A stair lift in a family home often removes insurmountable obstacles

When joints and muscles won’t cooperate, stairs become an insurmountable obstacle. With the help of a stair lift, elderly people effortlessly master every step and remain independent at home longer.

Structural requirements for stair type and stair shape

The form of the stages does not play a major role in terms of installation requirements. Whether straight stairs, curved stairs or differently shaped stairs: the stair lift can be installed on almost any type of staircase, as the handrail adapts individually to the respective stair situation.

The easiest way to install a stair lift is on a straight staircase. Spiral staircases and other types of staircases such as platform staircases also qualify, but installation is a bit more difficult due to specially made handrails.

On curved stairs, the rails on which the elevator is guided bend according to the direction of the curve. Depending on the space available, the stair lift is mounted on the outside of the wall or on the inside of the railing. The lift safely navigates twists and turns. Nothing changes in the seat itself.

Curved elements are often needed even if there are no curves on the staircase itself. For example, if an elevator seat is in the parking position at one end of the stairs, it will pass the end of the stairs in a curve. The use of the curve element allows other people to use the stairs without restriction. Many customers also appreciate the option of not making the elevator immediately visible in the entrance area. (See also stairlifts in Cologne)

Are there subsidies for stairlifts?

People in need of care can get a subsidy of up to 4.000 Euro according to § 40 Abs. 4 SGB XI received. According to the Second Care Strengthening Act, this subsidy is already available to people in need of care who have been classified in care level 1. The stairlift providers provide their customers with comprehensive support both in applying for this subsidy and in settling accounts with health insurance companies.

A comparison of stairlifts is worthwhile

Not all stairlifts are the same. There are different systems and models for each installation situation. All stairlifts follow the flight of stairs in rotation and inclination and are permanently installed. The stairlift is fixed either to the steps or to the wall. The lift is controlled by a service panel on the lift and sometimes by a remote control. Next, we’ll give you an overview of common options for stairlifts:

Mobile seat lift

A chair lift transports persons in a sitting position. This type of stair lift is particularly suitable for people who can still get off and on independently. Advantage: the seat lift requires relatively little space and can often be folded down so that other household residents can continue to use the stairs. The seat lift can be installed even on winding and narrow stairs. The sit lift is the most common lifting system among stair lifts.

Standing lift

There are also standing stairlifts for people with joint problems in their hips and knees who can’t sit down because of pain. Instead of a seat, a small platform is attached to the stand-up lift. Most standing lifts have a safety bar at waist level and two armrests to hold on to. Upright stairlifts are even more compact than sit-on stairlifts and are therefore used mainly in narrow and confined stairwells. The platform can be folded down when not in use, so that other residents can continue to use the stairs on foot.

Platform lift

A platform lift is similar to a standing lift. The electric drive moves the platform along the stair rail with the only difference being that the platform is larger in this type of elevator than in a standing elevator. Platform lifts are also designed for wheelchairs, which is why they are also called wheelchair lifts. Accordingly, in this type of stairlift, the guide tubes and brackets must be more stable, as they must support up to 300 kg. Platform lifts are also suitable for people who use a castor as a walking aid or need to carry medical equipment such as oxygen devices.