Not everyone remains fully mobile throughout their lives. A decrease in mobility may be caused my several factors, like age, injury, and poor eyesight. In situations like these the individual needs assistance to go up and down the stairs, and what better way than by using a stair lift. So if you believe that you or someone close to you needs mobility assistance, and you think about installing a stair lift but aren’t sure, then there are several things to know first.
How do stair lifts work
Not every home has the capability for a regular lift, since they can take up a lot of space. Stair lifts work on a similar principle, in that they’re attached to the stairs, and are normally plugged to a power outlet. Then by using a motorized chair with a lift mechanism, the stair moves up and down the stairs. Most stair lifts come with a batter so that in case of a power failure they can still function regularly.
There are different types of stair lifts
A great aspect of this technology is not only their convenience, but also their diversity. There are a few different types that easily conform to your needs.
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Straight stair lift – this type is the most economical of them all, because they’re mass produced and easily available. They’re not custom made, though, but they’re modular and can made fit to suit any straight stairs. Curved ones, or landings cannot be accommodated though.
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Curved stair lift – a more custom made type of stair lift, this one requires precision and careful measurement in order to fit the curve of the stairs properly. It’s great that there are different types of tools and methods that ensure full capability once they’re installed.
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Standing stair lifts – instead of a regular sitting chair lifts, this type requires the user to stand up. This is because there are some situations where the person is unable to bend their knee, or if the stairs are too narrow, and a few other medical conditions. They’re known as perch lifts and come with the same variety of features, like brakes and arm rests.
The design
Depending on the staircase or the person, everyone has different needs, and here is where most stair lifts differ. Typically stair lifts are designed for heavy duty use, and can accommodate most normal staircases with ease, and the seat can be customized with a few features, such as foot and arm rest, or swivel seats. In practically all of the cases there is a button to call the seat if it’s on the other side, and that’s a very convenient feature.
Maintenance
As with any piece of machinery, stair lifts see some wear and tear after a while. They require maintenance, which is described in the manual, along with which tools are required for different types of maintenance. In most cases the stair lifts can be easily maintained, and light repairs are easy, but it is possible to have to call for a specialist that will service your stair lift.
This amazing piece of technology is quite easy to use, and it’s getting more and more affordable with each passing year. Innumerable people are using stair lifts on a daily basis, and they continue to help people with mobility issues regularly.
