Why Investing in a Stairlift Could Be a Financial Jackpot
In later life it is natural to consider how a home can continue to function well. Often it is the stairs within a home that present difficulties to older people. They can be tiring to use, awkward to negotiate and a fall from the stairs can cause serious injury. A stairlift is one of the most practical solutions to enable people to continue to use the whole of their home, and for many people it is a sound investment and not a luxury.
Here are the main reasons why installing something like stairlifts Bristol could make a real difference.
Everyday peace of mind
Stairs do not get easier to use as we get older. Falls on stairs can cause serious injuries. Using a stairlift removes much of this worry, allowing safe travel between floors while seated. That peace of mind extends to family and friends too.
Independence that lasts
A stairlift is about freedom. You don’t have to live only on the ground floor. You don’t have to rely on someone else to help you up the stairs. Simple things like going up to get a book, using your own bathroom, sleeping in your own bed – it makes a big difference to people’s lives.
A stairlift is generally less expensive than moving home, re-arranging downstairs to create a new bedroom or even adding a bathroom downstairs. The disruption is also less for many people than the alternatives.
What about property value?
Some home buyers, particularly those planning ahead for later life, may see an adapted home as a benefit whereas others may see a temporary adapted solution such as a stairlift as a negative that needs to be removed. Most solutions such as a stairlift can be removed at a later date and some suppliers even offer removal or a buy-back option. In most circumstances the impact to the value of the property is small either way. The real benefit is to be able to continue living in your home of choice for longer.
Help with the cost
Stairlifts are available new, reconditioned or on a rental basis. If you are disabled, your council may be able to help through a Disabled Facilities Grant, which can pay for home adaptations such as a stairlift. An occupational therapist assessment is usually part of the process.
| Option | Suits |
|---|---|
| New straight stairlift | Straight staircases, long-term use |
| New curved stairlift | Stairs with bends or landings, made to measure |
| Reconditioned | Lower budgets, straight stairs |
| Rental | Short-term needs, such as recovery after surgery |
Questions to ask a stairlift supplier
- Is my staircase suitable for a straight or curved stairlift?
- How wide will the stairs be for others when the lift is folded?
- What happens in a power cut? Most run on batteries that keep working for a number of journeys.
- What servicing, warranty and call-out cover is included?
- Can the stairlift be removed later, and is there a buy-back scheme?
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to install a stairlift?
A straight stairlift can often be fitted within a few days of ordering and typically installed within a few hours. A curved stairlift is made to measure for your staircase and would typically take a few weeks to make before being installed.
Do I need to be assessed before getting a stairlift?
If you are paying for your own stairlift, a supplier will normally come to your home, measure up your stairs and talk through your requirements. If you are applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), the council will normally arrange for an occupational therapist to visit your home first and complete an assessment to establish what adaptations are required.
Where to go next
For more on keeping a home comfortable and safe, read our guide to keeping your home warm this winter.
A stairlift is not just designed to make life easier today but is also an investment in long-term comfort, safety and use of the whole home.
