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Stairlifts help aging individuals safely make their way up and down stairs, but installing them can be a little complicated. Expert installations are guaranteed not to cause damage to the adjacent walls of your property and can make the installation process hassle-free.
Stairlifts aren’t attached to the walls of your home. Instead, the rail is fastened to the stair treads. This mechanism increases the stability of the mobility device and eliminates worries over damaged walls.
If you’d like to know more about stairlifts, this article briefly explains and highlights possible factors you need to consider when installing them in your home. For more information on this, read on.
How Are Stairlifts Attached?
If you’re planning on installing a mobility device in your home, you may be concerned about how a stairlift will be fitted into your property and if it will cause damage to adjacent walls.
The good news is that stairlifts do not occupy much space. They are fixed a few inches from a wall, so if you need to modify an installation later, this is quickly done. Moreover, if done right the first time, it is unlikely you’ll need to make modifications later.
Additionally, contrary to popular belief, stairlifts aren’t fastened to walls; they are supported by stair treads (the horizontal portion of the stairs where we step) instead. The stairlift rail, which is inclined parallel to the stairs, is clamped onto the treads, making it stable and securely attached.
For a visual demonstration of how the installation process works, follow the link to the following YouTube video:
As you can see, a stairlift setup can be very unobtrusive. It is even possible for an additional person to use the stairs while the stairlift is in use.
What Is the Main Purpose of Installing a Stairlift?
Aging inevitably comes with mobility concerns. Walking becomes taxing, let alone going up and down stairs. For our loved ones who live in multi-storied homes, this new predicament will impact their ability to perform many everyday activities. In some cases, it may even lead to less time spent with the rest of the family.
An elevator would have been a good solution. However, high costs and space requirements often make installing elevators impractical. This is where stairlifts come into the picture.
Stairlifts are a type of mobility device resembling an electronic chair attached to the treads of stairs. They also come with seatbelts as an added safety feature.
Aging or disabled loved ones can easily use stairlifts when climbing or descending stairs. A stairlift eliminates the painstaking process of manually making their way up or down. It gives you the peace of mind that your loved ones are safe from slipping or falling while going about their day-to-day life.
What Should You Consider When Installing a Stairlift?
You’ll have to consider two main things when buying a stairlift: possible costs and space requirements.
Stairlift installation costs around $5,000 on average. If you don’t plan on paying this off in one go, it’d be good to check for financing options.
As for the space requirement, you’ll have to note that your stairs must be wide enough to make it comfortable for the person sitting on the lift while they navigate the stairs. If you have limited space, you may also opt for collapsible chairs. However, manipulating folding chairs is an added task and may not always be easy for the elderly to perform.
You’d also want to look into installation and maintenance costs charged by reputable companies to make a wise choice.
Can I Install a Stairlift if My Stairs Don’t Have an Adjacent Wall?
No, you don’t need an adjacent wall to install a stairlift in your home, as stairlifts aren’t attached to walls. As explained earlier in this article, stairlifts are mounted on stair treads. That is, it is stair treads, and not walls, that provide the support for stairlifts.
Are Stairlifts Safe?
Health and safety questions are crucial factors in designing mobility assists and other tools for the elder lifestyle. So how do stairlifts comply?
According to projections, the total market for stairlifts will amount to 1.3 billion US dollars by 2027. Alongside the huge demand, there has been a continuous push to incorporate more advanced safety technologies in stairlifts, making them safer.
Standard stairlifts are fitted with seatbelts to secure the user during ascent and descent. Controls are also conveniently located on armrests, giving users complete control of the stair lift.
Additionally, a caregiver can also operate stairlifts via remote control when the user is not fully capable of controlling the machine.
Besides such basic features, many modern stairlifts also boast additional safety measures, such as sensors attached to the footplate and the motor. The sensors detect any object obstructing a stairlift during use and cause the motor to stop until the obstruction is cleared.
Stairlifts equipped with rechargeable backup batteries are also becoming more common nowadays to ensure continued use, even during power interruptions. This ensures that power loss that occurs while using the stairlift would not result in malfunctions.
All in all, stairlifts are remarkably safe and getting safer all the time.
What Are the Main Drawbacks of Installing a Stairlift?
While stairlifts can considerably improve your loved one’s quality of life, you will want to consider any drawbacks to installing one.
Essentially, the biggest drawback of stairlifts is the amount of time and money required to install and maintain them. Their lifespan is usually around ten years, so you’ll have to factor that in when assessing if it’s worth it.
Other than costs, individual preferences over mobility and home aesthetics may concern some users.
Did you know that you can install stairlifts on both sides of the stairs? Check out my guide to learn how you can decide which side is the best. Can Stairlifts Be Used on Either Side of the Stairs?
Conclusion
Aging parents and loved ones will inevitably face considerable mobility concerns. Stairlifts may be an affordable solution to help them maintain an active lifestyle for as long as possible.
If you don’t have an adjacent wall by the stairs or are worried that the device may damage the wall, tick that off your list of concerns. Stairlifts aren’t attached to the walls. Instead, they’re clamped into the treads of your stairs.
Contact reputable installers to provide an initial assessment, quotations, and designs.
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