Stair lifts are
among the most popular home modifications among people who are capable
of living in their own homes with one exception: they have trouble
navigating the stairs. People who opt for a stairlift do so for many
reasons. These are some of the reasons that people who choose chairlifts
and stair lifts make the decision.
Freedom
Stairlifts
afford you the freedom to remain in your own home rather than leaving
your familiar surroundings behind. With a stairlift installed, you once
again have access to all the levels of your home, whenever you want.
Self-Reliance
Are
you tired of counting on someone else to run up and down the stairs for
you? With a stairlift you can easily make those trips yourself. There’s
no worry about being unable to get to something on another level in
your house if you’re the only one at home. With an outdoor stairlift
you can even start bringing in your own groceries again because you no
longer need two hands to grip the railing or a cane. Stairlifts allow
you to rely on yourself again.
Peace of Mind
When you have a
stairlift installed, your kids don’t have to worry about you losing
your balance or tripping and falling when you go up and down the stairs.
That gives them priceless peace of mind so that they can go to work and
live their lives without concern for your safety.
Take Back Control of Your Life
When
you start losing the ability to do the things you’ve always done, it’s
easy to feel as if your life has spiraled out of control. How helpless
does it feel to know that there are places in your own house that you
can no longer reach because it’s too painful to climb the stairs? A
chairlift gives you back the ability to move about your house freely,
and gives you back a sense of control.
No Worries About Power Outages
One
of the biggest concerns people have is that they’ll be trapped on an
upper floor in the event of a power failure, but that’s not a concern
with most stairlifts, which are powered by batteries. Even after the
power goes out, a fully charged stairlift should be able to make 10 to
15 trips up or down the stairs.
Stairlifts and chairlifts are an
inexpensive alternative to more expensive – and far more complicated –
through-the-floor solutions like elevators and minivators. If mobility
is a concern for you, contact a supplier of high quality stair lifts and
find out how one can make your life better today.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Advice on Choosing Stairlifts
Stairlifts
are among the most popular home modifications, making it possible for
thousands of people to remain in their homes rather than moving to more
accessible living arrangements. There are many types and styles of
chairlifts available on the market, and choosing the right one can be
confusing. Age UK offers these bits of advice to help you choose among
all the stairlifts and chairlifts to find the one that’s best for you.
Consider Your Condition
Stairlifts are generally expected to last 10 to 15 years. Will the one you purchase today still serve your needs in a decade? If you suffer from a progressive disorder that is expected to worsen, a basic stairlift may only serve your needs for a few years – or it may be perfectly fine for the foreseeable future.
Likewise, think twice before deciding to save money by installing the stairlift on just a part of the staircase and taking the last few steps after a landing on your own. It’s easier to install stairlifts all in one go. If your condition worsens in a few years and you can’t manage those stairs, it will be far more expensive to retrofit a modification to your existing stairlift than it would have been if you simply covered the full staircase from the start.
Can the person who will be using the stairlift bend their knees enough to use the seated stairlift While chairlifts are the best known type of stair lifts, there are also lifts designed for people to stand and ride safely, as well as combination stairlifts that combine a chair and a standing platform for households where more than one person uses the chairlift.
Consider the Environment
Are there doors or passages that will be blocked by the stairlift track? Consider a style that includes an optional motorized track extension that will retract the excess track when the chairlift is not in use.
Will other people be able to use the staircase when the stair lift is folded up out of the way? Is it easy to fold up and down for the person who will be using it?
Controls
Will the person riding the chairlift be using the controls? If so, are the controls located in a position that is easy for that person to reach, and can they operate them easily? If not, can the controls be modified to use a joystick or other type of control that they can operate? Many chairlifts also include remote control options so that the user can call the lift from the top or bottom of the stairs as well as operate it on board.
Stairlifts can make your home accessible, comfortable and safe again. Take the time to choose the right type and style of stair lift for your needs and it will serve you for years.
Consider Your Condition
Stairlifts are generally expected to last 10 to 15 years. Will the one you purchase today still serve your needs in a decade? If you suffer from a progressive disorder that is expected to worsen, a basic stairlift may only serve your needs for a few years – or it may be perfectly fine for the foreseeable future.
Likewise, think twice before deciding to save money by installing the stairlift on just a part of the staircase and taking the last few steps after a landing on your own. It’s easier to install stairlifts all in one go. If your condition worsens in a few years and you can’t manage those stairs, it will be far more expensive to retrofit a modification to your existing stairlift than it would have been if you simply covered the full staircase from the start.
Can the person who will be using the stairlift bend their knees enough to use the seated stairlift While chairlifts are the best known type of stair lifts, there are also lifts designed for people to stand and ride safely, as well as combination stairlifts that combine a chair and a standing platform for households where more than one person uses the chairlift.
Consider the Environment
Are there doors or passages that will be blocked by the stairlift track? Consider a style that includes an optional motorized track extension that will retract the excess track when the chairlift is not in use.
Will other people be able to use the staircase when the stair lift is folded up out of the way? Is it easy to fold up and down for the person who will be using it?
Controls
Will the person riding the chairlift be using the controls? If so, are the controls located in a position that is easy for that person to reach, and can they operate them easily? If not, can the controls be modified to use a joystick or other type of control that they can operate? Many chairlifts also include remote control options so that the user can call the lift from the top or bottom of the stairs as well as operate it on board.
Stairlifts can make your home accessible, comfortable and safe again. Take the time to choose the right type and style of stair lift for your needs and it will serve you for years.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions About Stairlifts
Stairlifts
are one of the biggest boons to people who want to remain in their
homes despite mobility problems. A stairlift removes the biggest barrier
most people face in their own homes – the perilous ascent and descent
to and from the second story. With chairlifts in place, adults who were
facing a forced move to assisted living can often remain in their homes
because their biggest barrier has been addressed. If you have more
questions about chairlifts, you may find them answered here.
Can You Install a Stairlift on Any Stairs?
It’s almost always possible to install chairlifts on a staircase, but there are exceptions. The odds are with you, though. Most installers find that they can install stairlifts 95% of the time. Of course, the particular stairlift you like may not be suitable for your home. That’s why the first step in fitting stairlifts is a visit to your home by a surveyor who will evaluate the type of stairlift that’s best for your particular staircase.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Stairlift?
A lot less time than you might expect. While the exact time needed to install stairlifts varies according to the model and installer, in many cases your stairlift can be installed in less than an hour. A professional installer will test the chairlift thoroughly to make sure it’s properly installed and in working order, and show you all the features so that you know how to use it before he leaves.
Can You Install Stairlifts on Curving Staircases?
Yes. There are models of stairlifts designed specifically for installation on curved staircases. They’re fitted to the stairs, not to the wall. Your stairlift will easily negotiate corners and get you from the top to the bottom – and vice versa – safely.
Will I Get Stuck If There’s a Power Failure?
It depends on the make of the stairlift The best stairlifts operate on battery power, just as an electric wheelchair or mobility chair does. You’ll always have plenty of warning that your battery needs charging, and your stairlift will operate just as it always does even if there is a power failure.
How Much Do Stairlifts Cost?
The cost of a stairlift depends on many factors, including the dimensions of your staircase. If you want to find out how much it would cost to install one or more chairlifts in your home, you can call an installer and have a surveyor come by to give you a quote.
Stairlifts offer people the ability to remain in their homes even when mobility has become an issue. You can learn more by calling a company that installs chairlifts with your questions.
Can You Install a Stairlift on Any Stairs?
It’s almost always possible to install chairlifts on a staircase, but there are exceptions. The odds are with you, though. Most installers find that they can install stairlifts 95% of the time. Of course, the particular stairlift you like may not be suitable for your home. That’s why the first step in fitting stairlifts is a visit to your home by a surveyor who will evaluate the type of stairlift that’s best for your particular staircase.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Stairlift?
A lot less time than you might expect. While the exact time needed to install stairlifts varies according to the model and installer, in many cases your stairlift can be installed in less than an hour. A professional installer will test the chairlift thoroughly to make sure it’s properly installed and in working order, and show you all the features so that you know how to use it before he leaves.
Can You Install Stairlifts on Curving Staircases?
Yes. There are models of stairlifts designed specifically for installation on curved staircases. They’re fitted to the stairs, not to the wall. Your stairlift will easily negotiate corners and get you from the top to the bottom – and vice versa – safely.
Will I Get Stuck If There’s a Power Failure?
It depends on the make of the stairlift The best stairlifts operate on battery power, just as an electric wheelchair or mobility chair does. You’ll always have plenty of warning that your battery needs charging, and your stairlift will operate just as it always does even if there is a power failure.
How Much Do Stairlifts Cost?
The cost of a stairlift depends on many factors, including the dimensions of your staircase. If you want to find out how much it would cost to install one or more chairlifts in your home, you can call an installer and have a surveyor come by to give you a quote.
Stairlifts offer people the ability to remain in their homes even when mobility has become an issue. You can learn more by calling a company that installs chairlifts with your questions.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Stairlifts, Safety Modifications Allow Seniors to Remain at Home
There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that seniors benefit from remaining
in familiar surroundings as they age, but many times physical barriers
make that difficult. Fortunately, there are also many products and
services that help eliminate those barriers and allow older adults to
continue living in their own familiar homes. Stairlifts
and other accommodations make homes more accessible and safer for those
who have limited mobility for any reason. These are the most popular
and useful home modifications for seniors who want to remain at home.
Stairlifts
Stair lifts, also called chair lifts, are a major boon to anyone who has navigating stairs in a home that has two or more stories. Stairlifts provide access to upper floors for those who are unable to climb stairs, and can be a deciding factor in whether a person remains in their home or has to move to a nursing home, assisted living facility or a one-story home. In addition to being useful to people who have trouble climbing the stairs because of a physical disability, chair lifts make stairs safer for people who suffer from balance problems or who are at risk of falling.
Additional Lighting in Hallways and Stairs
Stairwells and hallways can be darker than expected – especially if there’s only one light switch to control the lights. One or two additional light fixtures can make stairs safer and make it easier for people to see the controls on stairlifts or the edges of the steps. Adding a light switch immediately outside bedroom doors, at each end of the hallway or at both the top and bottom of the stairs ensures that seniors will always be able to turn on a light for safety before starting up or down stairs.
Adjust Counter Height
Kitchen counters are designed for people who are standing, but many older Americans have trouble standing for the length of time it takes to do food prep work. One solution is to adjust the height of the kitchen counters and remove cabinets beneath them, allowing a chair to be pulled up to the counter for food preparation.
Entrance Ramps
Stairs can be an issue outside the house as well as inside. If the stairs are steep, chair lifts can be installed under a canopy or covering to protect it from the weather. Ramps are useful for shorter inclines, such as one or two steps up to the front door. They’re also a useful modification for adults who use mobility chairs to get around outside the home.
Stairlifts and other modifications make it possible for older Americans to stay in their homes safely and comfortably rather than having to give up the home they’ve spent a lifetime building.
Stairlifts
Stair lifts, also called chair lifts, are a major boon to anyone who has navigating stairs in a home that has two or more stories. Stairlifts provide access to upper floors for those who are unable to climb stairs, and can be a deciding factor in whether a person remains in their home or has to move to a nursing home, assisted living facility or a one-story home. In addition to being useful to people who have trouble climbing the stairs because of a physical disability, chair lifts make stairs safer for people who suffer from balance problems or who are at risk of falling.
Additional Lighting in Hallways and Stairs
Stairwells and hallways can be darker than expected – especially if there’s only one light switch to control the lights. One or two additional light fixtures can make stairs safer and make it easier for people to see the controls on stairlifts or the edges of the steps. Adding a light switch immediately outside bedroom doors, at each end of the hallway or at both the top and bottom of the stairs ensures that seniors will always be able to turn on a light for safety before starting up or down stairs.
Adjust Counter Height
Kitchen counters are designed for people who are standing, but many older Americans have trouble standing for the length of time it takes to do food prep work. One solution is to adjust the height of the kitchen counters and remove cabinets beneath them, allowing a chair to be pulled up to the counter for food preparation.
Entrance Ramps
Stairs can be an issue outside the house as well as inside. If the stairs are steep, chair lifts can be installed under a canopy or covering to protect it from the weather. Ramps are useful for shorter inclines, such as one or two steps up to the front door. They’re also a useful modification for adults who use mobility chairs to get around outside the home.
Stairlifts and other modifications make it possible for older Americans to stay in their homes safely and comfortably rather than having to give up the home they’ve spent a lifetime building.
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