The first thing you need to do is be sure that having a stairlift can make life easier for you.

If getting up and down the stairs has become  a daily struggle, then you may wish to consider living downstairs, or moving into a bungalow or ground floor flat. If you are thinking about changing to a ground floor living space, then one major concern to take into account is the availability of bathroom facilities. Installing a stair lift is often a more practical and cost-effective option, and it means less of a change to your lifestyle, allowing you to carry on living independently in your own home.

Once you have decided that a stairlift is the right option for you, it is important to choose the stairlift that will best suit your requirements.

As with all major home improvement purchases, there are options to think and talk about with friends, family and professionals before you buy a stairlift:

• It may be useful to contact an Occupational Therapist (OT), who will be able to offer you guidance on the best solution for your individual requirements.
• If you know someone who owns a stairlift, have a chat with them. That way you can get an honest and unbiased opinion about the advantages of having a stairlift.
• Reliability and safety are the main factors to consider.
• Requesting a free stairlift brochure and information pack is a great way to compare products that you may consider for your home.

There are various types of stairlift and it is important that you choose the one which best suits your current and future needs.

Straight stair lifts will only travel up a straight staircase, and they tend to be a more affordable option, with installation usually complete in just a few hours. Straight stairlifts are fitted to the stair tread rather than the wall of the staircase, so you needn’t worry about having to sort out painting and decorating work. Straight stairlifts are powered from the mains, and are available with a battery backup option in case of a power failure, for your peace of mind.

Curved stair lifts are able to go round bends in the staircase, as well as glide across landings or half landings. All Handicare curved stairlift tracks are made to order, to fit each individual staircase. Curved stairlifts operate on a rail that fits very closely to the wall, even on tight bends. Most curved stairlifts run from rechargeable batteries, which are constantly topped up from charging points at the top and bottom of the stairs. The seat needs to be in the right place to charge, and there is a warning beep if it is in the wrong place.

Outdoor stair lifts provide easy access to exposed sites such as the steps leading up to your front door. They are provided with a waterproof cover, so they are ready to use at any time, and are designed to withstand the elements.