This is one of the questions we do get asked from time to time from concerned families wondering if a stairlift solution is safe for their loved one to use.
The short answer is: it really all depends on the person who will be using the stairlift, whether they will be assisted, what kind of dementia they have and how it affects their mobility and cognition. There is no universal yes or no. What matters is a careful, person-centred assessment of the specific person, their type and stage of dementia, and how they respond to using a stairlift in practice.
We have successfully installed stairlifts for clients with Dementia who can operate their stairlift fine, or sometimes with carer assistance, often their spouse.
Why There’s No Simple Answer
Dementia is not one condition, it’s an umbrella term for different types of dementia that affect the brain in different ways and progress at different rates. Someone in the earlier stages of dementia may have good cognition for learning and remembering how to use a stairlift. Someone at a more advanced stage may not.
The key questions are whether the person can understand how the stairlift works, whether they can operate it safely and consistently, and whether they’re likely to use it in a way that could put them at risk. These aren’t questions that can be answered in a one size fits all blanket answer, they really need a proper assessment.
We also offer a wide range of products and would appropriately assess which kind of product would be most suitable. For more information here’s our article on How to Choose the Right Stairlift.
The Role of an Occupational Therapist
For a potential stairlift installation for a person with dementia, we’d strongly recommend involving an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the decision. An OT, along with the help of a stairlift company, can assess the person’s cognitive and physical abilities, make a clinical judgement about whether a stairlift is appropriate, and recommend the right solution for the persons specific situation. We work alongside OTs regularly and can be part of that assessment process.
Earlier Stages of Dementia
For people in the earlier stages of dementia, a stairlift can often be a safe and practical solution. Many people have the cognitive ability to learn how the stairlift works and to use it independently and consistently. The goal is always to support independence for as long as possible, and a stairlift can play an important role in that.
When a Carer Is Involved
As dementia progresses, many people are supported by a carer, whether that’s a spouse, a family member, a professional carer, or a combination of them all. Where possible independent use of the stairlift is great, however should the person be unable to use the stairlift, a carer can help.
Every stairlift we supply comes with remote controls, which can be used as carer controls. This means the carer can control the movement of the stairlift from the top or bottom of the stairs, guiding the person safely between floors without the person needing to operate the controls themselves. A carer would also normally assist with transfers on and off the stairlift at the bottom of the stairs and at the top landing, and also perhaps fastening the seatbelt too.
For families and carers, this can significantly extend the period during which a stairlift is a viable and safe solution, enabling the person to remain living in the home they love, in an environment they are comfortable living in familiar surroundings.
Our Approach: If It’s Unsafe, It Doesn’t Go In
This is the most important thing we can say on this subject.
If we assess a situation and we believe a stairlift would not be safe for the person using it, we will not provide a quotation or carry out an installation. We’re here to help people live independently at home but if the installation wouldn’t be safe we’d be completely honest and tell you.
If a stairlift was installed and we found out during the installation that it wasn’t safe for the customer to use, it is not something we would walk away from and leave installed in a home.
We also recognise that dementia can present differently from day to day. Someone may appear to manage well at a survey on a good day and then struggle when the lift is installed. We take this into account and handle every installation with care and understanding.
Trained in Dementia Awareness and Dementia Friends
Most of our staff are trained in Dementia Awareness and are Dementia Friends. This means that when you call us, visit our showroom, or welcome one of our team into your home, you’ll be dealing with people who have an awareness of dementia and understand how to communicate with sensitivity and patience. We’re not clinicians, but we do care about getting this right.
The Showroom Option: Try Before You Commit
If you’re unsure whether someone with dementia would be able to use a stairlift safely, one of the most useful things you can do before committing to an installation is bring them to one of our showrooms.
We have working stairlifts in our showrooms in Calne and Ferndown, and we can give you all a proper demonstration and the opportunity to try out the stairlifts to see how it will work in practice. Seeing how someone can follow the demonstration, remember what to do and have the cognition to do it will give everyone a much clearer picture.
Call ahead to book an appointment so we can make sure one of our staff members are available to do an assessment for you. You can find out more about our showroom here.
You can call our Calne showroom on 01249 814528 or Ferndown 01202 873730 to book your appointment.
What If a Stairlift Isn’t the Right Answer?
If a stairlift isn’t appropriate for someone’s specific situation, it’s important to know that other options may exist.
A through-floor home lift, for example, may be easier for some people with dementia to use. It’s a more enclosed space and looks like a familiar small passenger lift taking the person through the hole in the floor from one floor to another rather than travelling along a staircase on a chair. We do supply a range of homelifts and can discuss whether that might be a better fit. They can be used by the person and also on the enclosed models a carer can travel with the person in the lift together.
We do new, reconditioned and rental straight and curved stairlifts so if you really aren’t sure if a stairlift is the right fit longer term, why not try a rental stairlift with no minimum commitment.
An OT can also advise on other home adaptations that might help alongside or instead of a stairlift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with dementia use a stairlift independently?
It depends on the individual, the type and the stage of their dementia. Many people in the earlier stages can learn to use a stairlift independently and do so safely. For others, carer-assisted use with the remote controls is the safer approach. An OT assessment can help to clarify what’s appropriate for your specific situation.
What are the remote controls and how do they work?
Every stairlift comes with remote controls (like your tv controls) that allow a carer to operate the lift. The person using the lift sits on the stairlift while the carer controls the movement using the remote. This means the stairlift user doesn’t have to operate the controls themselves if they can’t do this independently.
What if the person’s dementia gets worse after the stairlift is fitted?
Dementia is progressive, and what works well at one stage may become less appropriate as the condition develops. If you have concerns about whether someone is still able to use the stairlift safely, contact us and we’ll come out to reassess the situation. If it’s no longer safe, we’ll advise you honestly on next steps.
Should I involve an OT before getting a stairlift for someone with dementia?
We’d strongly recommend it. An OT assessment gives you a clinical view of whether a stairlift is appropriate and what adjustments or additional support might be needed. We work alongside OTs regularly and are happy to be part of that process.
Is there a key switch to prevent unsupervised use?
Some stairlift models have a key switch option that prevents the lift from being used without the key being present. If preventing unsupervised use is a concern, ask us about this option at the survey stage. There are also many built in safety features on lifts to make sure the person using the stairlift is safe like sensitive edges to prevent trapping and seatbelts etc.
Talk to Us
If you’re considering a stairlift for someone with dementia and you’d like an honest conversation about whether it’s the right solution, give us a call. We’ll listen to the specific situation and give you our honest view.
We offer a range of new and reconditioned straight and curved stairlifts from various manufacturer models to suit all stair types. We also offer a range of home lift solutions too. For stairlifts we can also rent these models with no time period tie in, a consideration if you are not sure how your loved one will manage. Why not check out our Can you rent a stairlift? article in our Knowledge Centre.
We cover a wide area across the South and South West of England including Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and surrounding areas, from our offices in Calne and Ferndown.
Why Choose 1st Choice Stairlifts? might help you to decide on choosing a reputable stairlift installer.
Give us a call on 01249 814528. You can also contact us on our enquiry form.
We have a showroom in Calne, Wiltshire and Ferndown, Dorset just give us a call to book an appointment and we’ll make sure that you’ll have the showroom to yourself and a member of staff on hand to go through the demonstration with you.
Is now the right time for a stairlift – find out here.
You might also find this article helpful How to talk to a parent about getting a stairlift.
For guidance on how much a stairlift costs click here.
Author & Technical Review
Written by Coral Affleck-Major
Director, 1st Choice Stairlifts | 30+ years’ industry experience | Contributor to Which? Trusted Traders and recognised industry publications
Coral has worked in the stairlift and home accessibility industry since 1996. Before co-founding 1st Choice Stairlifts in 2004, she spent eight years working for leading stairlift manufacturers, giving her experience from both the manufacturing and independent sides of the industry. Over the past 30 years, she has helped thousands of customers understand their options and make informed decisions about stairlifts, home lifts and accessibility solutions.
Technically reviewed by Colin Major
Director, 1st Choice Stairlifts | 38+ years’ industry experience | Former Stannah engineer and technical reviewer
Colin has worked in the stairlift industry since 1987, including 15 years with Stannah before co-founding 1st Choice Stairlifts. With over 38 years of engineering experience, he reviews technical content for accuracy and draws on extensive knowledge of stairlift installation, servicing, fault diagnosis and complex accessibility solutions.
Our Commitment to Accurate, Independent Advice
As an independent stairlift specialist, we recommend products from a carefully selected range of leading manufacturers. Every article in our Knowledge Centre is written or reviewed by experienced members of our team and is based on real customer questions, product knowledge and practical experience gained over decades in the stairlift industry. We review our content regularly to keep it accurate and up to date in accordance with our Editorial Policy.
Last reviewed: 2nd September 2026
This article is reviewed periodically and updated whenever products, industry guidance or relevant information changes.
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