Factors Behind The Growing Demand For Stairlifts In The UK & Ireland

Stairlifts have completely changed the game when it comes to facilitating accessibility for people with mobility problems. With these easy-to-use mobility solutions, users can safely and conveniently navigate stairs within buildings. Stairlifts have become invaluable aids for people with mobility problems, especially given the fact that the UK’s historical architecture is largely composed of multi-level dwellings.

Over the recent past, the European stairlift market has demonstrated a lot of potential for growth. Currently valued at around £197 million, it is expected to reach upwards of £274 million over the next five years. This represents a 5.67 percent compounded annual growth rate.

The growth is a sign of increasing demand as well as improvements and innovations in stairlift installation services and technology according to Irish Stairlifts in Dublin.

The UK’s Part In The Stairlift Market

The United Kingdom is a major player in the European stairlift market. Stair falls account for more than 500 fatalities and serious injuries in close to 300,000 individuals, each year in the UK. These figures point to the dire need for a practical and reliable solution. Enter stairlifts. They are more than a simple convenience – for many, these devices are a useful safety measure safeguarding them against serious injuries and/or fatalities.

A variety of accompanying factors have pushed the UK to become one of the major participants in this market. The aging population, detailed awareness of mobility issues and strong government support for those affected are among the main factors behind the industry’s performance.

Factors Driving The Growing Demand For Stairlifts

There are many factors behind the growing demand for stairlifts in the UK and Ireland. They include:

1. Uptick of Physical Injuries

The number of people who sustain serious injuries affecting their mobility has been on an upward trend for many years now. Common causes of these injuries include falls, motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Many of these injuries affect the body movements and general mobility of victims. Individuals with limited mobility find it hard to climb a flight of stairs – hence necessitating the installation and use of stairlifts.

2. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

Chronic diabetes and muscular diseases like Parkinson’s can lead to major mobility issues. People suffering from diabetes can be seriously affected by falls. Furthermore, amputations associated with diabetic complications can also have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to move around. In both cases, stairlifts become a necessity.

People suffering from Parkinson’s have diminished movement and muscle control. This creates the need for stairlifts – in order to facilitate convenient and safe movement.

3. Increasing Cases of Neuropathy

In addition to causing extreme physical discomfort/pain over time, neuropathy also causes serious mobility problems among victims. It becomes increasingly harder for victims to use the stairs as the condition progresses. This leads to the need for stairlifts in a bid to facilitate the safe use of stairs and maintain the utmost level of independence among patients.

4. Hospitals

While most stairlifts are installed in homes, hospitals also account for a significant share of the growing demand. More and more healthcare facilities are looking to have these helpful devices installed to accommodate individuals/patients suffering from mobility issues. The installation of stairlifts in healthcare facilities from professionals such as O Connor Carrol Stairlifts makes it easier to transport patients to treatment rooms with minimal hassle.

5. Affordability

As the cost of acquiring and installing stairlifts becomes more affordable to people suffering from chronic diseases, the demand for these assistive devices is expected to grow exponentially. The average installation cost is around £3,400. While it is considered to be a significant number, the price – which has been on a downward trend – cannot be compared with the benefits it brings users – by ensuring convenient, safe and independent movement up and down stairs.

6. Availability of Financing Options

To make things even better, the UK government has had a sustained push to ensure widespread access to stairlifts for individuals struggling with mobility. While the cost of this adaptable equipment has been on a downward trend, it is still considered to be a major stumbling block toward ownership for those in need. To eliminate this hurdle, the government assists with various financing options offered through the NHS and Disabled Facilities Grants.

7. Favourable Government Policies

In addition to providing financing options, the UK government has also spearheaded a variety of measures aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. For instance, the government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility issues by initiating measures aimed at making it easier to install stairlifts in communal areas of leasehold and rented homes.

8. Covid-19 Pandemic

The pandemic created a huge opportunity for growth when it comes to the installation and use of stairlifts and other mobility devices in homes. At the height of the pandemic, authorities recommended that individuals – especially older ones – isolate at home. This recommendation combined with the limited space available for virus patients in healthcare facilities, led to increased demand for domestic solutions like stairlifts.

9. A Growing Variety

Technological innovation in the field of stairlifts has led to the introduction of wheelchair-compatible, curved and outdoor elevators. Stairlift variants designed with safety belts, moveable seats, stop buttons, call stations, flip-up rails and more are also finding their way into the market. As a result, this adaptable equipment is experiencing growing demand.

Growing Into The Future

At its core, the stairlift market aims to improve lives, one step at a time. In the UK and Ireland, the demand for stairlifts is expected to continue growing thanks to the various driving factors including necessity, government support and industry innovations, among others.