One of the biggest problems as we get older is growing lack of mobility and balance, especially on steps,stairs. Take steps to minimise the risk, to prevent a fall, to create a fall prevention strategy.

Convention dictates that where stairs are concerned, the solution is a stairlift.

But that involves major disruption to the home, with fixing to the wall or through the stairs. It restricts safe access and use of the stairs by other members of the household. 

It only addresses the problem at home…

Is there an alternative....?

An alternative that does not require installation, alteration to the physical structure of the home.

That does not occupy space nor restrict the other family members’ use of the internal space. That is portable, so can be used wherever varying levels would restrict. That can be in place and in use within days⁽¹⁾.

The answer is yes: an S-Max stairclimber.

The battery-powered kinematic unit is Class 1 Medical Device certified. It means any member of the family or a carer can, with appropriate training, safely and smoothly help the limited person get up and down any steps and stairs- in the home, or away. 

Daily activities (occupations) become within scope again.

The S-Max can be fitted to most standard wheelchairs, so there is no need to risk transferring from wheelchair to another piece of equipment to get up and down stairs, with the associated potential to fall in the process. 

With an integrated seat- the S-Max Sella- the unit can easily move up and down stairs and beyond into wherever needed- the bathroom, bedroom, lounge, kitchen, the garden.

There is no need to transfer.

This flexibility mean the S-Max satisfies the key ethos of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists guidance: any intervention should be “person centred and occupation focussed” and that it should take “a broad holistic view on person, environment, occupation”⁽²⁾.

Both versions of the S-Max can fold compactly away when not in use and are small and light enough to fit into a car boot to ease access in the wider community.

We engineered the S-Max to enable even a petite person to easily move someone up to 135kg/21st at a speed with which they are comfortable (even one step at a time, through the patented ComfortStep feature).

The S-Max is available in the UK exclusively through AAT GB.

Thousands are now in daily use throughout the UK, since the company began 15+ years ago.

AAT’s nationwide team of assessment managers can support an OT or directly with the recipient to prescribe the most appropriate option, and support, harnessing, seating accessories if needed.

Our team will also train anyone who will be using the stairclimber to ensure optimal safety at all times and provide annual servicing if required.

We are so confident in the scope and relevance of the S-Max in its ability to address almost any staircase and user that we offer a free no obligation assessment service. This can be booked online at AAT’s website www.aatgb.com/s-max or by emailing sales@aatgb.com or telephoning 01978 821875.

(1) we endeavour to be on site to assess potential users within 10 working days; the S-Max is available ex-stock, so we can deliver within three working days of receipt of order. Most Authorities have S-Max’s already, so one can be re-issued from Stores when available. 

(2) https://www.rcot.co.uk/node/396