Are Stair Lifts Safe For Seniors? 17 Safety Features To Look For

Seniors with mobility concerns may be thinking about installing a stair lift in their homes to help them navigate their stairs more easily.

Not only is a stair lift a great way to get someone up and down in a multi level house, but it can also be a perfect solution for transporting heavy items to each floor!

Are Stair Lifts Safe For The Elderly?

Certainly – stair lifts can be safe for older adults, as long as they are professionally installed and have the safety features I mention in the next section.

But most important to safety, the senior person must understand how to follow the safety precautions.

So, someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may not be able to safely use a stair lift without supervision.

The following are the seniors who should not use a stair lift:

• Those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Those who are physically unable to get on and off the chair by themselves
• Those who are too heavy for the chair (most chairs have a weight limit of 280 to 350 pounds)
• Those who are too tall for the chair (this depends on the height of the stairway)
• Those who are unable to understand the safety instructions

If you are unsure if your senior loved one can safely use a stair lift, please speak with their doctor about getting a home assessment from an Occupational Therapist.

17 Stair Lift Safety Tips and Features To Consider

The safety of someone using a stair lift (or any assistive device) should be of top concern for any manufacturer and buyer.

Here are our safety tips on what key safety features to look for when you get ready to make your selection and purchase.

Some of these may seem like common sense but it’s always worth reviewing.

1. Safety Standard Guidelines – An important thing for optimal safety is to make sure that the manufacturer you are purchasing from has followed and met the safety standards that are put out by the (ASME) American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
2. Servicing The Equipment – Another major component of a good stair lift company is one that has a proven record of good service.
3. Safety Belts – Yes, seat belts are a top priority as well as restraints for wheelchairs. It’s imperative that the person using the lift be cognizant enough to use the retractable seat belt, especially if they live alone or are unattended for any period of time.
4. Arm Rests – It may seem like such a silly little thing but having arm rests that are comfortable for the user can make riding the stair lift a better ride.
5. Remote Control – Some stair lifts can be operated by remote control. This can be very useful if there are two individuals in the home who need to use it. If the stair lift is parked at the top of the stairs, someone at the bottom of the stairs can use the remote control to bring it back down for their use.
6. Adjustable Foot Rests – Having foot rests that can be moved out of the way when the person reaches their destination is very important. Very much like the foot rests on a wheelchair, if you try to stand up without moving them you are forced into an awkward position which can facilitate a fall followed by an injury.
7. Adjustable Seats – A stair lift seat that is comfortable is important. But being able to fold away the seat when the unit is not in use is a plus to avoid a tripping hazard. An adjustable seat height feature as well as the ability to swivel once you reach the bottom or the top of the stairs are two very important features for safety.
8. Maximum Weight Limit – Most stairlifts can accommodate a maximum weight of 300 lbs and some can go as high as 350 lbs.
9. Extended Rail – This allows the lift to continue moving past the staircase. If the user has any problems with their balance, an extended rail would be an excellent option.
10. Obstruction Sensors – Another important feature to consider are safety sensors which gives the stair chair lift the ability to stop it’s motion when an obstruction in it’s path is detected. Important on curved lifts and straight lifts.
11. Alternate Power – We have all gone through periods of time when the electricity goes out. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the stairs in the event of a power cut. Look for lifts with power options that include AC powered which have a battery power backup system.
12. Clean and Smooth Construction – You want a lift that has an enclosed motor and as few objects as possible that could possibly get the user’s clothing caught up in it.
13. Proper Installation Process – It’s important to choose a company with a high level of satisfaction from its customers and who uses trained professionals and experienced technicians to install your stair lift. You want to ensure that the stair lift installation is done 100% properly for maximum safety and that they consider the structural integrity of your home before you make your purchase. Remember that you will need an electrical outlet nearby.
14. User Capability – If the user lives alone for any length of time, it’s extremely important that they have the physical strength and cognitive ability to use their lift properly, to buckle up and use the seat belt correctly and to be able to get on and off the lift safely. But if they require a little extra help to use the lift then it may not be appropriate for them if they are left alone for any length of time.
15. A Smooth Ride – A proper lift installation should provide it’s user with a comfortable ride, especially from a curved stairlift. Since they are mounted onto the stair treads (not the wall) they should be able to provide a comfortable and smooth ride.
16. Proper Maintenance – Finally, like any appliance or apparatus in your home, you want to keep up with a yearly maintenance schedule so that you can ensure it’s working at it’s optimal best and continues to do so for years to come.
17. A Warranty – Most (if not all) home lift products come with some type of warranty that can range from a 2 to a 10 year warranty on their product so make sure you know what the warranty covers and the length of time it’s valid. Also, you may want to consider asking about an extended warranty.
18. New vs. Used Stair Lift – It’s not necessary to purchase a new stair lift. Many manufacturers offer used stairlifts as well which can save you some money.