Introduction
Arthritis is the most common reason people in the UK buy a stairlift. Acorn Stairlifts has reported that over 50 percent of their customers cite arthritis pain as the main reason for their purchase. When joints are inflamed and painful, climbing stairs becomes a daily ordeal - and a stairlift removes that entirely.
But not all stairlifts work equally well for arthritis sufferers. Some features make a genuine difference to ease of use and comfort. Others are largely irrelevant. This guide focuses on what actually matters.
The Powered Swivel Seat: Why It Matters
Getting on and off a stairlift involves transferring your weight and rotating to face away from the stairs before standing. For someone with arthritis in the hips, knees, or spine, that rotation can be uncomfortable or even painful if not supported properly.
A powered swivel seat rotates automatically at the top and bottom of the staircase so you are facing the landing when the lift stops. You do not have to twist your body to dismount. For arthritis sufferers, this feature alone justifies the additional cost.
Some stairlifts include a manual swivel, where you rotate the seat yourself. This works, but requires a physical effort that can aggravate arthritic shoulders and hips. For moderate to severe arthritis, the powered version is the better choice. Ask specifically whether the swivel is powered or manual when comparing models.
Controls: What Works When Grip Is Limited
Arthritis often affects hand grip, finger dexterity, and wrist strength. Standard joystick controls can be difficult to operate when joints are inflamed. The best stairlift controls for arthritis users are those that require minimal grip and can be operated with the palm of the hand, a closed fist, or even a wrist movement.
Stannah stairlifts are frequently praised by arthritis users for their ergonomic paddle-style control that can be operated with any part of the hand. The Platinum Ergo also receives good marks for ease of operation with limited dexterity.
When having a stairlift survey, ask the assessor specifically about controls and whether you can try operating the recommended model before committing. If your hands are significantly affected by arthritis, this should be treated as a primary consideration rather than a secondary one.
Seat Comfort and Armrests: Getting Up Without Strain
A well-designed seat helps you stand up without putting undue strain on arthritic knees and hips. Look for:
- Padded, supportive cushioning that maintains shape over time. Thin foam that compresses quickly puts more pressure on joints.
- Armrests at the right height to push up from when standing. You should be able to rise from the seat using your arms to take weight off your knees, in the same way you would from a supportive armchair.
- Seat height that suits your leg length. If the seat is too low, standing up requires more knee effort. Your installer should adjust this during fitting.
- Ergonomic seat design that supports posture during the journey. The Platinum Ergo is specifically designed to reduce hip and lower back strain, which is worth noting for arthritis sufferers.
The Perch Seat: When Standard Seating Does Not Work
For people with severe arthritis in the knees or hips, sitting down and getting up from a conventional stairlift seat can still be difficult, even with a good swivel and supportive armrests.
A perch stairlift (also called a standing stairlift) uses a raised ledge rather than a full seat. You rest in a semi-standing position, leaning back slightly, with your legs taking most of your weight on the footrest. This avoids the full knee and hip flexion required by a conventional seated stairlift.
Perch stairlifts are available from Handicare (the 1000 model with perch seat option), Stannah (the Saddler model), and a few others. They work best for people who can stand comfortably but struggle to bend their joints into a seated position. Weight limits are slightly lower than standard seated models, typically up to 121kg rather than 127kg.
Remote Controls and Calling the Lift
Most stairlifts come with a handheld remote control that calls the lift to the top or bottom of the stairs. For arthritis sufferers, the size and operation of this remote matters.
Larger buttons are easier to press with swollen or stiff fingers. Some remotes require more force to activate than others. Wall-mounted call controls at the top and bottom of the stairs are also useful if carrying a handheld remote is difficult.
Ask to see the remote before purchase and try pressing the buttons. If the buttons require significant grip or finger strength, ask whether an alternative control is available. Some suppliers offer adapted controls for users with limited hand function.
VAT Relief for Arthritis Sufferers
Arthritis qualifies for VAT exemption under HMRC VAT Notice 701/7, as it is a condition the medical profession treats as a chronic illness. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis qualify. This means you can buy a stairlift at 0 percent VAT - a saving of 20 percent on the purchase price.
You do not need a doctor's letter. You complete a simple VAT declaration form with your supplier confirming you have a qualifying condition. The saving is applied at the point of purchase. On a 3,000-pound stairlift, that is 600 pounds saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A stairlift removes the need to climb stairs under your own power, eliminating the weight-bearing and joint stress that makes stairs painful for arthritis sufferers. For most people with arthritis affecting the knees, hips, or spine, a stairlift significantly reduces daily pain and helps preserve independence at home.
A powered swivel seat, easy-to-operate controls that do not require a strong grip, supportive armrests at a useful height for standing, and a seat at the right height for your leg length are the most important features. If your knee and hip flexion is severely limited, a perch stairlift may work better than a conventional seated model.
Yes. Arthritis qualifies for VAT exemption under HMRC rules as a chronic condition. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are covered. You pay 0 percent VAT rather than the standard 20 percent. Complete a VAT exemption declaration form with your supplier at the time of purchase - no doctor's letter is required.
A perch stairlift uses a raised ledge rather than a standard seat, allowing you to travel in a semi-standing position. This avoids the full knee and hip flexion of a conventional seat, which can be difficult or painful for people with severe arthritis in those joints. It is worth considering if sitting into a standard chair causes significant pain, but it is not necessary for most arthritis sufferers.
Stannah models are frequently praised for their ergonomic controls, which can be operated with any part of the hand - particularly useful for limited hand dexterity. The Platinum Ergo is designed to reduce hip and lower back strain. Handicare models offer perch seat options for those needing a standing position. A surveyor will be able to recommend the most suitable model after assessing your specific needs.
Conclusion
For arthritis sufferers, a stairlift works best when the features match the specific joints affected. A powered swivel seat is worth paying for if hip or back rotation is painful. Controls that work with an open hand or closed fist matter if grip and dexterity are limited. A perch seat is an option when full knee flexion is not possible.
Take the time to try different models before buying - a good supplier will facilitate this. And check your VAT exemption eligibility: arthritis qualifies, and the saving can be substantial.
Written by stair-lift-comparison · Content Team