Walking up and down a flight of stairs is something the vast majority of us can say that we’ve done countless times in our lives. It’s a method of getting from one level of a building to another that we often take for granted. The fact of the matter is that the climbing of steps becomes a more difficult task with age. In many cases, the elderly find the formerly-easy-to-do activity an insurmountable challenge.

This is why stair lifts have become such popular accessibility options. The safe and secure transport from one level of the home to another is the ultimate goal. And for those with mobility issues and other physical challenges, stair lifts are recognized as heaven-sent “life savers”.

Of course, investing in a stair lift is no small deal. It’s important to ensure that the stair lift installed in your home is ideal for its user. Therefore, it’s advisable – perhaps, ironically – to take a few important steps before buying. Here are three:

1. Ensuring that the user will be able to use the stair lift safely.

Everyone with mobility issues has unique challenges. It should go without saying that safety is a number one priority for such individuals. The stair lift you install should speak to the specific needs of the user. This is especially important if he/she doesn’t always have a caregiver around to help. Is he/she able to safely get on and off the stair lift alone? As well, it’s important to be educated about the different safety features that come with the stair lift you buy.

A top quality stair lift will have obstruction sensors that will cause it to stop if something is in its way. Seat belts are also standard on stair lifts and should be used at all times. As well, toggle controls that enable users to operate their stair lifts make trips both up and down the stairs safe and secure. The stair lift should also be battery powered so that it will still operate in the event of a power outage.

2. Choosing the stair lift that matches your staircase configuration.

Not all stair lifts are the same. It’s important to secure one that both meets the needs of its user and is compatible with your specific staircase. Does your staircase go straight up and down or does it have curves and corners? As well, is it made up of a single flight of stairs or is there a flat landing before the top of the staircase? Getting an understanding of which stair lift matches which staircase is hugely important before making your purchase.

3. Getting an in-home consultation from a reputable local company.

“The best practice is to always look at purchasing from a local vendor so that you can approach them easily whenever you face a problem,” advises the U.K.-based Stairlift Guru, “It is most appropriate to pay a visit to a physical shop and do a site survey so that you have an idea of a definite minimum price you will have to pay to own one.”

LifeCare Mobility Solutions has proudly serviced thousands of people across the Greater Toronto Area for many years. We are committed to working with individuals who need solutions to their in-home mobility and accessibility challenges. We are a local, family-owned, experienced team that is ready to provide you with your stair lift solution. We’re dedicated to providing timely, in-home consultations to ensure you get the perfect stair lift for your home.

If you have any questions about the straight and curved indoor stair lifts offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 647-350-4488 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!