Mar
15
To increase the ability of individuals to use the stairs, stair lifts are often employed. A stair lift is oft used by seniors, but there are many who have difficulty using the stairs and could thus benefit from a stair lift.
These devices can be used on most staircases and typically attach to the staircase itself. The lift is designed to support one rider and safely carry them up the stairway. In this manner, the rider will be carried up the stairs as opposed to walking up the stairs and potentially falling, which can quite often causes grievous injury.
These devices offer a service that in some regards could be compared to an elevator, in that both of these lifting devices can be used to move a person between floors and remove the need to use the stairs. However, they operate quite differently.
An elevator moves vertically between floors and requires an open space in the building that is large enough for the elevator car and pulley system. A stair lift, on the other hand, is attached directly to the staircase in most instances and moves lengthwise up and down the stairs. In this regard, they are perhaps more similar to an escalator, but much safer.
There are several types of stair lifts available, including a sitting stair lift and a standing stair lift. The sitting stair lift is often referred to as a stair chair, is the safest option, because the occupant remains safely seated as the lift is moving. Most come with, or have as options, seat belts. Some also have chest restraints available. These come in handy especially for caretakers, who can safely strap their ward in and move them between floors quickly and easily.
The other main type of stair lift is called a perch lift or standing stair lift and is not as safe of a choice, because the occupant will remain standing as they move up the stairs. They get their name from the small platform that the user will ‘perch’ upon. Most provide several handrails, which are sometimes adjustable, and some even have a place the rider can lean their hips against as they are carried up the stairs. Even with the handrails and the small bench, these lifts tend not to be as safe of an option, so unless you specifically need a standing stair lift out of medical necessity, it is usually not recommended.
There are two other categories that stair lifts fall into, which involves how the stair lifts are powered. They all plug into the wall, so an electrical outlet must be located by the top or bottom of the stairs, but some use the power directly, while others use batteries. The battery lifts are a great choice, because even if the power goes out, the lift continues to work.
The other type of lift that doesn’t have a battery will usually cost a bit less and have a lower maintenance cost, but if the power goes out, you will not be able to use this type of lift.
Stair lifts can be an excellent tool to increase safety, but they also allow an individual to use the staircase independently. This can help increase confidence and allow a person to maintain their independence, without requiring a major change to their lifestyle.
Daryl Lahnker, a writer, has a strong medical background and is very knowledgeable about stair lifts. These devices can make using the stairs safe again, without sacrificing independence or requiring a major home renovation. These devices are not intended for use with most wheelchairs though, so for wheelchair access you would need a wheelchair lift. Wheelchair lifts are basically a mini-elevator, which is installed alongside a staircase. Do to their size and the way they are built, they are most commonly used outdoors on the front steps.
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