Are Chair Lifts Suitable for People with a Disability?

Stannah stairlifts are designed to be as safe and accessible as possible. We have a range of models with unique ergonomic features, but whether or not a stairlift will work for you depends on your needs and abilities.

You want to be comfortable in your house and that includes being able to use your stairs safely, so that you can have full accessibility to all of the rooms in your home, whether upstairs or downstairs. A Stannah stairlift could help you do just that. Let’s see if a stairlift is the right choice for you.

It’s worth considering that you do need some mobility in order to use a stairlift. If you can get yourself into the chair, and hold yourself upright while you’re sitting down, it could be a good solution for you.

The Sadler is a good example of a handicap stairlift, designed specifically for persons with reduced mobility. This type of model is sometimes called a “perch stairlift,” because of its half-seated, near standing position, which gives lumbar support and takes the strain off your knees and hips. It is also equipped with an easy to use ergonomic seatbelt, that can be fastened and unfastened using only one hand and is conveniently positioned on the armrest.

But if you don’t have the mobility to get in and out of the chair safely, a stairlift might not be what you need. Our knowledgeable advisors can give you advice about stairlifts, but they can also suggest the right appliance for you if a stairlift isn’t a good fit. Give us a call to schedule your home survey, so that we can assess your needs and help you find the solution you’re looking for.

Click here to watch a video of a person using a Stannah stairlift to see how it works.

Most wheelchair users can also use a stairlift; but to use your stairlift independently, you need to be able to get in and out of your wheelchair, and in and out of your stairlift, by yourself. A stairlift also can’t carry a wheelchair, so you may need to have another one waiting for you at the other end of the stairs.

You also need to be able to hold yourself upright as you travel in your stairlift, so that you’re securely in the chair all the way to the other end.

If you’re not sure if a stairlift is the right option for you, visit our showroom to see our models for yourself. You can even test our handicap stairlifts out and decide which chair best meets your needs.

It’s a very important question, but it means different things to different people. That’s why we’ve made sure our stairlifts meet the highest international safety standards. That way, they’re sure to meet everyone’s idea of what safe feels like.

One of the main safety features included on every stairlift we make is an easy-to-use seatbelt. It’s easy to use because:

• it clips in easily
• you can fasten it using only one hand
• it’s a big buckle, which makes it easy to hold, even for arthritic fingers
• the seatbelt is placed on the armrests, so you don’t have to reach behind you to grab it
• the belt can be fitted to either side of the chair, which means that if one of your hands is stronger than the other, we can adapt the belt to your needs.

To make a stairlift move, all you have to do is press a lever in the direction you want to go in. The lever can be fitted to either arm rest, whichever side is intuitive and comfortable. That means you can use either hand or wrist, whichever is most comfortable for you.

Easy access

Your stairlift unfolds easily. Just flip the armrests down, lower the seat and press the footrest fold button and the footrest flips down automatically (availability of this feature varies among some models). That means no bending over at the top of the stairs and no help needed to get your chair set up. The armrests are sturdy, so you feel safe leaning on them while you get in and out of your chair. If you want even more stability, our wide-arm models come with even longer armrests, giving you added support.

The power swivel is an option offering the added security of your chair turning automatically at the top of the stairs. Just hold the lever and the chair turns to place you squarely on your landing, meaning you can get out of your chair with the added security of the chair blocking the stairs behind you and you don’t have to swivel manually. If you’ve had a stroke and have limited mobility on one side of your body, this option could provide the extra peace of mind you need getting in and out of your chair.

• Does Medicaid cover handicap stair lifts?

In some  cases, Medicaid programs do cover stairlift costs. However, this varies from state to state and depends on the nature of the program and the home modification. Still, unlike Medicare or private insurance, Medicaid could potentially help pay for your stairlift. Check out the link above for more information.

• How long should a stair lift last?

A Stannah stairlift can last for decades. Of course, this depends on usage, care and whether you buy new or used. Our stairlifts are built to last and we stand behind our products with our market-leading warranty. You can learn more about warranties and their availability in the link above.

• Are handicap stair lifts tax deductible?

Receiving a tax deduction for your stairlift purchase can be tricky. While we recommend that you contact an accountant or tax professional for definitive answers, there is a chance that you can claim a deduction on your stairlift purchase under the “capital expenses” provision, which often covers medical expenses deemed necessary to help you continue living in your home. You can find more information on this on our tax deductions page.

• Which grants are there to buy a stairlift for disabled persons?

Grants and funding for stairlifts can be found from a number of sources, but this often requires a bit of research and local knowledge. Your Stannah Sales Advisor will have some idea of where to look and which grants might be available to you. Depending on where you live, you might also have access to a payment plan or other alternatives, like renting. Click on the link for more information on grants.

• Is there a weight limit on stair lifts?

Yes, there is a weight limit on our stairlifts. Depending on the shape of your staircase (straight or curved) and the model and chair you choose, our weight limits range from 300 lbs. to 352 lbs. Our straight stairlifts all come with a 350 lb. weight capacity as standard, while our curved models have a standard weight capacity of 300 lbs. Curved stairlift weight capacity can be upgraded to 352 lbs. with the Model 260 Plus option.

• Can I rent a handicap stairlift?

You can definitely rent a stairlift directly from Stannah, but this option might not be available depending on your local dealer. Typically, we offer short-term rentals (less than a year) that come with an option to purchase at the end of the rental period. But, pricing and availability really depends on your local dealer and the stairlift option you select. Read more in the link above, then get in touch to see if renting a handicap stairlift is an option for you.

Before you get your free quote, one of our sales consultants comes to your house to meet you. They assess your mobility needs, and they’re highly trained to give you personalized advice about what’s best for you.

If our specialist doesn’t think a stairlift is right for you, they’ll tell you so. You can trust that we’ll always be honest with you.

Whether you’re looking for advice or just want to know more, call us now and we’ll answer all your questions.

Related Articles:

• Stairlifts Options
• Stairlift, home elevator or platform lift?
• Stairlift Grants & Funding
• Are Stannah stairlifts tax deductible?