Stair lifts have been around for years and have developed into very user friendly and positive additions to your home.

Most stair lifts are reasonable priced obviously depending on which one you require. There are so many to choose from you can take your pick and make sure you don't exceed your budget. Think about how much it will cost to install a stair lift compared to maybe having to install a bathroom downstairs or changing one of your reception rooms into a bedroom or sometimes having to have an extension built. All very costly solutions compared to the stair lift. Why would you only want to stay on the ground floor of your home and leave your bedroom?

With so many to choose from you can get one with a design to compliment your d'cor so it won't be so noticeable, also some are designed to fold away for the narrow staircase or small landings again depending on your circumstances but good storage and safely out of the way of anybody walking by.

They manufacturer seats with padding to give you a comfortable ride so you should feel like you are seating on your lounge chair.

Most of the stair lifts have moving armrests which could be an advantage when you are boarding the chair or leaving. Another comfort if turning can be a problem maybe if you suffer with arthritis or hip problems.

There is also a foot rest so your feet wont be dangling as you are moving for not only again a comfortable ride but safety as there maybe an obstruction on the stairs or you may hit you foot. The seat and footrest can be adjusted to your height as we are all different sizes and you need it to be individual for you to maximise the benefits and safety.

Most of the controls are user friendly with either buttons or a joystick. Some can have a remote control giving you access to the stair lift without actually being sat on it, giving you complete control.

The speed of the stair lift should be slow and steady again most ensure a smooth ride. The modern stair lifts are fitted with a soft start and stop so you won't come to sudden jolt when you arrive at the top or bottom of the stairs which could cause you pain, but this not only takes that away but gives you another safety facility.

There is a lap belt again with adjustable strap so you can wear with ease and so the belt can be used correctly. Most will have safety sensors which are placed on the footrest and seat some vary as to the position but all are there to detect any obstructions on the stairs, landing and at the bottom which will stop the chair immediately and not continue until it has been cleared. This is ideal if you have small pets who like to follow you or may have a favourite place to sleep at the bottom of the stairs and sometimes not always easy to see.

Some stair lifts are attached to the wall and some to the stair trend again depends on the manufacture and which stair lift you choose. There are stair lifts available for straight, curved, spiral and even outside stair cases.

The outside stair lift can be ideal if the stairs are wet, icy or very steep and dangerous giving you peace of mind and preventing a possible fall.

Most companies can provide a quick turn around with installation and minimum disturbance as most stair lifts are designed for easy installation. Also there should be a guarantee should you have any faults or questions once installed.