Stairlift safety: how safe are stairlifts?

Throughout our lives, we learn to depend on our bodies to perform all sorts of everyday tasks. While we all know that mobility changes are a part of life, it can be a real challenge when those physical limitations set in. It’s important to make sure you have the support you need, especially if you’re planning to age in place. Many home hazards can be eliminated with simple accessibility solutions, but when stairs become a problem, finding a safe and reliable mobility device becomes a top priority.

When choosing a mobility device, there are many options to consider and you have to take several important factors into account. What are the limitations of your mobility? Do you use other mobility devices for support? How is your home set up? How long do you plan to live in your home? And, how much is this going to cost? These are all important questions and there is no single answer that works for everyone. However, for more than 800,000 Stannah customers, stairlifts have proven to be a great solution for getting up and down stairs safely. Let’s take a look at some of the key safety features that make stairlifts a reliable option to help you age in place safely.

Regardless of the type of stairlift you choose, the rail legs will attach to the stair treads, not the wall. There is a common misconception that stairlift rails are attached to drywall next to the stairs and can potentially tip over if the adjoining wall isn’t strong enough. This myth is completely false. Stairlift rails are secured directly to the stair treads, ensuring that the entire system is grounded and stable. Stairlifts also have a high weight capacity and are thoroughly tested, so you can be sure that you’ll never have to worry about your stairlift coming loose. The stairlift will remain firmly fixed to your stairs, for as long as you own it.

As you ride upstairs, it’s important to make sure that you’re both safe and comfortable. That’s why Stannah stairlifts come with four customizable seatbelt options. Whether your stairs are straight or curved, you’ll have the option choose between the standard retractable seatbelt, a horizontal lap belt, a diagonal lap belt (similar to a car seatbelt) and a five-point harness that secures both shoulders and covers your waste. Each seatbelt option comes with its own set of advantages. A Stannah stairlift expert can help you decide which one suits your mobility needs best.

You might be thinking, “That all sounds great, but what happens at the top of the stairs?” And it’s an important question! Users face the stairway while travelling in a stairlift, but at the top of the stairs, the chair swivels to allow you to get off safely. Stannah even offers a powered swivel option that turns the top of the chair towards the landing with just the push of a button. This is an excellent option for people who struggle with limited mobility on one side of their body or dexterity issues.

When you reach the top landing, you simply unbuckle the seatbelt and use the chair arms to help you get to a standing position. Best of all, the swiveled chair provides an active barrier between you and the stairs, making it safe to get in and out of the chair.

For some, buying a stairlift online and attempting a DIY installation might seem tempting. While you might save a small amount upfront, installing a stairlift can be difficult and it’s easy to get something wrong. That’s why we always recommend getting a professional installation from Stannah or one of our trusted dealers. It’s really the only way to make sure that your stairlift has been installed to factory standards and will operate as it should.

Plus, we stand by our products with an  excellent warranty. This added benefit will cover any routine maintenance or repairs during the warranty period. Just like any piece of mechanical technology, servicing your stairlift regularly is the best way to ensure that it continues to operate in peak condition.

As we said at the top of the article, there are many options for making your stairs safer. Choosing the best one for you is a process and you should consider it from all angles. Talk it over with your family, then decide on what works best for your unique situation. In the meantime, for more information on Stannah stairlifts, their safety features and installation options, get in touch with us today. In no time, you’ll be gliding upstairs in comfort and safety!