The Advantages of Stair Lifts

It is extremely important for those of all ages to be careful when using the stairs, because a fall can be very serious. For the elderly, however, the stairs pose a much greater risk and falls on the stairs account for a large number of serious accidents every year. The staircase is most dangerous to seniors who are, whether due to arthritis, glaucoma, or another disease, physically unable to safely use the staircase. In these cases, there are several alternatives, however often the stair lift is the easiest, least expensive, and most effective means of allowing full access to a home.

Stair lifts are a type of medical lift that carries a person up and down the stairs. They typically consist of a chair for the user to sit in, which is then moved along a metal track attached to the steps of the staircase. The chair is powered by an electrical motor and controlled by a simple hand control on the chair.

Stair Lifts: The Easiest Solution

One of the reasons that stair lifts are such a popular option is because they can be easily and quickly installed, often in only a few hours. For a straight staircase, a number of self installable stair lifts are available, which do not require professional installation. Once installed, the home’s accessibility is instantly increased and all areas of the home are made available for the senior.

Stair Lifts: The Least Expensive Option

Not only are stair lifts usually the easiest means of increasing safety and accessibility, but stair lifts are also typically the least expensive option. For a straight staircase, stair lifts usually cost between $1,500 and $3,000. This is but a small fraction of what it would cost to install a residential elevator.

Simply ignoring the problem and not using the area of the home that has the stairs might end up being technically less expensive, but in the long not using a large part of your home comes at a very real cost.

Some people also opt to move to a new home or living facility that does not have stairs or instead has an elevator. This usually ends up being expensive and extremely time consuming, while also requiring the senior to make a very significant life change that means reduced independence. Most of the alternatives to stair lifts are either very expensive, or come with a toll that is a significant life change.

Stair Lifts: The Most Effective Option

In addition to being the least expensive means of increasing staircase safety, stair lifts are also often the most effective means of increasing safety and accessibility. Since the senior remains seated in a chair, there is little risk of a fall on the stairs and the stair lift itself is very easy to operate. The chair itself can be turned away from from the stairway when the senior is entering or exiting the stair lift, so there is little risk that there will be an accident when entering or exiting the lift, which is the most at risk time.

Stair lifts are an excellent tool for increasing safety at home. These devices are essential aids for those who are unable to safely climb the stairs and usually the least expensive solution for increasing safety.