Stair Lift Types

For seniors, there are some tasks that can become more difficult and more dangerous with age. One of these tasks is using the stairs. In fact, of all activities a senior takes part in, the stairs are the most dangerous, with the majority of hospitalizations and accidental deaths occurring as the result of a fall on the stairs. Finding ways to increase safety on the staircase is therefore imperative, so many use stair lifts.

A stair lift is a special type of mobility lifting device, which is used to carry a person up and down a staircase. In many cases, they provide an easy, cost effective, and quick way to increase staircase safety. Unlike elevators or similar lifts, a stair lift can often be installed onto a staircase without any major modifications and in only a few hours. The exception to this is curved staircases, which require a special type of stair lift that is very expensive and can take months to build and install. However, for straight staircase, a stair lift is often the best way to decrease the chance of a fall.

Typically a stair lift uses a tracked system, which attaches to the steps. The metal track comes in several pieces, which easily fit together and are secured to the steps using special mounting brackets. Along the track, a motorized car moves, carrying a single person. The car usually has a seat, which the occupant can sit in as they move up the staircase. This type of stair lift is called a stair chair and the seat can usually be outfitted with a seat belt for added safety, with a chest restraint also available for some models.

For most, the seated stair chair is the best option, but sometimes it is not possible to safely sit in the chair. This might be as the result of an injury or a major surgery, such as knee replacement surgery. Individuals that can not safely use the stair chair, can optionally use a perch lift. Perch lifts use a platform in place of the chair, which the occupant will stand on as they move up the staircase. Since this type of lift requires much more balance, it is not a good fit for most people. Most perch lifts have multiple hand rails or supports, with some even having a place to lean against, but even with these features, a stair chair is still usually recommended.

The staircase can be a very dangerous for seniors and others with mobility related problems. Even small falls can often be dangerous and a fall on the stairs is often not small at all. For these individuals, stair lifts are often the easiest and quickest way to increase safety, without breaking the bank.