Staying in familiar surroundings as long as you can – that's the desire of most seniors. The sticking point is often climbing stairs: This can become a real hurdle in old age. In order to still be able to stay in the beloved home, the living space must be adapted to the new needs. Stairlifts can do a good job here. But which model should you choose? Is it better to buy or rent a stair lift new or used? We clarify the most important questions about the stairlift and what to consider before installing it. What are the stairlift models. What are the requirements?Before you decide on a stairlift, you should know which different models are available. The requirements for installation in the property must also be taken into account. In case of uncertainty, it is better to seek advice from lift experts.
Seat lift
The most commonly used lift is the seat lift. The person is brought up or down while sitting along the stairs. The seat lift is mainly suitable for people who can still sit down or stand up independently. Seat lifts can be installed on any staircase – outside. Inside – to be mounted. The seat folds up: this allows roommates to also use the stairs on foot.
Upright lift
For people with joint problems, who can only sit down with pain, a standing lift is a good choice. Instead of the seat, here is a platform to stand on. The standing lifts have a safety bar. Two armrests to hold on to.
Platform lift
Similar to the stand-up lift, the platform lift uses an electric drive to move a platform along the stairs – but this platform is significantly larger than the stand-up lift. Because the stairlift type is designed primarily for wheelchairs. The platform lift is also suitable for people who use a rollator or carry medical equipment with them.
New, used or prefer to rent? – The advantages and disadvantages
Buying a stair lift needs to be well thought out – the purchase is associated with quite high costs. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of new purchase, used purchase and installment plan New purchase
Advantages: The lift can be adapted exactly to the structural conditions of the property. In addition, it is tailored to the needs. Restrictions of the person concerned towards "tailor-made. An additional advantage of a new purchase is also the warranty period.
Disadvantages: Buying a new stairlift can be quite expensive in some circumstances, especially with a platform lift.
Buying a used stair lift
Advantages: Used stairlifts are cheaper than new stairlifts. But usually only the seat can be bought used, because the construction of the rails must be individually adapted to the structural conditions. Some dealers offer refurbished used lifts – this provides assurance that all parts of the lift are in working order.
Disadvantages: Used rails can be used only if it is a straight staircase. There is no warranty or liability for material defects with a used lift. Especially when buying from a private person, caution is advised: There is a risk that some parts of the lift could be defective.
Installment plan
Advantages: If you need the stairlift only for a limited time, you are well advised to installment plan (leasing). For straight stairs, simple stairlifts are available for as little as 50 euros a month to rent. Advantageous is also that maintenance and repair are included in the rental price.
Disadvantages: Similar to a car leasing contract, a down payment must be made. If the stair lift is needed longer than planned, the rental costs may exceed the amount for the purchase of a lift.
What to consider when purchasing?
New purchase, used purchase or rental – in any case, you should consider the following points before purchasing a stairlift: – The lift should be TÜV approved or carry the CE mark – The manufacturer should have its headquarters in Germany. Because a stair lift requires regular maintenance and sometimes repair. It is all the more important that the manufacturer is uncomplicated to contact. – The lift must be designed for the weight of the patient. Take into account the weight of objects, such as appliances, a laundry basket or similar.