Can a Person in a Wheelchair Use a Stairlift?
Is a stairlift the right choice for someone with a disability?
Written by Stannah at 25-03-2021
Stannah stairlifts are designed to be as safe and accessible as possible. We have a range of models with unique ergonomic features, but whether or not a stairlift will work for you depends on your needs and abilities.
You want to be comfortable in your house and that includes being able to use your stairs safely, so that you can have full accessibility to all of the rooms in your home, whether upstairs or downstairs. A Stannah stairlift could help you do just that. Let’s see if a stairlift is the right choice for you.
Is there a handicap stairlift for people who use a wheelchair?
Most wheelchair users can also use a stairlift; but to use your stairlift independently, you need to be able to get in and out of your wheelchair, and in and out of your stairlift, by yourself. A stairlift also can’t carry a wheelchair, so you may need to have another one waiting for you at the other end of the stairs.
You also need to be able to hold yourself upright as you travel in your stairlift, so that you’re securely in the chair all the way to the other end.
What makes a Stannah stairlift safe and easy to use?
It’s a very important question, but it means different things to different people. That’s why we’ve made sure our stairlifts meet the highest international safety standards. That way, they’re sure to meet everyone’s idea of what safe feels like.
An easy-to-use seatbelt
One of the main safety features included on every stairlift we make is an easy-to-use seatbelt. It’s easy to use because:
- it clips in easily
- you can fasten it using only one hand
- it’s a big buckle, which makes it easy to hold, even for arthritic fingers
- the seatbelt is placed on the armrests, so you don’t have to reach behind you to grab it
- the belt can be fitted to either side of the chair, which means that if one of your hands is stronger than the other, we can adapt the belt to your needs.
Simple commands
To make a stairlift move, all you have to do is press a lever in the direction you want to go in. The lever can be fitted to either arm rest, whichever side is intuitive and comfortable. That means you can use either hand or wrist, whichever is most comfortable for you.
Easy access
Your stairlift unfolds easily. Just flip the armrests down, lower the seat and press the footrest fold button and the footrest flips down automatically (availability of this feature varies among some models). That means no bending over at the top of the stairs and no help needed to get your chair set up. The armrests are sturdy, so you feel safe leaning on them while you get in and out of your chair. If you want even more stability, our wide-arm models come with even longer armrests, giving you added support.
Power swivel
The power swivel is an option offering the added security of your chair turning automatically at the top of the stairs. Just hold the lever and the chair turns to place you squarely on your landing, meaning you can get out of your chair with the added security of the chair blocking the stairs behind you and you don’t have to swivel manually. If you’ve had a stroke and have limited mobility on one side of your body, this option could provide the extra peace of mind you need getting in and out of your chair.
Schedule your free, no-obligation mobility assessment today
Before you get your free quote, one of our sales consultants comes to your house to meet you. They assess your mobility needs, and they’re highly trained to give you personalized advice about what’s best for you.
If our distributor’s stairlift advisor doesn’t think a stairlift is right for you, they’ll tell you so. You can trust that we’ll always be honest with you.
Whether you’re looking for advice or just want to know more, call us now and we’ll answer all your questions.
