| If a door at the top or the bottom of the stairs may be | | | | or if you would require powered operation. Most |
| blocked by the rail of the stairlift, there are a number of | | | | people do need the powered version as the |
| models designed to overcome this problem. Some | | | | mechanism can be quite heavy. Unfortunately these |
| manufacturers are able to produce a rail with reduced | | | | options will add to the cost of the lift.The only other |
| overhang upstairs, so the lift will not protrude as far | | | | option is to stop the rail of the lift short, to prevent it |
| into the hallway. This may solve the problem at the top | | | | protruding as far into the hallway. This might make |
| of your stairs and is a very cost effective solution.If | | | | getting off the lift dangerous and is not an ideal solution |
| there is a door or passageway at the bottom of the | | | | by any means. Again you must seek advice, |
| stairs then it is likely that you will need a folding track or | | | | preferably from an occupational therapist. Also take |
| hinged rail stairlift. This means that the bottom section | | | | into account that while you may be able to use the lift |
| of the rail can be folded out of the way when the lift is | | | | this way in the short term you may find it impossible in |
| not being used. This will allow you to gain access to a | | | | the future. Some companies may not consider it an |
| door that would be blocked by a normal rail and also | | | | option as they feel there is too much risk |
| means that there is no tripping hazard if you have an | | | | involved.Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin |
| open hallway downstairs.The hinged rail option is | | | | Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair |
| available from most suppliers but the cost and quality | | | | lifts and mobility products and author of an impartial |
| can vary greatly. Seek independent advice and | | | | online guide to having a stair lift in your home. |
| consider if you would be able to fold the rail manually | | | | |