Investing in a Stairlift: The Myths & Truths
It doesn’t mean you’re getting older, nor does it mean that you’re any less of the person you used to be. Suffering from limited mobility and needing assistance navigating the stairs is simply a factor of life.
However, this isn’t something you should suffer from and it shouldn’t affect your quality of life. Choosing to invest in a stairlift can help you to regain your independence, eliminate the risk of falls and injuries, and simply improve your wellbeing.
When you decide that it is time to invest in a stairlift, and you start researching which is best for you, you’ll quickly find that the internet is full of lots of helpful information and some unhelpful myths. That is why our experienced team here at Affordable Mobility has put together a guide to the myths and truths of stairlifts, to keep our customers well-informed. Make sure to read on to find out more!
Myth 1: Only Older People Will Benefit from a Stairlift
It’s a widespread myth that only older people will benefit from the installation of a stairlift.
Whilst, of course, older people do make up the vast majority of the population of stairlift users, yet it’s completely false to say that they are the only people who will benefit from them.
Stairlifts can be very helpful for individuals who can benefit from a stairlift, no matter what age group they fit into.
As stairlifts are fixed to the staircase itself, rather than the wall, which allows for a temporary installation if, for example, you have sustained an injury or had an operation where recovery affects your mobility.
Myth 2: A Stairlift Will Take Away Your Independence
It’s also common to believe that a stairlift will reduce your independence. However, the truth is the exact opposite. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you need help with your mobility. It’s incredibly common, and having a stairlift will give you the help you need when navigating the stairs becomes difficult.
If anything, it’ll reinstate your independence, because it will allow you to continue using your staircase and all levels of your home.
Myth 3: A Stairlift Will Take Up the Entirety of your Staircase
In fact, most staircases will have more than enough space to fit in a stairlift.
Once you have a stairlift installed, you will find that there is still room for others to use the stairs by foot, if needed.
What’s more, many stairlifts include the ability to fold the chair’s arms, seat and footrest out of the way when at the top and bottom of the staircase, thus creating more space.
Myth 4: I Want a Stairlift, But I Can’t Have One Because My Staircase has Curves
Some believe that a stairlift can only be installed on straight staircases. However, there are a number of stairlift models available for staircases with turns, curves and even small landings.
These stairlifts are commonly known as ‘curved stairlifts’.
Myth 5: Stairlifts Run Only on Electricity
Many assume that their stairlift will only run on electricity, but that is not the case. Although the lift will need an electrical outlet at either the top or the bottom of the stairs for it to be plugged in, it is actually battery powered.
This means that if you were to have a power cut, you will still be able to use your stairlift multiple times to navigate between different levels of your home.
Don’t find yourself believing the myths, and wishing that you had invested in a stairlift sooner. If you have heard any more myths that are putting you off investing today, make sure to get in touch with our team of friendly experts, on 0800 327 7073. They’ll be more than happy to help.