Consider these factors before deciding on the best stairlift for your home.
As you age or experience limited mobility, the stairs you once traversed with ease now pose a threat to your health. Millions of adults aged 65 or older fall each year, and stairs add an obstacle that makes it cumbersome and even dangerous to maneuver about your own home.
If you want to make it safe for you or your loved one to get up and down the stairs or want to add features that allow your loved one to remain at home for as long as possible, a stairlift is an excellent addition.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best stairlift for your needs.
Your Budget
A stairlift’s price must fit your budget to be a practical option. Stairlifts are available with an assortment of features that can potentially make the lift easier or more pleasant to use; however, these features will also affect the price.
For example, a lift with a power swivel feature makes the stairlift easier to use, even if you have limited strength in your hands and legs. This unit will cost more than a lift that lacks the power swivel feature.
Curved stairlifts will fit any staircase shape but usually have a higher price tag than straight stairlifts only suited for straight flights of stairs.
Mobility and Physical Limitations
If you or your loved one have mobility or physical limitations that may prevent you from safely using a stairlift, it’s essential to select a lift that addresses these concerns.
Stairlifts are available with a safety harness and ankle restraint if it’s challenging to remain seated. Or, if you struggle to bend your legs, a unit with a footrest allows you to keep your legs extended.
The Lift’s Weight Limit and Seat Limitations
Most stairlift chairs have a weight capacity of 300 pounds. However, some units have weight capacities of 400 pounds. Your chair should be able to safely support you or your loved one.
It’s also important for you to get in and out of the seat with ease. Make sure that the seat width and distance between the armrests are wide enough for you to maneuver comfortably.
The Stairlift Company’s Reputation
You don’t want to invest in a stairlift, only to find that the company who sold you the lift doesn’t stand behind their products and offers subpar service. If something goes wrong with the functioning of your stairlift or if it just doesn’t work as you envisioned, you want a company that values customer satisfaction. At Preferred Elevator, our team is dedicated to providing our customers with the best products available.
Preferred Elevator: We’re On the Up and Up!
For over a decade, Preferred Elevator has served residents in Central Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. You can rely on our experienced home installation team and quality products.
For our commercial elevator clients, we also provide annual inspections of your equipment to adhere to standards established by the state of Maryland. During these inspections, we make sure that your commercial mobility product is functioning correctly and efficiently. We’ll also go over all safety devices and customized features offered within your plan!
Get in touch with us! Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8 am -5 pm. Reach us by phone at 410-238-2555, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
