Stair lifts provide more than just a means of getting from the downstairs floor of a house to the upstairs – they also represent mobility and independence to an aging generation.
As time goes by and we get older, it is natural that we find certain everyday activities, such as climbing the stairs, becoming increasingly difficult. For someone with limited mobility due to an injury, disability, or illness, installing a stair lift is a low-cost common sense solution.
Thanks to today’s advanced technology, nearly every home can be fitted with a stair lift for staircases of all shapes and sizes. A professional, licensed company is your best choice when it comes to purchasing and installing a stair lift in your home.
Here are 9 helpful tips to remember when it comes to buying a stair lift:
If you are unsure about what kind of stair lift is suitable for your home, get some independent advice from the Occupational Therapy Department of your local social services.
Read brochures and sales information from different brands of stair lifts.
Be sure to ask questions about the stair lift models that a company sells.
Get several quotes from different companies, but make sure they are for the same or ‘like for like’ models before comparing the prices.
Make sure a company’s quote covers the supply AND fitting of the stair lift.
If you have a curved staircase, ask the company to assess your staircase and give you a personalized quote.
Be sure to be informed about repairs and maintenance after the stairlift is installed. What happens if your stair lift breaks down? Are you covered for repairs and maintenance or do you have to pay out extra for a service contract?
If you are thinking of purchasing from a non-manufacturer, check that the company is an approved supplier. Otherwise, they may not be able to obtain spare parts.
NEVER buy a stair lift from someone who tries to make you buy that day or is pushing a certain stair lift on you. Salespeople are paid to clench deals and will often discount the price heavily to secure the sale – but the model they want you to buy may not be right for you.
Installing a stair lift can give you or your loved one full access to your home with ease, comfort and convenience. The cost of a stair lift might seem steep at first, but it is certainly more affordable when compared to the cost of making conversions to your current home or having to relocate to a single story accommodation.
We hope that these tips find you well and we wish you the best of luck in your search for the perfect stair lift!
For more helpful articles on all things senior/elderly care, be sure to check out www.LAElderly.org.
