6 Things You Didn’t Know About Stairlifts

DLSL discuss 6 things you didn’t know about stairlifts in hopes that we can explain a few unknown facts about stairlifts!

1 – Stairlifts aren’t as modern as you think!

When we think of stairlifts, we think about them being generally quite new in terms of age as they’re often stylised in a modern fashion. A lot of readers would be surprised in knowing that the first stairlift was actually invented in the 1920’s! A C.C. Crispen invited a tracked chair lift that would help someone up and down the stairs. Crispen’s invention is very much the precursor to the stairlift we know today. This prototype stairlift consisted of a foldable chair that moved along a track that was fitted to the stairs. It’s this system that has stuck over the past 90+ years and which has revolutionised stair aids in million’s of peoples homes today.

2 – Henry VIII had a stairlift in the 1500s!

Stairlifts have actually been found as early as the 1500s during the Tudor era! Henry VIII had a rudimentary man-operated stairlift in his Whitehall Palace to help him up and down the stairs! Whether it was because of the notorious jousting injury he had at 45 or whether it was his 30 stone frame weighing him down, his use of a stairlift is one of the earliest recorded! There have even been earlier stairlifts noted but records of these are much looser in terms of accuracy.

3 – Stairlifts are much more efficient than you think

Stairlifts might seem like power intensive machines but in actual fact, they’re much more efficient than you think! They are comparable, if not more efficient than a lot of household appliances like kettles, microwaves and TV’s. Stairlifts are only designed to use power when it’s in use, not constantly in a “standby” mode. Studies show that most models of stairlifts are very affordable to run, costing less than £10 a year in electricity.

4 – Stairlifts are designed to last!

Stairlifts are mobility aids that are meant to last for years, if not decades. With the proper level of maintenance & servicing, stairlifts can keep running indefinitely! Stairlifts are generally very low stress in terms of the moving parts. Stairlifts usually last until they aren’t needed anymore which goes to show the longevity of their design. A quality stairlift from a professional manufacturer will be able to last for years.

5 – Stairlifts aren’t just mains powered!

Some sceptics may think that in the event of a power cut, a man or woman using a stairlift might be stranded in the middle of a staircase. You’d be right to be concerned about this potential issue, but you’ll be relieved to know it’s not a problem! Stairlifts are powered by the mains but the motor/chair itself is powered through a battery. In most, if not all stairlifts there is a charging contact at the top & bottom of the track so that no matter where the lift is, it can complete it’s journey regardless of the mains power.

6 – It’s more than just seniors using stairlifts!

Stairlifts can be seen as something that’s meant for the senior generation, however, in recent years this has shifted much more towards the younger generation as well. Stairlifts are not only for seniors with reduced mobility since reduced mobility isn’t just applicable to senior people. A sports injury or other health condition can render someone immobile which can mean stairs become impossible for someone to go up. Whether this is temporary or long term, this is a scenario that has to be overcome and a stairlift is one of the best fixes.

Domestic Lift Services LTD

We’ve been providing professional stairlifts in London, High Wycombe, Oxford & Reading for the past 15+ years. We’re leading experts in the industry, ensuring that our customers are well informed through every step of the process. Visit our website for more information or speak to our advisors by calling the number on our homepage – Stairlifts London

Dipesh Patel

Everything You Need to Know About Stairlifts

The team at DLSL go through a few key points that you’ll want to know when you’re deciding on whether or not a stairlift will be beneficial for you. If you would like to speak to an advisor, give our team a call on the number on our homepage – Stairlifts London

What is a stairlift?

A stairlift is a piece of equipment used by people with limited mobility that allows them to navigate the stairs of their home with ease. Stairlifts are able to be equipped with either a chair or platform depending on the requirements of the user since people’s needs will differ from case to case.

How do you obtain a stairlift?

Stairlifts aren’t only handed out by the council since any homeowner in need of a stairlift is able to purchase one. Stairlifts granted or part-funded by stairlifts are a common way of acquiring a stairlift however the assessment process can be lengthy & vigorous. For those that already know their own mobility & require the assistance of a stairlift, providers like DLSL are out on the market ready to provide the services you need.

Who can use a stairlift?

Stairlifts are designed to aid those that are suffering from limited mobility. Whether it’s through an injury or underlying health issues, those that suffer from reduce mobility are the most likely to get the most benefit from a stairlift.

How do stairlifts work?

Most models of stairlifts make use of a motor that drives the chair/platform along the rail which is fitted adjacent to the staircase. This rail/track is fitted into the tread of your stairs securing the entire piece securely. There is a wide range of stairlifts on the market, from straight stairlifts to curved but they all work in the same way. The electronics required for the movement of the stairlift are connected to the mains whilst the motor in the chair is battery powered, often charging both at the top & the bottom of the stairs ensuring you’ll never be stuck halfway up the stairs if the power was to suddenly cut.

Are stairlifts safe?

Stairlifts can be a difficult thing to trust if you aren’t fully aware of the safety measures that are taken by stairlift manufacturers. Rest assured, stairlifts are very safe and they have countermeasures to ensure that in a worst-case scenario, the user isn’t hurt.

Stairlifts are fitted with safety belts to ensure the user is safely seated throughout the trip. This is great for those that suffer from poor balance and could potentially fall out of the chair.

Most stairlifts are fitted with weight & proximity sensors to detect whether or not someone is sat on the chair or if someone falls off to ensure the quick & sudden halt to ensure the stairlift can’t injure the user whilst it’s moving. If the user does fall out of the stairlift, then the stairlift has to stop. These sensors will also detect potential obstructions that can get in the way of the lift, avoiding any potential injuries or damage to the stairlift.

There are also models that are fitted with moving footplates so that the user is able to avoid the gap from the stairlift onto the top step.

Will a stairlift benefit me?

This is a difficult one to answer directly because everyone’s scenario is going to differ. For the most part, if you are somebody who suffers from reduced mobility, a stairlift will most likely benefit you. If you know or care for somebody who can’t navigate the stairs in their home, then a stairlift will indefinitely help them as well as improve their quality of life. Stairlifts are aids designed for those that aren’t able to use the stairs by themselves anymore, whether or not it’s temporary or not. Having the freedom to navigate the stairs in your own home will indefinitely benefit you or your loved one as it’s difficult being unable to move around without the assistance of someone else. Stairlifts are great for instilling independence in those that are trying to retain as much of it as they can.

Speak to one of our advisors today & see if we can help you or your loved ones retain their independence with a stairlift. Visit our website today – Stairlifts London

Dipesh Patel