If your parent has arthritis, stairs can become painful and dangerous. Swollen joints, stiff knees, and reduced grip strength make every trip up and down a challenge -- and a risk.
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons families start looking at stairlifts. The good news is that most stairlifts can be configured specifically to help with the challenges arthritis creates.
How arthritis affects stair use
Knee and hip pain
Osteoarthritis in the knees and hips makes the bending motion of climbing stairs extremely painful. Many people with knee arthritis can manage flat surfaces but find stairs almost impossible, especially coming down.
Reduced grip strength
Arthritis in the hands and wrists can make gripping a bannister difficult. If your parent cannot hold on firmly, they are at risk of losing their balance on the stairs.
Fatigue
Arthritis is not just about pain. The chronic inflammation causes fatigue, meaning your parent may simply not have the energy for the stairs some days -- particularly in the evening.
Flare-ups
Arthritis is unpredictable. Your parent may manage the stairs on good days and be unable to use them on bad days. A stairlift gives them reliability regardless of how their condition is that day.
Which stairlift features help with arthritis
Powered swivel seat
At the top of the stairs, the seat turns automatically to face the landing. This means your parent does not need to twist their body to get off -- crucial for anyone with hip or knee arthritis.
Powered footrest
A motorised footrest folds and unfolds automatically, so your parent does not need to bend down. This is one of the most important features for people with knee arthritis.
Easy-grip controls
Look for stairlifts with large, ergonomic controls that can be operated with minimal hand strength. Some use a toggle that can be pushed with a fist or forearm rather than gripped.
Padded, comfortable seat
A well-padded seat with good support is important for comfort during the ride and while getting on and off. Some models offer adjustable seat height to find the position that puts least strain on arthritic joints.
Straight or curved?
This depends on your parent's staircase, not their condition. Arthritis does not require a specific type of stairlift. Straight staircases use a standard rail (£1,800-£5,500 installed). Curved or L-shaped staircases need a custom rail (£3,800-£8,000 installed).
Standing stairlifts for severe knee arthritis
If your parent cannot bend their knees enough to sit, a standing (or perch) stairlift may be an option. These allow the user to stand upright or lean against a padded support rather than sitting. Standing stairlifts start from around £2,000, though they are not suitable for everyone -- your parent will need reasonable upper body stability.
What to do next
If your parent has arthritis and is struggling on the stairs, a stairlift can make a significant difference to their daily comfort and safety. The next step is to request a free home assessment -- a surveyor will measure the staircase and discuss which features would work best for your parent's specific needs.
If your parent also has hip or knee replacement surgery planned or completed, see our guide on stairlifts after hip or knee replacement.