Ideal for those looking to improve mobility issues at home.
Whether you have parents who are reaching a certain age, or you or a member of your household suffers from mobility issues, domestic stairlifts could certainly take a load off.
Helping to preserve the independence of household members keen to live their lives as freely as possible, installing such domestic assistance devices can sometimes prolong one’s stay in their own home, as well as maintaining a sense of dignity as their years ripen.
That said, such an investment isn’t cheap; in 2020, the average cost of a new stairlift designed for use in the home, in the UK, was £3268 according to Which?. Should you be seeking a more affordable option, then here are 6 things to consider before buying a domestic stairlift, IDEAL for those looking to improve mobility issues at home.
The State Of Pre-Owned Stairlifts
There is a natural assumption that a pre-owned stairlift may be in something of a state of disrepair when compared to a newer model on the market. Fear not. Before being resold, a reconditioned stairlift will have been refurbished, undergoing extensive testing to ensure that it is as safe and comfortable as you would expect a new one to be. Indeed, it must pass these tests in compliance with British health and safety law; vendors should be registered with the British Healthcare Trades Association, confirming such compliance.
A pre-owned stairlift doesn’t have to be bought via an online marketplace like eBay or Gum Tree. In fact, doing so may invalidate certain warranties. Instead, second-hand stairlifts are available via trusted, traditionally first-hand retailers, such as Stannah and Age Mobility UK, who will provide you with a warranty, professional installation and customer support for any queries post-sale.
Simply put, second hand or pre-owned needn’t mean second rate.
Rented Stairlifts
Alternatively, you could consider a rented stairlift. These are useful for those with a short term or temporary need for one, with rental-per-week prices usually costing around £15. That said, installation costs can be as much as £1000, with further upfront fees often required, meaning rental rarely represents a viable option.
If, for example, you have permanent mobility issues that impede you from walking up and down your stairs, it would be more cost effective to purchase a stairlift as opposed to renting one.
Cost Effectiveness
Purchasing a secondhand stairlift will generally be more cheaper than buying a new one, with the average cost of a secondhand stairlift falling in the region of £1900 according to ukcareguide.co.uk.
There is, however, a pretty diverse price range that reflects the different types of stairlifts available. Straight staired stairlifts tend to be significantly less expensive than those designed for curved stairs; you can typically expect new stairlifts to start at around £2000 for one designed for a straight stairwell, and £4000 for a stairlift designed for a curved stairwell, though prices can quickly skyrocket. The price range for pre-owned stairlifts will, of course, be lower than this to reflect the fact they have been pre-owned at the time of sale.
One thing worth considering is that a new stairlift will usually have a longer warranty as well as a breakdown cover that will be more extensive than for a used stairlift. If you opt to purchase a used stairlift, looking at the insurance cover beforehand may help your decision.
Nevertheless, a preowned stairlift will have a warranty and possibly some form of aftercare. You will not get this if you purchase a stairlift from a private seller. Therefore, if it breaks down or needs servicing soon after it has been purchased, you will have to cover these costs. Worse still, if it stops working and is unrepairable, you are faced with the possibility of having to buy another one. Even the disposal of a broken stairlift can be costly, so do factor in all these considerations before making purchase decision.
Further Things To Consider
Before purchasing a stairlift, aside from whether you require one for a straight or curved stairwell, you need to also consider the following:
- The weight the stairlift is typically expected to hold
- The width of your stairs. If your stairwell is too narrow for a sitting stairlift, you may want to consider a standing one, if your home can accommodate it and if you can safely use one. Standing stairlifts can be a good choice for those with osteoarthritis.
- Whether you would prefer the stairlift controls on your left or right side.
- Whether a bridging platform is required on the landing at the top of the stairwell.
- What the ideal place is for the stairlift to “park” when not in use. This is an important consideration because stairlifts typically use batteries. A battery tends to last between 3-5 years, with their charger usually located at the place where the stairlift is parked. Parking, therefore, enables the stairlift to charge.
Prior to purchasing a stairlift, it is worth considering your requirements and making a note of them. This can help when discussing which type of stairlift most meets your needs and budget, avoiding the purchasing of optional extras that you may not really need.
Home Visit & Assessment
This is an essential stage in purchasing a stairlift; some homes simply can’t accommodate a stairlift, so it’s vital that the company you’re considering carries out a home vist and assessment to check whether installation is feasible and what type of stairlift will best suit your needs.
This is a scheduled visit and it is at this point measurements of your stairwell will be taken. It will also be the point where the assessor will be able to determine if your home requires anything to facilitate the stairlift, like a bridging platform, for example.
It is strongly recommended that a stairlift is not purchased until after this visit has occurred. The last thing you want is to purchase one that cannot be used because it is inappropriate for your home.
British Healthcare Trade Association (BHTA)
The majority of reputable stairlift companies are members of the BHTA. The BHTA is a trade body within the health sector that has a code of conduct that stairlift companies must follow to ensure that stairlifts are sold in line with best and fair practice. The BHTA guidelines can better inform you of what to ask during a home visit or assessment by the company you intend to purchase a stairlift from, and in some cases, they can even act as advisors or mediators in a dispute.
Should you be considering the stairlift for an elderly relative, and you’re keen for more advice on helping them live a rich and fulfilled life, then do check out this guide on some ways to help the elderly this winter.