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If you find it difficult getting up and down the stairs in your home, installing a stair lift can make your stairs much easier to navigate. Stair lifts come in many different configurations to suit the needs of different users, so you are sure to find a stair lift model that gets you up and down the stairs comfortably and safely.

If you are considering installing a stair lift because you have problems with the joints in your lower body, choosing a stair lift with suitable features is especially important. If you suffer from pain, immobility, or weakness in your hips, knees, or ankles, the following stair lift features can be especially useful to you:

Rotating Seats

Stair lifts with rotating seats can swivel to face the upstairs and downstairs landings when you get on and off the lift. They make it much easier to get in and out of your stair lift if problems with your hips or knees make it difficult to slide into a sideways-facing seat. If your lower joint issues affect your balance, being able to swivel your seat towards the upstairs landing before getting off will minimize the risk of falling.

Automated Footrest

Footrests are a standard feature on all stair lift models and prevent your feet from dragging over the stairs while you move upstairs or downstairs. They can also make it easier to get on the stair lift if you have trouble raising your feet above a certain height.

However, if you have stiff or painful lower joints, you may find it difficult to lower the footrest before getting on or to raise it after you get off. Keeping the footrest lowered to avoid this problem can obstruct your stairway, which can be inconvenient if you share your home with people who don't use the stair lift.

In these situations, stair lifts with automated footrests can be useful. Automated footrests contain small motors that raise and lower the footrest at the push of a button. This button is usually located on the lift's armrest and can be reached without bending down.

Powered Seating

Problems with your hips or knees can make it difficult to stand up and get out of your stair lift when you reach your destination. Powered seating (sometimes called active seating) can provide a helping hand. Powered seats slowly rise up as you lift yourself out of your stair lift, providing useful support for your lower body and making it easier to stand up without pain or stiffness.

Perch Stair Lifts

If you find sitting down and standing up very painful or difficult, and would prefer to remain on your feet while you use your stair lift, consider choosing a perch stair lift. Instead of a conventional seat, these stair lifts are fitted with a raised, shaped perching cushion that resembles a large bicycle saddle.

A perch stair lift allows you to take the weight off your feet, without sitting down while you use the stair lift, and keeps you in a supported, semi-upright position. They are very useful for people with severe lower joint immobility. Perch stair lifts are also smaller than seated stair lifts, which can be useful if your home has a narrow stairway.