Stairlift Options and Accessories
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Folding or bridging platforms
If your staircase has a small turn at the top, then it is sometimes possible to install a straight stair lift rather than a curved stairlift, through the addition of a small folding wooden platform. This can save you a considerable amount of money compared with installing a curved stair lift.
What is a bridging/folding platform? A bridging platform is a solid wooden platform that is hinged to allow it to be folded up against the wall, so other people can use the staircase, when its not in use. It allows the user to walk safely from the stairlift onto the landing.
How is a bridging/folding platform installed? Firstly, the stairlift has to be installed with raised legs, and, secondly, a wooden platform is made to fit around the footrest of the lift.
What if I can't bend down to raise the platform after use? For those people who are unable to comfortably bend to raise the platform there is the option of buying a powered platform. Obviously these are slightly more expensive.
Is the bridging/folding platform suitable for everyone? If you sufer with any of the following then a platform would not be suitable for you: poor mobility, unsteadiness, dizziness, fainting, seizures.
How much does a bridging/folding platform cost? Prices vary between different suppliers but a guide price range would be £300-£400 for a manual platform and around £600-£800 for a powered platform.
Hinged Rails
In some cases the addition of a stair lift to your staircase may block a doorway or passageway, and could prove a potential tripping hazard.
The addition of a hinged rail is an effective way to allow you to continue to use the doorway or passageway as usual.
What is a hinged rail? A hinged rail is just like a normal stairlift rail, but one that is hinged at the bottom to allow the lower section of the rail to fold upwards when it is not in use. This allows the doorway/passageway to be used as normal without the risk of tripping.
How much does a hinged rail cost? Again prices vary between different suppliers but a guide price range would be around £200 for a straight track and around £500 for a curved track.
Sit and stand frame and perch frame
Sit and stand frames and perch frames are modifications of the normal stair lift frame that allow users who struggle to bend at the knees, to use a stairlift safely without having to bend at the knees.
What is a sit and stand frame? A sit and stand frame allows the stairlift to be used in either the seated or standing position. A sit and stand frame is ideal where there are two stairlift users who have different requirements (i.e. one user finds it more comfortable to sit, whilst the other user due to hip/knee problems prefers to remain in the upright position).
What is a perch frame? A perch frame is similar to the sit/stand frame but is designed just to allow users to use the stairlift in a perched position. This is again ideal for users that have difficulty bending at the knees. Perch frames are narrower than normal stairlifts and can sometimes be installed on staircases that are too narrow for a normal stairlift.
How safe are sit stand frames and perch frames? They both have safety features such as a steady bar which makes them very safe. However, if you suffer with any of the following then they may not be suitable for you: extremely poor mobility, unsteadiness, dizziness, fainting, seizures.
Extra considerations: The user will have to remain in an upright position without moving for around 40-50 seconds (depending on the staircase), they may not be suitable for those who are particularly weak on their legs.
How much do sit and stand frames and perch frames cost? They should cost you no more than a normal stairlift.
Swivel Seats
If your stairlift has a fixed seat you may find it difficult to get of you stairlift, as you reach the top of the stairs you will need to twist and lift yourself out of the stairlift seat. A swivel seat is designed to make this process easier, safer and more comfortable.
How does a swivel seat work? As you can see in the pictures below the swivel seat allows the stairlift user to safely rotate away from the stairs.
How safe are swivel seats? Swivel seats are very safe, in fact most new stairlifts come with swivel seats as standard due to the way they act as a barrier to prevent the user falling backwards down the stairs. Obviously for safety reasons you don’t want the seat to swivel around as it travels up or down the stairs, so to get around this the swivel seat has to be activated by the user. If you buy a reconditioned stairlift you should check to see if it comes with a swivel seat.
Most stairlift manufacturers now give you the option of buying a powered swivel seat. Powered swivel seats make it even easier to safely dismount from a stairlift and are of particular benefit to those with additional mobility problems.
How much do swivel seats cost? Most new stairlifts now come with a swivel seat as standard. However, a powered swivel seat would cost you around £150.
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