How safe are Stairlifts?

Mobility is one of the most common reasons why Australian households install a stairlift in their home. As one gets older, it gets harder and harder to bring oneself up and down the stairs. Even worse, some disabilities handicap someone from attempting, such as injuries from a fall (read more), debilitative diseases such as bone and joint problems, and muscle atrophy caused by natural aging. Be it a family finding a safety device for their elderly family member or a senior citizen living alone; stairlifts can be a safe choice for easy and harmless mobility. 

With this thought, just how safe are Stairlifts? Can they be used by senior citizens living alone in their homes, or do they still need assistance in mounting this device? Can it be DIY-ed, or does this device need a professional for it to be installed? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more. 

How Do Stairlifts Keep You Safe?

These devices are made to make sure your body is tucked safely in the machine whilst you go up and down the stairs. It can have seatbelts for your whole torso, a comfortable footrest, and armrests to keep your hands folded properly. These features are all essential to make sure you, the rider, do not slip from the stairlift seat on the way up or down your journey. Beyond that, these belts make you feel safer and at ease than chairs with no given belt or any safety assurance.

These Devices Can Be Installed In Curved Staircases

When this part of your home is built to be curved, you might think it’s impossible to have this safety device installed. That is a myth, as many companies have invented chairs that are precisely for that shape. Not only that, but these chairs are just as safe as their straight counterparts, if not more so. Of course, this can only be done by professionals to be completely secure. This is because professionals make measurements, assess the state of your staircase, and give you advice as to where you should install it.

They’re Not Electrically Powered

Worried they might ground or electrocute you one way or another? Don’t worry, that’s far from the truth! Stairlifts are (primarily) battery-operated, especially the newer models. A beneficial thing to know for those who are worried about frequent power outages! The lift can use its reserve of power to use during these emergencies.

Anyone Can Use This Device

The first thing that comes into our mind regarding this device is older adults usually use it. While this isn’t wrong, as many older people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism are advised to have this installed in their homes, it’s still misleading to think other people of all ages don’t make use of it. Many younger people confined in wheelchairs or suffering from physical injuries can use stairlifts too, and because of this, companies make custom-made chairs to fit all body sizes.