3 Common Misconceptions About Stairlifts

Whether you’re considering getting a stairlift for yourself or a loved one, it’s completely natural to have some reservations and concerns. It can be a big change for your home and everyone in it, after all. If your mind is swimming with questions, doubts and stress, allow this blog to set your mind at ease.

Alfix Stairlifts are here to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about stairlifts and what they mean for your home and family. Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about whether a stairlift is right for you.

They are expensive to install

While the initial cost of a stairlift might be fairly high, it is certainly a worthwhile investment. The cost of stairlifts has in fact decreased in the last five to ten years. It’s also worth remembering that a stairlift can last at least a decade, meaning that they are actually a reasonably cost-effective investment in the long run.

Also, many of the extra features, such as swivel seats and hinge rails, are added at an additional cost – for a cheaper stairlift, you can avoid such extras.

You may also be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant, which is provided by local councils to help people with disabilities or limited mobility make necessary changes to their homes. This could cover some or all of the cost of your stairlift, if you are eligible.

They won’t fit the staircase

One of the most common worries for people considering a stairlift is that their staircase will be too small and narrow to fit a stairlift. It may come as a surprise that the most important factor isn’t the size of the stairlift itself but the user’s knees and toes, as these are what will jut out furthest when the stairlift is in use.

To accommodate for this, the stairlift engineer or installer will measure the distance from the user’s spine to their knee or toes and add the thickness measurement of the stairlift seat’s back to establish the overall staircase width needed for the stairlift to be able to move comfortably up and down the stairs.

If you have a particularly narrow staircase, there are still solutions available. In some cases, minor alterations to widen the staircase may be possible.

They fail during power cuts

While once upon a time stairlifts were exclusively powered by mains electricity, they have since undergone technological advancements that allow them to operate on battery power in the event of a short-term power outage. Mains electricity is still required, but this is mostly just to gradually charge the batteries hidden within the stairlift itself. This battery means that it is now possible to keep a stairlift running for around 3 or 4 days (going on the basis that users make 7 return journeys or fewer per day) even without mains electricity.

Based in Leamington Spa, Alfix Stairlifts provides high-quality bespoke stairlifts in Milton Keynes and throughout the Midlands. If you’re considering installing a stairlift, we’re on hand to help. Whether you’re interested in renting or buying your domestic stairlift, Alfix will have something to suit your needs. Our experienced team is committed to making your home as comfortable and as accessible as possible. For more information, call us on 01926 334848 today.