Quite often, the stairs can provide a very convenient way to bridge the distance between two floors in a home or building. Stairs are popular because of how easy and inexpensive they are to build. However, for someone who is mobility challenged, the stairs are not so easily climbed, nor are they so convenient. In fact, the stairs can be quite dangerous for someone with limited mobility.
Of all age groups, seniors are the most likely to have trouble using the staircase, but the mobility challenged of any age will often find that the staircase is simply not something that can be used with ease. Since installing an elevator can be quite expensive and requires a great deal of modification to the home, many people who have difficulty using the stairs instead choose to install a stairlift to increase accessibility.
Stairlifts were first developed during the beginning of the twentieth century, but they did not become popular or common place until much later. Today, there are two basic types of stairlifts, those that are AC Powered and those that are DC Powered. They both operate basically the same, except that a DC Powered Stairlifts runs off of one or more rechargeable batteries, while an AC Powered Stairlift is powered directly from the homes electrical outlet.
Basically, a stairlift is designed to carry a single occupant safely up or down a staircase. Most provide a chair for the occupant to sit in, although there are a few manufactures that offer standing stairlifts, which are called perch lifts.
The chair is attached to a metal track and climbs up and down the track using a geared system. In the case of a very narrow staircase, it is possible to purchase a stairlift that has a metal track that attaches to the wall of the staircase, which is also how most curved stairlifts are designed. However, in most cases the stairlift track is attached to the steps of the staircase.
One of the biggest advantages of using a stairlift, which is one of the reasons they are so popular, is that most stairlifts can be installed with very little modification to the home. This means if they are no longer needed or if it becomes necessary to move them to a different staircase, the change can be made quickly and easily. This is not the case with other types of lifting aids, such as residential elevators, which require a major home renovation.
When choosing a stairlift, it is important to ensure that it can safely support the weight of the person who will be using it, as well as providing a comfortable sitting area. There are a number of models available with seats of differing widths, so it is important to ensure that the user will be able to comfortably sit in the stairlift seat.
Another thing to consider is whether or not the stairlift can be self installed. For a straight staircase, there are a number of stairlifts that are designed to be installed by the homeowner and do not require professional installation. The stairlift installation is fairly straightforward and requires only a basic understanding of maintenance. This can save a great deal on installation costs and these stairlifts are also usually less expensive than other types of stairlifts.
Using a stairlift is a very popular way of increasing safety and has been for some time. These devices can make using the stairs possible again for seniors and others who have difficulty walking, so they are powerful accessibility aids.
Add a Comment