Selecting the perfect stairlift for your home is a significant move to ensure your safety, mobility, and comfort. Here’s a clear and practical guide to help you find the best one for your needs:
1. Assess Your Staircase
- Straight vs. Curved:
- Straight stairlifts Canada are more affordable and quicker to install.
- Curved stairlifts Canada are customised to fit the rail perfectly on the existing staircase, accommodating each step and turn.
- Width of the Stairs: Ensure there’s enough space for the lift and for others to walk past safely. Handicare 1100 stairlift is the best fit for narrow staircase with a width of 27”.
2. Consider the User’s Needs
- Mobility Level: Choose a model that accommodates the user’s range of movement. For example, powered swivel seats or footrests can help if manual movement is limited. Savaria/ Handicare provides a range of stairlifts with options to choose from.
- Weight Capacity: Most standard stairlifts support 250–350 lbs. Heavy-duty models can handle up to 600 lbs.
- Ease of Use: Look for simple controls, remote operation, and safety belts.
3. Features to Look For
- Safety Sensors: Detect obstacles and stop the lift if necessary.
- Battery Backup: Keeps the lift operational during power outages.
- Foldable Design: Saves space when not in use.
- Seat Options: Majority of the stairlifts come with padded seats and the options of adjustable armrests, and auto-swivel at the top to improve comfort and safety.
4. Installation and Maintenance
- Professional Installation: Choose a reputable installer who offers a warranty. The stairlifts by Savaria/ Handicare come with a warranty of 24 to 36 months, that can be extended further, while the motor has 10 years warranty. Cairo Contracting is known for its excellent service and 6 months labour warranty on newly installed products.
- Maintenance Plan: It is always recommended to get regular servicing done to ensure the longevity, durability and safety of your stairlift.
5. Budget and Funding
- Costs: Prices typically range from $3,750–$6,500+ for straight stairlifts Canada, and $13,000–$17,000+ for curved stairlifts Canad. Cairo Contracting offers the most cost-effective pricing on all stairlift options, be it straight or curved to fit in your budget.
- Rental Options: Short-term rentals can be cost-effective for temporary needs.
- Financing or Grants: Some insurance plans or local authorities may offer assistance.
6. Choose a Trusted Brand
Look for brands with strong reputations, good customer support, and certified installers. Popular manufacturers include:
- Handicare
- Stannah
- Bruno
In simpler words, stairlifts are your best foot forward for an accessibility solution. Call a professional accessibility solution provider like Cairo Contracting to know all your options and then select what fits best in your budget. Cairo’s professional site-engineers and certified installers are trained to provide the best customer service to people in need without burdening their pockets.
