Using a stairlift

Unless you know someone who is already benefitting from using a stairlift you may be a little unsure of what is involved in owning and using a stairlift.

It is a popular misconception that stairlifts are fixed to the wall. This is rarely the case with domestic stairlifts which are usually fitted directly on to the staircase itself.

A stairlift has three basic components. Firstly, a track is fitted to your stairs and a power pack (the drive unit) is fitted to the track, this is the unit that will travel along the track, then the seat that most suits your needs is fitted to the power pack.

All stairlifts are operated by a switch or toggle that is held in the direction of travel to make the lift move. When it is released the lift will stop moving.

Whilst stairlifts are very simple to use they are mechanical devices and do require annual servicing and maintenance.