When shopping for your mobility aids and equipment, there are some factors to consider that contribute to your overall satisfaction with the device later. For example, there are five things to consider in choosing the stair chair for your stairlift that impact overall customer experience: ease, compatibility, comfort, adjustability, and fit.
Buying a stairlift? Carefully consider all aspects of these mobility devices to ensure satisfaction later. Talk with qualified mobility aid retailers to assess and evaluate your distinct options. Don’t feel pushed or hurried into making a decision that you will have to live with once your lift is installed in the home.
While many parts, pieces, and processes add to the overall performance and appeal of your stairlift, the chair is key. Since you will be sitting in the chair during operation, it is integral that it is both pleasing to the primary user and safe for everyday utility.
Five things to consider in choosing the stair chair for your stairlift:
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Is the seat easy to use?
Let’s face it: if the seat isn’t easy to use, the lift won’t be much help. Make sure that the seat you choose to go with your lift is simple to operate as well as easy to sit-down in. A reputable mobility device vendor will show you how it operates and field any questions or concerns that the buyer has. Make sure that the seat you choose is covered by the same type of service and support as your lift; after all, if the seat doesn’t operate well, the lift could pose potential dangers and even present a risk of injury to anyone in the home. Also, ask about cleaning and maintenance recommendations for the chair itself; many seats offer a resilient and user-friendly surface material that is easy to wipe clean. Make sure that ease is at the top of your stair chair specs.
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How compatible is the stair chair?
Another important element of your stair chair to consider is its compatibility to the lift, to the stairway, and to the home. Does the chair meld with your home surroundings? Is it the chair that is recommended by manufacturers to augment your stairlift? These are relevant questions when choosing a stair chair or when updating or refurbishing your current lift.
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Will the seat be comfortable?
Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing a stair chair that is comfortable. While it may seem imprudent to base your decision on comfort since the lift is only used for transfers upstairs, if the seat is not comfortable, the user may not feel secure. This security is what gives many the confidence to utilize their stairlift on a regular basis. Don’t impede usage by skimping on a sub-par seat or by overlo0oking the merits of trying the chair before you make purchase decisions.
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Is it adjustable?
When considering features, enough cannot be said for the power of adjustability; having the freedom to adjust and augment your stair chair is invaluable in predicting future needs. Many models come with adjustable options for the seat, including height, arms, and seat, so try a few different chairs before settling on your choice. Furthermore, adjusting the seat means that users of various sizes, heights, and limitations could utilize the chair, now or in the future. Which makes it a prudent investment for a wide range of consumers. Ask for a demonstration of this versatility from mobility retail staff when perusing your stair chair options.
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How does it fit?
Ask yourself honestly: how does the stair chair fit+? This is not simply referring to how the user will fit in the seat, but how the stair chair and lift fit in your home, as well as your lifestyle. Augment the areas of the home that are most used and desirous to the primary user to create an accessible environment and improved quality of life. How does the device fit your budget? Talk to qualified retail staff about buying, payment, and even leasing options when considering what fits best with your financial situation.
Buying mobility aids is a big decision; make sure that you carefully consider all aspects that will contribute to your overall satisfaction with the device. Don’t work with vendors that push you into buying devices that you are unsure of; only buy from qualified and reputable dealers that offer a full assessment of your needs and customer service after the sale. When buying your new lift, pay special attention to the stair chair: is it up to your expectations? Before choosing the lift that is right for you, check out the seat to determine the ease, compatibility, comfort, adjustability, and fit for your home – and you!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)