you also need a supplier who’ll respond quickly and efficiently if anything goes wrong with it. A reliable ‘aftercare service’ is another important safety feature of your stairlift.