Stairlifts are a great way to make your home more accessible and comfortable. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding stairlifts that can make people hesitant to explore this as an option. Let’s look at some common myths about stairlifts.
Stairlifts are not safe
Stairlifts have come a long way in recent years, and today’s models are designed with user safety as a top priority. Stairlift manufacturers must comply with stringent European safety standards, ensuring that all aspects of stairlift design, installation, and maintenance prioritise user safety. Today’s stairlifts are equipped with many safety features such as seatbelts, obstruction sensors and emergency stop buttons.
Regular maintenance by a qualified stairlift engineer is an important part of keeping a stairlift running safely. That’s why we recommend getting your stairlift serviced by a qualified engineer every year after the initial 2-year warranty period has passed.
Stairlifts are expensive
The cost of a stairlift is an investment in your independence and quality of life. They are a more cost-effective solution than many alternatives, such as constructing additional rooms on the ground floor, moving to a bungalow or into a nursing home. Weighing the costs against the advantages gained, you’ll likely find that a stairlift is an affordable and practical solution for enhancing your quality of life. You may be eligible for a mobility aid grant to help with the cost of purchasing a stairlift. Contact your local authority or visit GOV.IE for details.
Stairlifts are mounted on the wall
Stairlifts are designed to be securely mounted on the staircase treads or steps, which not only protects your walls from damage but also ensures that the lift can be installed even when there’s no supporting wall alongside the staircase.
Stairlifts are only for older people
While stairlifts are commonly used by the elderly due to age-related issues, a stairlift can also benefit people of any age experiencing mobility issues due to arthritis, COPD, restricted mobility, an injury or recent surgery.
Stairlifts are an eyesore
Stairlift design has evolved significantly over the past few years. Most modern stairlifts are available in a variety of styles and colours to blend in with your home decór. Additionally, they are designed with space saving in mind, ensuring they won’t take up too much space on the stairs and can be folded out of the way when not in use.
Stairlift installation is lengthy and complicated
Stairlifts are designed for quick and easy installation. A qualified stairlift engineer can install a stairlift within a few hours, minimising disruption to your daily routine. Our engineers also take care of any packaging removal and cleanup, leaving your stairs clean and ready for immediate use.
Stairlifts can leave you stranded on the stairs during a power cut
Stairlifts are battery driven, i.e., they operate on batteries when in motion, and are designed to work during a power cut. The stairlift batteries are charged from the mains when not in use and parked in the charging position so it is important to never unplug your stairlift.
There may be times when the lift can get stuck halfway up the stairs, this can happen if there was an obstruction on the stairs that has triggered the safety sensor or if a scarf or the belt of a dressing gown gets caught in the stairlift motor. Being prepared for an emergency is essential if you live alone, as it can be a frightening experience.
We highly recommend that the user wears an emergency alert device or carries a mobile phone with call credit so that they can alert their family, carer, or emergency services.
Stairlifts are expensive to run
Many people worry about how much energy a stairlift consumes and whether it will have an impact on their electricity bill. In fact, most chair lifts are incredibly energy efficient and consume very little electricity compared to other household appliances like washing machines and dryers. As such, operating them should have minimal effect on your overall energy consumption and bills.
You can’t install a stairlift if there’s a door at the bottom of the stairs
Despite having a door at the bottom of your stairs, a stairlift can be installed in your home. With a powered folding hinge rail, the lower section of the rail folds away once you have reached the top of the stairs, leaving the bottom of your stairs free of any obstructions.
You can’t install a stairlift on a narrow stairs
Narrow staircases need not be a barrier to installing a stairlift in your home. Modern stairlift designs cater to a wide range of staircase widths, ensuring that even the most compact stairs can accommodate a stairlift.
A stairlift will affect the value of my property
Stairlifts can be removed at any time. The stairlift rail is attached to the treads of the stairs and landing with screws. This means that once the stairlift is removed, there will be minimal marks or damage left behind. Find out about our stairlift removal service.
Using a stairlift will make the user dependent on it
Although stairlifts do provide a safe and convenient way to navigate stairs, it’s important to note that they don’t discourage or prevent independent use of stairs for those who are able.
Stairlifts are difficult to use
There is no need to worry about learning how to use a stairlift; it’s much simpler than many people think! After installation, our engineers provide the user with a full demonstration to ensure you know how to use the stairlift properly. We’ll also give you a user manual that explains the lifts features and provides step-by-step instructions so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to use your stairlift confidently and correctly every time.
So don’t let unfounded fears hold you back from getting a stairlift – they are incredibly safe pieces of equipment that can help make life easier for those who find stairs difficult to navigate. Stairlifts don’t just make climbing stairs easier; they can also help prevent falls and injuries due to slips or trips on steps. They offer convenience, security, and peace of mind.
At BM Stairlifts, we offer a wide range of stairlift options to fit any budget and lifestyle. Contact us today for more information. Call 045 888 811 or fill out the contact form below and we will be in touch.