Stair Lifts for Seniors

For seniors and others who have difficulty using the stairs, it is often not possible to climb a staircase without any help. This can make entire areas of a home inaccessible and can increase the risk of a fall on the stairs. One way that staircases can be made safer and easier to use is with the use of a stair lift.

A stair lift is a home mobility lifting aid that moves a person between floors safely and with little actual effort. The stair lift does all of the hard work, with the occupant simply pushing a button and enjoying the ride. Most make use of a chair and track system. The occupant simply sits in the chair and the chair is then transported up the stairs on its metal track.

While the stair chair is by far the most common type of stair lift, standing stair lifts are also available. The standing stair lift, also otherwise referred to as a perch lift, provides a small square or rectangle shaped platform, hand grab bars, and, depending on the model, might also provide a place for the occupant to lean their body against as they move up the stairs. Since a lot more balance is required to use this type of stair lift, it is not recommended for most people, with the exception of those who, due to medical conditions, are unable to bend their knees or use a traditional stair chair.

Using a stair lift is possible for most people. They usually provide one or more wireless remotes and a hand control that is attached to the chair of the stair lift. The wireless remotes can be Velcro-ed to the wall at the top and bottom of the stairs. In this manner they can serve as send and call controls, so if the stair lift is at the bottom of the stairs and you are at the top, you will still be able to use the stair lift. They can also be removed if necessary. The hand control, which is attached to the chair itself, can be used by the occupant.

Both the attached hand control and the wireless remotes make use of constant pressure switches. What this means is that the stair lift will only move when the button is being pressed. This way if you take your finger off of the button, the lift will stop moving. This greatly improves safety and prevents accidents that could occur if the lift just kept on moving.

Stair lift provide an excellent means of increasing the safety and usability of the stairs. With falls on the stairs being responsible for the majority of hospitalizations and accidental deaths among seniors, the stair lift serves a very important role.