Stair Lifts

One of the hardest about getting older is the loss of freedom. It used to be easy to jump up in the air grab the attic door handle and climb up the attic steps with several boxes in your hand. Now, however, there are many areas of your house that are almost seem to be off limits for no other reason than your body is just not able to climb the stairs anymore.

A stair lift can help you open up your entire house. When you buy a stair lift you no longer should feel trapped in your own home because you can not traverse the steps. No longer will you have to rely on your loved ones to help you up the stairs. A stair lift can help you regain your freedom and mobility. There is no longer a need to buy a new home simply because you can no longer navigate the stairs.

Stair lifts are generally easy to install and set up and require little maintenance. Quality stair lifts can navigate narrow or winding stairs easily and safely. This prevents tripping or stumbling over the steps, or putting excessive strain on your loved one. This in and of itself is probably the number one reason to get a stair lift.

While new quality stair lifts are not very expensive, used stair lifts are also available at a much lower cost. When purchasing a used stair lift you should still make sure you purchase it from a reputable dealer. A reputable dealer will thoroughly inspect and test the device before shipping it out and refurbish it as well. If you just buy a used stair lift from a private individual you do not get any of these guarantees.

There are many reasons to get a stair lift and once you do you will feel like your whole world has opened up.

Stair Lift Safety

A stair lift is a device that helps those with disabilities or people who have trouble walking go up and down the stairs. These units work by sending a chair or small platform up and down the stairs along an attached track. Stair lifts are generally very safe, but there are some things you should keep in mind when using one of these devices.

Stair lifts are very helpful pieces of medical equipment; unfortunately to children they may look like toys. It is very important that you do not let young children use these devices unsupervised or in any manner other than the way that is recommended by the manufacturer. If your stair lift is in a public area, or if you will not always be there to supervise your unit you may consider purchasing a stair lift that can be locked with a key. This is the best way to guarantee that your stair lift will only be used in the way it was intended.

Make sure that the stair lift you purchase has a seat belt or other restraining device. This is a very important safety feature and, just like the seat belt in your car, it works better if you use it. Stair lifts are designed in such a way that they move slowly and very smoothly, but it is always better to air on the side of caution. By using the seat belt you guarantee that you will not fall or slip out of the chair.

Another safety consideration is the weight capacity of the unit. It is always important to honestly access your weight, or that of a loved one, and consider any expected growth when you purchase a stair lift. If you are just at the maximum weight limit, it is almost always better to get the next size up. This ensures that you will always be able to use the unit and that you can use your stair lift to carry your belongings up and down the stairs without worrying about exceeding the weight requirements.

By following these simple guidelines you will get many years of trustworthy and safe service.

Guide to Stair Lifts

People who have problem in mobility often find it difficult to move up and down on the stairs. A stair lift can make life much easier for them. Basically a stair lift is a chair which is track bolted down to a staircase. With only a push of a button the lift can be used to carry people, luggage, groceries laundry and anything else up and down. These lifts also come with a remote control that guides them to the desired floor. They also have swivel seats that turn away from the staircase. These chairs can be fixed on any side of the staircase with the help of a professional. So as to save space they also have a folding track at the lower landing area.

There are a variety of options available in case of stair lifts, with different shapes sizes and price’s. The technology and quality has improved a lot as compared to earlier times. Now stair lifts are less noisy and entail no risk of malfunctioning. They now come with remote control that enables us to control them from either of the directions. They have a comfortable seat and footrest. The start and stop movements are very smooth. Stair lifts also come with rechargeable batteries so that they can be used during power outages. They need to be parked in the correct place, and if not so then a signal will warn you of it.

All of the safety measures are kept in mind while making these chairs to ensure there is no hazard. They automatically stop whenever there is a problem with the armrest or seat and whenever the chair reaches the bottom or the top. They also come with child safety and can be locked so that children don't use them. Stair lift makes your life simpler and easier and guarantee's you that your loved one will not fall down the stairs. When stairs become a problem, it is often required that the person be shifted to the ground floor, but with stair lift you don’t have to change your house even a bit. It also reduces wear and tear of various joints in the person’s body, especially when he/she is not allowed to walk much.

Going Up and Down the Stairs Made Easier

There are several ways to provide access between residential floor levels for both the elderly and the handicapped. There are wheelchair lifts, residential elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stair lifts, etc. So far, the commonly and widely used method is the stair lift.

A stair lift can be installed in any home, normally at the edge of your already existing staircase. This transportation system includes a chair (with a footrest and armrests) and a motor. The person can simply sit on the chair while the stair lift gently takes both the chair and the one who occupies it up and down the floor levels. This is a convenient and safe alternative for the tiresome ascending and descending using the typical stairways.

Stair lifts come in a variety of lengths to suit different staircases. However, it must be remembered that a qualified and reliable technician must personally get the necessary measurements (angle and length) of your stairs at home. This “examination” process may involve asking the user some relevant questions such as the individual’s mobility limitations, whether the eventual user is right or left handed, and the like.

Stair lifts today are reliable, quiet and easily controlled with a joystick. Such joystick may be set on the armrest, depending on the individual needs and on the model and make of the stair lift. A stair lift can also be controlled with a remote control. This is helpful especially when more than one user is present in the home. By using the remote, the lift can be summoned from either bottom or top of the stairways.

In a stair lift, there is a park point where the stair lift gets to be recharged. The device also starts or stops gently, eradicating the possibility of bumping or jerking. The footrest is also well appointed, as well as the swiveling seat of the lift.

When electrical power supply is not available, the battery takes over which will ensure uninterrupted movement downwards or upwards of the stairs. Also, it has a troubleshooting display so the engineer can easily and rapidly resolve a malfunction.

A more sophisticated stair lift ensure safety by not operating whenever the carriage bumps into any barrier, or whenever the armrests, footrest, and seat are not in their right position. This system has also a switch to lock it up when necessary, particularly to keep the kids from unattended use of the stair lift.

Stair lifts intended for outdoor uses are made available to surmount the steps towards the garden or the door in front of the house. This can provide an easy ride for some sun exposure in the early morning. The outdoor stair lifts are as comfortable and quiet as those used indoors and can provide the same convenience and safety measures too.

If you are one of those individuals who have trouble going up and moving down the staircase, you will eventually think of constructing a bathroom or bedroom downstairs just to avoid the stairs. But you don’t need to make this home refurbishing if you have a stair lift installed in your home. GP

Stair Lifts: Reclaiming Your Upstairs

If you have trouble climbing the stairs and want to reclaim the upstairs of your house, you should invest in a stair lift. Most stair lifts are very well priced, but you can save some money by buying a used one. There are several considerations, however, when buying a used stair lift. The first step should be to analyze you needs and requirements. If your stairs are curved or very narrow than you will need a special type of stair lift. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages than you will probably need to purchase a battery operated lift. Once you have a solid idea of what you need and want in your stair lift it is time to start shopping around. While shopping around you should get an idea of the regular price of a stair lift. The main reason someone buys something used, whether it be cars, golf clubs, or stair lifts, is to save money. By having an idea of the regular price for a new stair lift, you can compare the price of the used stair lift and see if you are actually saving money. Even though you can probably find used stair lifts in the newspaper, being sold by individuals, this is usually unadvisable. If you are buying it from a stranger you have no real way of knowing how they treated the stair lift, or whether it is just going to break in a few months. When dealing with battery powered lifts you also do not have a real idea of the condition of the battery. You can glean some of this information from observing the condition of the chair and the condition of the individual’s house. If you do decide to purchase a used stair lift from an individual pay special attention to any signs of physical damage to the unit. Your best bet is going to be to find a reputable dealer that sells both new and used stair lifts. These dealers carefully inspect any piece of equipment that leaves their warehouse and you can use the stair lift without any worry of mechanical or other failure.

Stair Lifts Your Key to Freedom

Stair lifts have been around for close to 90 years. First developed in the 1920’s they have evolved into a very reliable and valuable product. For many thousands of Americans stair lifts provide an essential link between the different levels of their houses. It used to be that when you started to get older the first thing you did was sell your home and move into a single story home. This is no longer necessary because stair lifts can be safely installed in hours at a very affordable rate. In almost all instances it is very easy to install stair lifts in your home. The exception to this is when your stairs are incredibly narrow or curved. It can be very hard to watch someone you love struggle to get up or down the stairs. Even worse is the worry you can feel when you think about them doing it by their self when there is no one there to give them a helping hand. Stair lifts can allow the user to easily go up and down the stairs at the push of a button. While the installation is usually very simple and straightforward it is necessary to get an accurate measurement of your stairs. This can be done in several easy steps: - Using a measuring tape, measure the distance from the top landing to the floor at the bottom of the steps. Measure in a straight line and make sure the measuring tape is tight and does not sag between steps. - Next, using the same method as before, measure the distance from the landing to the bottom step. - You will now need to measure the width of the stairs. Measure long ways across the bottom step. - Next measure the distance from the bottom step to the nearest obstruction, such as a wall or door. - You are almost done now. All you need to do is measure the height and length of one of your steps. After you have an accurate measurement of your steps the installation will be simple and straight forward. Stair lifts can restore your confidence and make you feel safe again when you traverse the stairs in your home. Do not hesitate another moment, purchase a stair lift and make a decision that could very well save your life.

Curved Stair Lifts

A stair lift is a piece of home medical equipment that is used to carry people up and down the stairs. They are often called stair chairs because they frequently use a chair that is attached to a set of rails in order to transport a seated individual across the distance of the stairs. They do however make some models that utilize a small platform instead of a chair. The units themselves typically attach to the steps, and are found in several different shapes and sizes. For people with straight staircases, the installation is fairly straight forward and simple. Curved stair cases prevent a much more complicated installation and are much more expensive.

When you purchase a stair lift for a straight stair case, the rail system is cut to fit your specific stair case length. As long as you do not have abnormally narrow stairs, this is really the only custom part of your stair lift. When dealing with curved stairs, however, the whole track must be custom built to fit your specific stair case. Since there is no standard when it comes to curved stair cases, you will have to have a professional installer come and measure your stairs. The turn around time to build the custom track is usually anywhere from 1 ½ months to 3 months.

The fact that your track must be custom built translates into much higher costs for the consumer. A curved stair lift can easily cost in excess of $15,000. In addition they have little or no resale value. This is because every stair case is a little different; it is incredibly unlikely that you will be able to use it on any stair case with the exception of the one it was built for. This means that if you decide to move, in addition to not being able to sell it, you will not be able to put it in your new home.

In some instances it is actually possible to install 2 straight stair lifts in the place of 1 curved stair lift. This will save the consumer tremendous amounts of money, but is only possible on some types of stair cases. If your stair case features a landing halfway down, and if the stair case is 'L' shaped then it may be possible to use two stair lifts. If the curved stair case can be divided into 2 straight staircases, then it is possible to get away from the large costs associated with a curved stair lift.

If you have no other recourse than to get a curved stair lift, you will want to do a good deal of research before you commit to a specific model. Since you can expect to wait at least 6 weeks from the time you order it to the time they finish building it, you should resist the urge to purchase one just to get the ball rolling. Instead it is better to take your time and carefully find a company that has good reviews, both in the quality of their product, but also their responsiveness to customer needs. Curved stair lifts have notoriously been prone to mechanical problems, so ensure that you have found a dealer that provides a very good warranty as well.

Stair Lift Maintenance

Stair lifts are devices that are used to help individuals with mobility problems ascend and descend the stairs. Using a small platform, called a perch, or a chair, these devices carry the individual up and down the stairs using a track system. Quality brands like Acorn, Summit, and Ameriglide are all thoroughly tested so that they will provide you many years of dependable service. These quality stair lifts are engineered in such a way that they will need very little maintenance. There are a few things however that you should keep an eye on. It is often said that an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure. This is almost always true because most big problems started out as relatively small and benign things that could have been fixed if they had been caught. This is why it is important to pay attention to your stair lift. If you ever notice any movement or wobble to the track, then it is a good idea to inspect the braces and ensure that it is properly secured to the stairs. Most stair lifts require that the track be greased periodically. Check your owner’s manual and make sure you apply the proper type of grease at the frequency prescribed by the manual. This is probably the most maintenance you will ever have to do. There is also a fuse that may need to be replaced once in a blue moon. Otherwise, though, your unit should always move slowly and steadily. Some stair lifts are engineered in such a manner that they need no actual maintenance for several years. These quality stair lifts are made to run and function for a very long time. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, however, because it will guarantee your equipments long life. You should also always pay attention to how your stair lift runs and functions so you can spot anything out of the ordinary.

Choosing an Electric or Battery Powered Stair Lift

Choosing an Electric or Battery Powered Stair Lift

The advent of technologies has made great impacts on human lives. It has improved ways of doing things in various health related concerns and disability issues. The Stair lift is one invention that has provided tremendous effects in easing the need to go up or downstairs for people suffering from painful joint or back injuries. Many lives have improved and become more comfortable after installing an electric or battery powered stair lift in their homes. It is important to take note which type of stair lift to choose if you decide to have one. There are advantages and disadvantages when opting for a battery powered lift over an electric one.

Electric or AC powered stair lifts used to be the more popular option. It is directly connected to a main power supply through trailing cable. It generally runs on a 110 to 115 grounded VAC outlet. At the top of the stair is a spring-loaded drum that stores the cable. Obviously, its main advantage is being free from the hassle of changing and charging batteries. This is very important when you expect to use the stair lifts regularly or when more people is likely to use it. Also, AC models are usually cheaper than battery powered stair lifts. The major drawback is the dependency to power connection. If your area frequently experience power outages, then electric stair lifts may not be the best choice. AC models are also more prone to irregular stop and start motions. This of course can bring discomfort and even pain to users. The cables that it uses can be also a risk for anyone can trip from it accidentally.

Also known as DC powered stair lifts, battery stair lifts are apparently operated by a battery that should be recharged after a certain period of usage. There are DC models that provide charging stations anywhere on the trail or at both ends of the rail. The best thing about battery powered lifts is that you can use it anytime you want without worrying if a power outage or blackout suddenly occurs. It offers a smoother maneuver compare to AC models and are also quieter – a big difference for people with delicate health conditions. The main disadvantage is the time and effort you have to exert in charging the batteries. This is a real trouble when a lot of people are using the stair lifts too. Also, even though most batteries in the market now are inexpensive and last for many years, you still have to replace it over a period of time and you have to take note that this kind of battery does not come cheap.

The most important thing to consider when choosing which type of stair lifts to get is the need and requirements of the people expected to use it. The health condition of the user should be also taken into account. The frequency of use should be considered as well. After that, it will be easier for you to decide if an electric or battery powered stair lift is for you.

Buying an Electric Stairlift

Numerous models and styles of electric stair lifts are out in the market today. Each one has its own special features over the others. One model or brand can be cheaper but it does not necessarily follow that it is the best for you. Another model seems to be fine until you discover it is so difficult to maintain and the warranty is very short compare to other models. Asking and searching around are not enough to ensure you have the most appropriate lift. Below are some tips you may consider when planning to purchase an electric stair lift.

• Familiarize yourself with basic information
It is very helpful if at least one person in your home understands the basic information about electric stair lifts such as lifting capacity, fold up dimension, drive system, operator controls and many more. You can find such details on the Internet. This will prevent salesmen from confusing you with highfalutin technical terms. It will also help you in finding the right model to buy since you have a clear and better understanding of what you need.

• Determine your requirements
Obviously you are buying a stair lift because you need one. But who needs it? How many people do you expect to use it and how often? Where do you plan to put it? These are basic questions that should be answered even before you search for retailers and distributors. Knowing these important details can make you save so much time, effort, money and troubles in the future. After outlining your requirements, you will have easier time in deciding which model and features should you look for.

• Request for in-home consultation
The consulting team may be independent of the reseller or distributor you intend to purchase your stair lift from. They have the expertise and experience in checking and determining which electric stair lifts is best for your home. They can check flooring requirements, stair dimensions, electrical constraints, and other important things you have to know and should consider. A consulting party can even give recommendations on where to get the best deals. It may cost you an extra buck but if you end up getting a really good advice on all the features and extras you want for your lift then why not.

• Check for financing programs
You may have enough cash to fund the purchase of a new electric stair lift but considering some financing options would not hurt. It includes various bank loans, Federal Housing Administration and Department of Housing and Community assistance programs, health insurance coverage, and even IRS tax deductible. Using one of these financing plans may help you in getting the best stair lifts for your home.

So go ahead and do not end up unhappy and miserable. That bad knee or back pain surely needs time for therapy and healing. For the meantime, your newly bought electric stair lift should provide comfort, convenience and safety to you.

Buying a Wheelchair Lift

Buying a wheelchair lift can be a daunting task, especially if you are newly disabled or are purchasing a wheelchair lift for a loved one. There are many types of devices that are referred to as wheelchair lifts but most fall into two broad categories; vertical platform lifts or vehicle lifts.

The most elaborate and expensive type of wheelchair lift is the vertical platform lift. You may have seen this type of wheelchair lift at a commercial building or government office. This type of lift allows the wheelchair user to roll on to a platform and activate a lift mechanism by using controls mounted on the frame. A vertical lift can cost several thousand dollars and requires an expert to install. Additional inspections fees may also be associated with the installation of one of these lifts, depending on local codes and ordinances.

If you are planning on buying a vertical lift, be sure to verify the building codes in your area before laying down the cash. It would also be a good idea to bring in a private contractor to verify that you will be able to safely install the wheelchair lift on your existing structure while still complying with local codes.

Another type of wheelchair lift is the vehicle lift. There are literally hundreds of variations of the vehicle lift. Some types are only for vans with side entry. Other types utilize a boom to lift the chair into the rear cargo area of a smaller mini-van or SUV. The type that you require will depend on not only your needs, but on the type of vehicle that you own.

Most vehicle lifts sold today are of the smaller variety that is primarily used for lifting power wheelchairs or mobility scooters into the trunk of a car or the rear of an SUV. These lifts use a boom or swing-arm to lift the device up and over for easy loading. Then boom itself can be motorized or manually operated and will require a special docking device designed to couple with the specific type or brand of power wheelchair or scooter that you are using.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the types of wheelchair lifts on the market you can now begin searching for a distributor that will be able to meet your needs. More and more consumers are finding that, even with large items such as wheelchair lifts, shopping on line can safe you hundreds of dollars. Often the installation or measurement can also be included, since many on line resellers have nationwide networks of installers.

Acorn Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are devices that are made to carry people who suffer from arthritis, are older, or are otherwise mobility challenged use the stairs. Using either a set of batteries, or by plugging directly into the wall, these units are responsible for restoring independence and opening houses back up. They are often called stair chairs because generally a chair is attached to the stairs via an aluminum track. There are some models called perch lifts however, that utilize a small platform instead. A perch lift is usually used for someone who has trouble sitting down because of knee or back problems. One popular manufacturer of stair lifts is Acorn, who makes several models including a perch lift.

Acorn is a family owned company that operates worldwide. Their US headquarter is in Orlando, Florida, and they employ over 800 employees worldwide. Acorn opened their doors in 1992 and began buying and selling new and reconditioned stair lifts. They quickly realized, due to high demand, that they would not be able to continue purchasing stair lifts and reselling them, and maintain their commitment to their customers, so they began manufacturing their own. Over the years Acorn pioneered the battery stair lift, and has continuously brought innovation and remarkable engineering to the field. They currently manufacture more than 30,000 units a year. Acorn has a very strong presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, South America, Europe, and Australia. Their quality and professional workmanship has made them into the powerhouse they are today, and they are the largest independent straight stair lift manufacturer in the world.

One of their stair lifts that has a very distinctive design is the Acorn 140. It allows the rider to stand on the foot rest and travel up and down the stairs. For those suffering from joint problems, this is often much less painful and much more practical than a traditional stair lift. It has a set of handle bars attached to the unit that can be held onto for added support, as well as an additional adjustable handle bar. It also includes a pad to lean against, so it is not necessary to stand straight up, and instead the rider can put their weight on the pad.

This perch lift can support up to 294 ponds. It is battery powered, featuring a constantly recharging battery, that ensures that even if the power goes out, you will be able to use your stair lift. The unit includes 15.2 foot of track, which will accommodate most stair cases. The foot rest folds and helps the Acorn Perch Lift retain its low profile. The controls for the Acorn 140 are designed to be very simple and straight forward to use.

Acorn produces several stair lifts and one of their other popular models is the Acorn SuperGlide. All of their models are designed to be easy to use, require very little maintenance, and to be as safe as possible. They all utilize the best materials available, utilize special safety sensors to ensure that the device is not used unsafely, and are designed to take up as little space as possible.

Summit Lifts A Brief History

People who are physically handicapped or disabled often have trouble going up and down the stairs. For many this can mean not having access to a large portion of your home, or relying on others to help you up and down the stairs. A much better and safer alternative is to invest in a stair lift. A stair lift is a motorized device that physically carries an individual up and down the stairs. Usually a stair lift will utilize a chair to carry the person, but there are some stair lifts that utilize a small platform called a perch. There are several prominent manufactures of stair lifts today, and one company that has been very successful is Summit Lifts, Inc. Summit Lifts Inc. has over 75 years of experience in the stair lift industry, and prides itself on good old fashioned business values and quality customer service. Its founders all have very deep roots in the stair lift industry and have devoted much of their lives to these great devices. It is not often that you find people with such a personal connection to their products, but each of the founders of Summit is completely dedicated to quality as opposed to quantity. Mark Hill began working for a company that manufactured stair lifts in 1972. He continued to work there for over 20 years and learned about all aspects that are involved with the development, creation, and maintenance of stair lifts. In 1981 Mike Vogt began working at the same company as Mark Hill. Vogt spent 10 years designing lifts, and also considerable time in the customer service department at the company. Mark and Mike had intended to stay working at this company until retirement, but due to a corporate take over were unable to fulfill this goal. Instead they joined forces with a very talented individual named Mark Jackson and Summit Stair Lifts was born. Mark Jackson brought to the table an in depth knowledge of Computer Aided Design and precision machining skills. With this incredible powerhouse of experience and ability it is no wonder that they are one of the leading manufacturers of stair lifts today. They focus on quality, precision, and reliability and do not believe in cutting corners to cut costs. The founders of Summit Stair Lifts are dedicated family men that understand the meaning of integrity, faith, and responsibility. They have applied these same standards that have served them well in their personal life to their business, and this is in part what makes them such a great company. Their products are all manufactured in the United States, and are built with an attention to detail that is seldom found in today's world of assembly lines and mass production facilities. There are many different manufacturers of stair lifts today, but few compare with Summit Stair Lifts, Inc. Their company motto is "Taking you to new heights" and this is just what they have done. They have continued to manufacture products that are reliable and in many ways bring back the good old days when products were made using quality manufacturing techniques that focus on dependability rather than cost.