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.

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.