Independent Living | 22 Comments |
Homelifts, Stairlifts, Stairclimbing Solutions
Stairlifts, also sometimes called chairlifts, are joined by homelifts, through-floor lifts, step lifts and stairclimbers as solutions to climbing stairs when mobility is impaired by age-related conditions such as arthritis, or by accident, illness or disability.
Choosing your stair solution
Rather than moving to a bungalow or confining yourself to one level of your house, there are stair climbing solutions that can give you access to all areas.
This page includes the latest developments in stairlifts, homelifts, wheelchair lifts, and stairclimbers.
Click to go straight to know more on:
Homelifts
Homelifts for wheelchair users
Platform lifts
Straight stairlifts
Curved stairlifts
Outdoor stairlifts
Special stairlift features
Stairclimbers
Homelifts
One development that has taken off in recent years is the home lift, a domestic version of the elevator we are familiar with in public buildings. The new generation of lifts for the home has been developed so that they can be installed with minimal disruption to the fabric of the building, speeding up the process, and making it less expensive. The lifts can be customised to fit in with the look of the home, and models are available that can carry two people at a time, or one person with a laundry basket, or pet dog, etc.
With battery backup in case of power failure, like their stairlift cousins, and easy-to-use controls, homelifts are increasingly considered as a practical way of future-proofing the home.
Homelifts for wheelchair users
For wheelchair users, a throughfloor vertical lift (right) may be more convenient than a stairlift.
Although larger than a home lift, wheelchair lifts are still compact, and with their greater weight load and cab size can easily carry an extra person, bulky or heavy items, or a person with a walking frame.
Designed to be installed without the need for a load-bearing wall, this means that the choice of where to position the lift is greater, and installation is achieved very quickly – usually in a day or two.
External wheelchair lifts
There are also step lifts and platform lifts which enable wheelchairs to negotiate external steps – ramping is sometimes not feasible due to the length required in order to achieve the recommended gradient.
Lifts for external use will be made in a corrosion resistant finish, such as hot dipped galvanised or stainless steel. Emergency raising and lowering is included, so that no-one risks being stuck in the event of a power cut. For situations where vandalism or tampering is a risk, controls and lift mechanisms can be protected from damage.
Platform lifts
A platform lift can assist with overcoming a change in floor level, without the need for any structural alterations to your home. It is a practical solution where there isn’t enough space to incorporate a ramp
These lifts are generally available for transporting wheelchair users a relatively short vertical distance, although it is possible to have a platform lift that travels up to 4 metres, without the need for a pit underneath, structural modifications or additional building work.
The user enters the lift platform on one side, and leaves on the other, so they are always facing in the right direction to continue their travel.”
Portable step lifts
Portable wheelchair lifts are now available, such as the one shown here, which are suitable where occasional wheelchair access is required and a permanent lift structure is not feasible. They require no on-site fixing, making them suitable where access is required urgently.
The lift is wheeled into position, elevated when the chair or scooter is on the platform, and wheeled away for storage afterwards. There are both manually-operated and battery-powered portable wheelchair lifts available; ideal for venues like schools, village halls, etc to lift a wheelchair user onto a stage or platform, for example.
Straight Stairlifts
The most straightforward situation is where you have a straight staircase, and the installation of a stairlift should, in most cases, be quick and easy. Depending on the model, the rail (which also houses any necessary wiring) is either attached to the wall or the stairs themselves.
Early stairlifts tended to run on mains electricity, but nowadays, most have integral batteries (DC power), so they are not affected by power cuts. Automatic recharging while the lift is parked at the top or bottom of the staircase will ensure that power doesn’t run out in mid-ascent.
Even if your staircase is rather narrow, you should be able to find a stair lift that can be used on it.
Curved Stairlifts
For stairs that curve at top or bottom, or turn midway, there are solutions in the form of curved stairlifts such as the one shown here, that are made to measure for your stairs, or perhaps a bridging platform which can be used to accommodate a curve at top or bottom of the flight.
Until recently, curved stairlifts were a bespoke product, which involved quite a long wait for the track to be manufactured to order. This has changed with the development of modular rails, which mean that curved stairlifts can now be installed much more quickly.
Outdoor Stairlifts
Perfect for anyone with stairs to negotiate to access their garden or cellar, an outdoor stairlift is specially designed to cope with the weather.
With a special finish to help resist the effects of wind and rain, outdoor stairlifts are available for short and long flights of steps, with the same safety features as indoor lifts.
With no external moving parts, and a failsafe braking system which ensures that the lift can’t descend in an uncontrolled way, outdoor stairlifts are available with remote control or joystick operation.
Innovative Stairlift Features
Stairlifts are fitted with many safety features, to ensure that you can use them with confidence. For example, pressure sensors ensure that the lift stops if any obstacle is encountered.
A seat that swivels when you reach the top of the stairs is another popular safety feature (left), allowing you to alight from the lift well away from the edge of the staircase.
If you find small controls difficult to manage, consider a lift with ergonomic controls, that respond to a simple nudge. 
Stairlift seats and footrests may be linked, so that pushing the seat up out of the way when it is not being used, does the same for the footrest – no bending down required.
Many people find it hard to move from sitting to standing, and vice versa. Arthritis and other conditions that cause stiffness and pain in the hips or knees may make a traditional seated lift difficult to use. The saddle seat design shown here makes it much easier to get up and down, with less flexing of knees or hips required.
An alternative solution, which is also effective where the staircase is particularly narrow and space is limited, could be a ‘Stand and Perch’ stairlift.
Powered stairclimbers
For wheelchair users, an alternative approach to managing stairs is a powered stair climber.
There are two options: a dedicated stair climbing wheelchair, or a powered stair climber that is compatible with virtually any manual wheelchair. The latter is particularly useful for anyone who finds it hard to transfer out of their chair, whilst the former has been designed for ease of transfer, and has a very compact design so that it can be used even on narrow, winding staircases.
One carer can operate the stairclimber safely and with little physical effort.
Stairclimbers may be taken with you when you travel, so that stairs present no obstacle when away from home. They can facilitate respite care and holidays, as well as providing a longer term solution in properties where a fixed stairlift or home lift is not an option.
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22 Replies to “Homelifts, Stairlifts, Stairclimbing Solutions”
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I found your post on stairlifts and homelifts very informative. Your insights into the different types of lifts available and their benefits for improving accessibility in the home were especially helpful. The comparison between stairlifts and homelifts in terms of installation and suitability for various home layouts provides valuable guidance for those considering these options.
From a construction perspective, how do you address the integration of stairlifts or homelifts with existing home features such as stucco exteriors or other architectural elements? Are there specific considerations or modifications needed to ensure a seamless installation that complements the home’s design while maintaining accessibility and functionality?
hi i would like to know roughly on the price range please for a standing lift along the stairs.
Hi Tracey,
If you check out the right side bar, there are links to suppliers who you can contact directly to ask about the standing lift. 🙂
Best wishes,
Liane
Hi,
This information is helpful but only provides some solutions which are not always practical.
There are some much cheaper options that are sometimes helpful. I am looking for help with a steep narrow staircase in terraced house. I am looking for ways to reduce waddling down the steps which have too short runners. This is a difficult challenge. There are a few options that may help, but need proper assessment. Any pointers to getting such assessments for a private home?
Hi Mark,
I am glad you find the posted information helpful somehow.
To get proper information, I would suggest that you get in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the right-hand sidebar of this page. I am sure they will be able to provide an in-depth assessment that caters to your needs.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
Hello, my brother-in-law has MS and is about to have a through the floor lift installed under a DFG as he was having difficulty transferring from his scooter, which he previously used to get around the house, to the stairlift and then getting from the top of the stairlift to his bed and the bathroom. He has also recently been issued with a motorised wheelchair with a rising seat to allow him to access work surfaces and the bottom half of kitchen wall cupboards. Unfortunately he’s now been told that a through the floor lift that can take both his weight (he’s not overweight) and the weight of the wheelchair which is heavier than a regular motorised wheelchair because of the riser mechanism, isn’t available therefore he isn’t going to be able to get his motorised wheelchair upstairs and the problem with transfers onto and off the lift and getting around upstairs will still remain (yes, he could use a self-propelled, non-motorised wheelchair upstairs but the problem with transfers which are time consuming, exhausting and a potential fall hazard still exist). Is it true that the maximum weight limit for a through the floor, domestic lift is 250-280kgs? I find it hard to believe that no suitable lift exists.
Hello Lizzy
You might like to check out Stannah’s Stratum lift which has a 325kg weight capacity. hopefully that would be sufficient for your brother-in-law and his wheelchair.
This is a link to the PDF brochure with more information: https://www.stannah.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/203.-Stratum-product-specific_web.pdf (the PDF will open in a new browser tab or window)
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Hi my dad is 85 and currently in hospital with heart failure reduced mobility and metastatic prostate cancer. My mum is 83 and suffers with arthritis and has had a stroke and heart attack. Their mobility is a concern and a stairlift will be required. How do I continue with squiring one. Any information is a help, Thankyou
Hello Lou
Thank you for contacting Independent Living. You have a couple of options for getting advice/assessment for a stairlift for your parents.
You can get in touch with their local social services department and ask for an occupational therapist to visit their home and advise on their care needs. Or you can contact a stairlift supplier such as Stannah directly – you can contact them by phone, 0800 715368 or email Webenquiries@stannah.co.uk
If your parents are on a low income and have limited savings, they may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant to pay some or all of the costs. There is more information here:
https://www.independentliving.co.uk/advice/disabled-facilities-grants/
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes, Frances
I am 82 yrs old after active life I see I may need stairlift in coming months/years
Have visited 1st choice stairlifts in Calne (excellent) and sat on various models (top choice Access Flow 2 )
now seeking a second location within driving distance of Marlborough where I can sit in other seats and get comparison quote
Hi Bob,
The best way to get quotes and more information about a stairlift that could fit your needs is to get in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the righthand sidebar. I am sure they will be pleased to help you out.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
Hi, we are looking for a solution for an ambulatory disabled person to go up three internal steps which are too tall/steep for a ramp. Wheelchair access is not needed. Any suggestions?
Thanks Andrea
Hello Andrea
If the person in question has somebody to assist them, a powered stair climber would be a solution – and one which doesn’t require any building alterations. You can see more about them and get in touch with the supplier, AAT, here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/supplier/aat/
Otherwise, it sounds as if it would require the installation of a platform lift. Terry Lifts is a helpful supplier:
https://www.independentliving.co.uk/supplier/terry-lifts/
Best wishes,
Frances
I am the manager of sm independent living court for the elderly.
Are there any fire regulations in regards to putting a stair lift on a staircase in this kind of building?
We only have one life and it is a nightmare when it breaks down.
Hi Fiona
I am not aware of any specific legislation preventing the installation of a stairlift on communal stairs, but you would need to get a fire risk assessment and advice from the Fire Brigade. It could depend on how wide the stairs are, for example. If a stairlift is not possible, could you consider a powered stair climber to get residents up and down when the lift is out of order? It solves any issues around obstacles on the staircase. You can see various models here:
https://www.independentliving.co.uk/supplier/aat/
Hi.
Can you please supply information for outdoor wheelchair lifts and outdoor stair walkers together with pricing to allow comparisons
Thank you
Hello
The best way of getting price information is to contact the suppliers directly. The cost of a stairlift will depend in part on the installation.
For stairclimbers, AAT is the company to talk to. You can contact them by phone, 01978 821875 or email info@aatgb.com
For a fixed solution, Stannah has an outdoor stairlift model – freephone 0800 715368 or email Webenquiries@stannah.co.uk
Best wishes,
Frances
I am only inquiring about 1 of the stair lifts its 4 ma nana
Hi Debbie
It’s probably best to get in touch with the suppliers directly – Independent Living just provides information.
Stannah is a reliable supplier of lifts for a person to sit on. You can phone them on 0800 715368 or email webenquiries@stannah.co.uk
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes, Frances
Do you know if any stairlifts which have removable armrests so as to permit a lateral transfer from the seat into a wheelchair?
Hi John
I am just checking with suppliers – as soon as I have the information, I will let you know.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hello John
I have now heard from Stannah that they can provide a stairlift with a hinged arm to allow for a sideways transfer – provided the installation site is suitable. You would need to get in touch with them directly to take it further. You can phone them on 0800 715368 or email webenquiries@stannah.co.uk
Best wishes, Frances