Customer: Heather Location: Worcester, Worcestershire
Property: Detached family home
Staircase: Large sweeping staircase with multiple curves and a long rail
CUSTOMER BACKGROUND
Heather had lived in their Worcester home for many years, but using the large sweeping staircase was becoming increasingly difficult.
The customer was finding the stairs more tiring and was becoming less confident when travelling between floors. Their priority was to remain independent and continue enjoying every part of their home without having to rely on family members for assistance.
The family contacted Chapter Stairlifts for advice, particularly because they were unsure whether a stairlift could be installed successfully on such a large and sweeping staircase.
THE PROPERTY & STAIRCASE
The property featured a particularly impressive staircase with a large sweeping design and multiple changes in direction.
Unlike a conventional straight staircase, the rail would need to follow the natural curve of the stairs over a considerable distance. The length and shape of the staircase meant that a standard stairlift was not suitable.
There were several factors that needed to be considered, including:
- The overall length of the staircase
- The sweeping curves
- Multiple changes in direction
- Maintaining a comfortable and smooth ride
- Ensuring the stairlift fitted naturally within the staircase
- Allowing sufficient space for the customer and other household members
The customer was particularly keen to find a solution that worked with the staircase rather than making the impressive feature feel dominated by the stairlift.
PRODUCT INSTALLED: Access Flow X Curved Stairlift
Following a detailed assessment, the Access Flow X was selected.
The Flow X was particularly well suited to the staircase because its rail can be bespoke designed and manufactured to follow the individual shape of the stairs.
Important features for this customer included:
- Bespoke curved rail
- Ability to follow the staircase’s sweeping curves
- Smooth travel around multiple turns
- Comfortable seating position
- Automatic self levelling seat
- Powered swivel seat for easier access
- Compact design
- Easy-to-use controls
- Rail designed specifically for this staircase
The Flow X provided a solution where a conventional straight stairlift simply wouldn’t have been appropriate.
Why the Flow X Was Chosen
The customer had initially been concerned that the size and shape of the staircase might make a stairlift impractical.
However, the Flow X offered the flexibility required to create a genuinely bespoke installation.
Rather than trying to make the staircase fit a standard product, the rail was designed around the staircase.
This allowed Chapter Stairlifts to provide the customer with a solution that was both practical and sympathetic to the existing design of the home.
INSTALLATION PROCESS
The installation required careful planning because of the length and sweeping nature of the staircase.
The bespoke rail was manufactured specifically for the customer’s staircase before our installation team attended the property.
On installation day, the team carefully positioned and secured the rail along the staircase, paying particular attention to each curve and transition.
The installation took approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.
Once fitted, the Flow X was thoroughly tested along the entire length of the rail to ensure smooth and reliable operation from the bottom to the top of the staircase.
The customer was then given a full demonstration, including how to use the controls and the powered swivel seat.
As with every Chapter Stairlifts installation, the team worked respectfully within the customer’s home and left the staircase and surrounding area clean and tidy.
THE CHALLENGE
The biggest challenge was the scale and shape of the staircase.
With such a long sweeping staircase, precision was particularly important. The rail needed to follow the natural curve without compromising the customer’s comfort or the operation of the stairlift.
The Flow X’s bespoke design allowed our team to overcome these challenges and create a stairlift that followed the staircase naturally.
THE OUTCOME
The finished installation has made a significant difference to Heather’s everyday life.
The customer can now travel between floors without the physical effort and uncertainty that previously came with using the stairs.
The Flow X has provided:
- Greater independence around the home
- Safer access between floors
- Reduced physical strain and fatigue
- Greater confidence when using the staircase
- Increased reassurance for family members
- The ability to continue using all areas of the home
For the family, the installation has also provided peace of mind knowing that Heather has a safe and reliable way of accessing the upper floors.
Most importantly, the stairlift means the customer can continue to enjoy their home rather than feeling restricted by its staircase.
CHAPTER STAIRLIFTS VIEW
This Worcester installation is a great example of how no two staircases are the same.
A large sweeping staircase can initially appear challenging, but with careful planning and the right bespoke solution, it is possible to create a stairlift that works beautifully with the existing staircase.
The Flow X was the ideal choice for this installation, allowing the rail to follow the staircase’s sweeping curves and provide the customer with a smooth, comfortable and reliable journey between floors.
At Chapter Stairlifts, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
We listen to our customers, assess their staircase and recommend the solution that works for them.
Independent advice. Bespoke solutions. Professional installation.
At Chapter Stairlifts, we don’t believe in recommending the same solution to everyone. We listen to what matters to each customer, assess their staircase and discuss the options available before making a recommendation.
Brand new or reconditioned – we’ll help you find the right solution for your home, your needs and your budget.
Independent advice. Professional installation. Long-term support.
