Stair Lifts - the Ups and Downs

Stair lifts are designed to take individuals up and down the stairs with ease and convenience. They are often used by those who are confined to a wheel chair or who have bad knees or other medical issues that make stairs difficult to navigate. They may be used by the elderly and pregnant women as well. Stair chair lifts can be found in a variety of settings including public facilities, restaurants, Churches, Museums, homes, and businesses that have more than one level.

Wheel chair stair lifts are the most common type found in public. These stair lifts work in several different ways, depending on the type of lift design the facility is using. A common type of wheel chair stair lift has a chair built on the lift. This can be difficult to use as it requires the person being able to move out of the wheel chair and into the chair on the lift. Another person has to help the individual because the lift will take them to the top of the chairs, or back down depending on their need. Someone will have to carry their wheel chair up and down the stairs for them to get back in to.

A more convenient type of wheel chair stair lift allows the person in the wheel chair to push their wheel chair onto the lift platform. A safety gate will close behind them. When they reach the top or bottom of the stairs, the front of the lift will open, allowing them to wheel forward out of the lift. This type of lift allows individuals to go up and down stairs without the assistance of anyone else.

Home stair lifts are very convenient for someone who has become wheel chair bound, but who also wants to remain in their home. They are easy to install. Most plug in to a wall current just like a lamp. One draw back is that most homes don’t have back up power sources, so in the event of a power outage, the home stair lifts aren’t usable. The majority of them come with a very good warranty and can be used for individuals who weigh up to 300 pounds.

Used home stair lifts can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost from a home owner that no longer requires it. However, they do not come installed or with a warranty. Some companies that market home stair lifts are starting to offer reconditioned used stair lifts at a lower cost. Purchasing a used stair lift from a company may offer you a short term warranty as well as installation assistance.

Stair lifts are a great invention that allow those who are not able to go up and down the stairs the ability to lead a very normal life. Most businesses and public facilities offer them to be in compliance with ADA requirements. A home stair lift is a great option for someone in a wheel chair or the elderly who want to remain in the home they love and enjoy. It gives them the ability to do so.