April 2024
Standing Stair Lifts In April 2024
What is a standing stair lift?
Due to the growing number of older people, standing stair lifts have become more popular in recent years. Our flexibility wanes as we get older, and these flexibility issues make it tougher to bend down low enough to sit on a conventional stairlift seat. The perch seat on a standing lift addresses this issue because it can be altered to fit the user’s height.
A standing lift is similar to a seated lift except that the seat is replaced by a “perch seat” at a higher level, allowing the user to relax while remaining upright. This stairlift type is ideal for people who can still walk but have trouble sitting as it allows them to retain some mobility.
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Who are they good for?
There are a lot of individuals who may benefit from a standing stair lift. Some of these people are wheelchair-bound, have difficulty walking, or have health issues that prevent them from going up and down stairs and sitting comfortably in a chair. A standing stair lift can give independence and mobility to persons who are unable to walk up and down stairs for various reasons.
The unique design of this chair allows users with flexibility issues to ride in a perched or upright posture, eliminating the need to bend their legs or strain their hips.
This style of lift is also beneficial to people who suffer from arthritis or have limited hip mobility. It requires less agility than other types of lifts, which is great for those who have restricted movement in their hip joints.
Advantages of standing stairlifts
There are many advantages to using a standing stair lift. First and foremost, they offer you the independence to navigate the floors in your own home without having to rely on the help of others. Many people worry that as they lose their flexibility and mobility, they risk having to move out of their much loved home, but a standing stairlift offers the chance to regain control of your home environment.
They can be installed on both straight stairs and curved stairs, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your home not fitting the requirements. If you have a spiral staircase, you may have to consider getting a bespoke, custom made stair lift for your needs.
They are very easy to operate and can take you easily to multiple floors of your house. Being able to dismount from a standing position rather than a seated position is easier and more comfortable for many users.
The perch seat on a standing stair lift can be adjusted to fit the height of the user, so those with joint issues need not worry about undue strain on their joints.
A standing stairlift has all of the features that you would expect in a seated lift, such as a safety seat belt and footrest. Therefore it is just as secure as other stairlift options even though you travel in an upright position.
Electrical Requirements
The lift’s power comes from a regular wall outlet, so there’s no need to install a special power source.
If your house has frequent power outages, however, you should consider investing in a battery-powered stairlift. This will prevent you from being stuck on the lift or on one level of your home if you need assistance.
What to expect from your standing stairlift
A stair lift is powered by electricity and travels along tracks attached to the side of your stairs. The lift will come to a halt at each landing, allowing you to easily get on and off.
Simply step on the stand up stair lift, put on the seat belt, and remain in a standing position throughout your journey up the stairs.
The standing stair lift carriage can be folded up when it is not in use to save room.
The lift carriage is fitted with a seat (or perch seat) and all of the safety features that you would find in a stairlift, such as a safety belt and footrest. The user’s height can also be adjusted.
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Narrow staircases
Standing stair lifts can actually be a great option for narrow stairs. You may struggle to fit a traditional seated stairlift on your narrow stairs as the depth of the seat means that your knees can protrude and knock against the wall.
A standing stairlift (or perch stairlift) solves this problem since the perch seat is positioned higher up. Your knees will not stick out so much when in a perched position, so there should be more room to travel safely on both a straight and curved staircase.
The unique design of this chairlift makes it much more slimline than a seated chairlift, so it’s a useful option for those seeking a less obtrusive lift. The perch chair has a shortened seat, which should ensure that others have adequate room to move about, even on a cramped staircase.
The majority of stair lifts will include foldaway footrests and perch seats, as well as folding armrests so that you have enough space on the stairs when the lift isn’t in use. This is a popular feature among those who live with others or live in homes with narrow staircases.
Are standing starlifts safe?
Standing lifts come with a range of different safety options, and it is a good idea to look out for these when selecting a stairlift for your home. A few to look out for are:
Seat Belt
Every lift will include a seat belt or safety barrier arm to prevent you from falling out when riding. These are generally adjustable, so they fit the user comfortably.
Look out for stairlift models with a built-in safety system, which means that the lift will only start to move if the safety belt is fastened.
"There are many advantages to using a standing stair lift. First and foremost, they offer you the independence to navigate the floors in your own home without having to rely on the help of others. Many people worry that as they lose their flexibility and mobility, they risk having to move out of their much loved home, but a standing stairlift offers the chance to regain control of your home environment."
Braking Mechanism
Some standing lifts include safety sensors that detect whether anything is blocking the steps and automatically stop the lift. This is a fantastic feature if you have dogs or live with other people who may leave items around.
Other stairlift versions will be manually operated, so you’ll need to pay more attention to avoid knocking into something.
Non-slip seat
Consider getting a stairlift with a non-slip seat for added safety. Since a perch stairlift does not provide the security of a completely seated position, this is a very important feature.
This, together with the seatbelt, should help you feel secure in the perch seat while riding the stair lift.
Footrest
All standing lifts should come with a footrest to support your feet and prevent them from slipping as the lift moves. It also aids in maintaining an upright position and takes the pressure off your joints.
Higher weight capacity
Most stairlifts support up to 250 pounds, which is enough for most people. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, be aware that you’ll have to upgrade your search for a model with a higher capacity.
Are standing stairlifts expensive?
Standing stair lifts start at approximately £2,000 and range upwards of £4,000 depending on the additional features you want.
The price of a stairlift will also be determined by whether you’re buying one for straight stairs, a stair lift for curved stairs, or a bespoke stairlift for a very narrow staircase. In general, curved stairlifts will cost more than straight stairlifts due to the additional complexity involved with curved staircases.
If you are worried about the price, renting a stairlift may be an option. If you just need the lift for a short time, it will be more cost-effective than purchasing one. Additionally, secondhand and refurbished stairlifts are frequently available at lower prices.
Charities such as Age UK may be able to help you figure out which stairlift is best for you or even direct you toward financing options should you need additional support.
Where can I get a stairlift from?
There is a large range of standing stair lifts on the market, so it might be difficult to choose which one is best for you. The ideal place to begin is by talking with your local stairlift company about a free home survey. They’ll come out to your house and evaluate the situation before determining which model is right for you.
On online auction websites such as eBay, you will discover a variety of standing stair lifts, but it’s wise to do your homework first. Always read the reviews to get an idea of how the lift operates before buying one secondhand.
It is critical that you choose a stairlift that meets your safety standards and is comfortable to use. You should be able to discover the ideal standing stairlift for your requirements by considering the various characteristics outlined in this article.
Are there any disadvantages?
Like with all stairlifts, there are some disadvantages to standing lifts which might mean that they are not right for you.
Firstly, they may not be the best option for those with limited mobility. If you cannot maintain a standing position as you travel up the staircase, then you should consider other options such as an elevator or a seated chairlift.
You will also need a certain level of balance and endurance to remain standing and get on and off the standing seat safely.
They can take up quite a lot of space on the stairs, which can make things difficult for other stair users. It is important to measure your stairs first so that you know that you will have enough room on your stairs after installation.
A standing stairlift may also be more costly than a seated lift, although the price varies significantly depending on the manufacturer and model.
If you’re considering purchasing a standing stairlift for yourself or a family member, consider all of the advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that a standing stairlift isn’t appropriate for everyone, but it may be an excellent choice for those who have difficulties sitting when going up and down stairs.
Common Misconceptions
People often worry that standing lifts will cause damage to their walls but rest assured that chair lift is attached straight to your stair treads, not your wall, so the installation will not damage it.
However, since the perch seat is slightly higher than in a seated stairlift, there is a possibility that you could knock against picture frames hanging on the walls as you travel up and down.
You also should make sure to leave all installation and removal to a professional to avoid damaging the walls and fixtures. Once your stairlift is no longer required, your supplier can arrange for a technician to come to your home to remove it.
How is the stairlift installed?
Installing a stairlift is usually quite simple and can often be completed in one day. After your stairlift is set up, your chosen lift company will provide a fitting service and test it to make sure it’s safe for regular use.
A stairlift track is installed onto the wall with brackets for support, preventing the stairlift rails from coming into contact with the stairs. The tread of the stairs is fastened to the bannister and walls around the staircase with multiple screws per bracket.
You may always contact the staircase vendor for further assistance and professional guidance if you are worried about the installation process. They’ll be happy to schedule a home examination, along with a free quotation.
Tips for buying the perfect standing lift
There is a lot to think about when searching for the perfect stairlift, so to make it easier, here are a few key things to think about when choosing your standing stairlift.
Make sure to measure your staircase and if you have narrow stairs, get a slimline lift that won’t take up too much room.
Make sure that you get a lift with the right weight capacity for you. It needs to be able to comfortably hold your weight while you are in a perching position.
Look for lifts with enhanced safety features such as an automatic braking mechanism and a non-slip seat.
If you have problems with your joints, look for a lift with a power foot rest. This means that you can fold up the footrest by touching a button and avoid injuring your knees by having to bend down.
Make sure your lift is easy to use. If your home has multiple floors, consider a remote control to bring the lift to whichever floor you are on.
Finally, make sure you get a stairlift with a warranty and use a company that will offer you free call outs in case your chair lift malfunctions.
Final thoughts
The joints in our legs, hips and lower back can become problematic as we age, making it difficult to get down into a chair several times. A standing stair lift eliminates the need to do so every time you ascend the stairs, which might be unpleasant and hazardous.
With so many various types out there, you’ll be able to find one that meets your requirements and lifestyle. When the time comes to choose a standing stair lift for your home, call Age UK or contact a stair lift supplier to see if they can provide you with a free quote and some expert advice.
Have A Free Consultation With A Stairlift Specialist
You can contact an Acorn stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:
- Option 1 – Call directly on – 0333 567 1603
- Option 2 – Book an appointment directly in the calendar below, and one of the team will call you back at your chosen time
- Option 3 – Leave your contact details and Acorn will get in touch with you
Option 1 - Call Acorn Stairlifts Directly
Monday to Thursday : 8am – 7pm
Friday : 8am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday : 9am – 5pm
Call us on : 0333 567 1603
Option 2 - Book an appointment, in the calendar below, for a callback when it's convenient
Option 3 - Leave your details and Acorn will get in touch
Leave your contact details below, and one of the Acorn team will give you a call to discuss your needs.
Please note that Acorn Stairlifts undertake all calls.
More useful information on stairlifts
A Guide To Stairlifts
This article explains all you need to know about buying or renting a stairlift in the UK alongside information on where to find one.
Curved Stairlifts
Not all stairs are straight, so you may need a curved stairlift to go around a landing, This article explains how you get a curved stairlift.
Stairlift Rental
Renting a stairlift is a popular alternative to purchasing a new stair lift. This article explains how the rental process works.
Second Hand Stairlifts
Buying a second hand stairlift is much cheaper than buying a new one, especially if you nay not need it for long.
Reconditioned Stairlifts
A reconditioned stairlift allows you to get an almost new stairlift for a much lower price than a new one. This article explains how.
Stairlifts For Narrow Stairs
Thos will narrow stairs will need a specialist chair. However, there are lifts that could work. Our article explains what you need to know.
Article author
Katy Davies
I am a keen reader and writer and have been helping to write and produce the legal content for the site since the launch. I studied for a law degree at Manchester University and I use that theoretical experience, as well as my practical experience as a solicitor, to help produce legal content which I hope you find helpful.
Outside of work, I love the snow and am a keen snowboarder. Most winters you will see me trying to get away for long weekends to the slopes in Switzerland or France.
Email – [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a standing stair lift?
Due to the growing number of older people, standing stair lifts have become more popular in recent years. Our flexibility wanes as we get older, and these flexibility issues make it tougher to bend down low enough to sit on a conventional stairlift seat. The perch seat on a standing lift addresses this issue because it can be altered to fit the user’s height.
Advantages of standing stairlifts
There are many advantages to using a standing stair lift. First and foremost, they offer you the independence to navigate the floors in your own home without having to rely on the help of others. Many people worry that as they lose their flexibility and mobility, they risk having to move out of their much loved home, but a standing stairlift offers the chance to regain control of your home environment.
Are standing starlifts safe?
Standing lifts come with a range of different safety options, and it is a good idea to look out for these when selecting a stairlift for your home.
Are standing stairlifts expensive?
Standing stair lifts start at approximately £2,000 and range upwards of £4,000 depending on the additional features you want.
The price of a stairlift will also be determined by whether you’re buying one for straight stairs, a stair lift for curved stairs, or a bespoke stairlift for a very narrow staircase. In general, curved stairlifts will cost more than straight stairlifts due to the additional complexity involved with curved staircases.
