The Hunt For The Safest Stairlift

When shopping for a stairlift, there are certain questions you should ask yourself. Failing to ask these questions can lead to you purchasing a stairlift that just doesn't meet your needs and may even be unsafe for you to use. 

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Stairlift

You will need to consider whether there are any physical limitations that will affect how you will be able to use a stairlift. For example, will you be able to walk up a few steps? Can you walk across a landing? Will you have a difficult time sitting down? Any of these challenges might lead to you needing to shop for a stairlift that comes with special modifications that can allow you to get into your stairlift more easily. For example, you might need a stairlift that will swivel automatically. If the stairlift seat does not swivel at all, you may need to get in and out of the carriage from the top or bottom step.

Does The Stairlift Have Basic Safety Features?

Make sure that the seat is low enough to where you can comfortably enter and exit it. Most stairlifts also come with a seatbelt, so make sure that the model you considering has this essential option. Always have the seatbelt buckled when operating the lift. 

Do You Have A Caretaker?

Another consideration is whether you have caretakers who can help you into the stairlift. In this case, you may not need a stairlift that comes with as many features because your caretakers should still be able to successfully place you in the stairlift. 

Stairlifts Are Becoming Safer

If you purchase the right stairlift, though, you will find that the stairlift is much safer than other methods of going up and down the stairs. The stairlifts are tested rigorously to make sure that they are safe. Even stairlifts that are designed for curved rails are tested rigorously to make sure that they function properly regardless of how often they are used. In addition to the seat belt, a stairlift comes with many other safety features, such as wheel locks intended to hold the stairlift in place. One of the newest safety features is a sensor that detects when something is on the stairs and might interfere with the stairlift. If you have an older stairlift, it is recommended that you have it modified so that it has all of the latest safety features.

For more information, talk to a professional like All-Star Lifts.