Stair Lifts for Seniors
Published by Stephen on June 11, 2009 Under stair lifts
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.
6 Comments |
Comments:
Gentlemen: Our needs consist of two lifts to accommodate our split-level home. We are in our 90′s 9and Mrs.Booth uses a “walker” for assistance in traveling. The longer of the lifts will need accomodate for eight step risers and the propelling unit and case would need be located at the top of the stairs. The shorter stairs consists of five step risers and the propelling unit would need be placed at the foot of those stairs.
We will be pleased to be advised of an approximate cost for the units.
George, the cost of a stair lift will largely be based on what type of stair lift you go with. Usually a self installed stair lift is least expensive and there are a number of do-it-yourself stair lift kits available. You may even be able to get a single stair lift, instead of using two, depending on how the landing is. There are a few Bruno Stair Lifts that offer a good option for “L” shaped staircases, as well as staircases with a landing.
With that said, if you went with two stair lifts and installed them yourself, or with the help of family, you would probably be looking at a cost of around $4000. Again, this will vary greatly depending on the stair lift type and size.
how quickly do these chairs go up and down the stairs? i have been told it takes forever. does the weight of the person factor into it
Stair lifts move up and down the stairs at a decent speed, although it does vary by model.
It is slower than an average young person would walk up the stairs, but still a respectable speed, probably slightly slower than an escalator.
The weight of the person can have an effect on the speed, because it puts more strain on the electric motor. A heavy duty stair lift will have a more powerful electric lift system, so would move a little quicker than regular stair lifts.
Steve,
What do you think is the best model for lifts? Are they hard to install? I am looking at about 12 stairs.
John, the stair lift kits that are designed with the do-it-your-selfer in mind are actually pretty easy to install. These kits provide a installation manual, usually with pictures and detailed instructions for installing the stair lift. As long as you are reasonably mechanically inclined, you should not have any issues installing a stair chair.
Regarding the best stair lift brand, it is a good idea to do a little shopping around. Both Bruno Stair Lifts and ThyssenKrupp stair lifts, sometimes called TkAccess stair lifts, are pretty popular. They are both well made and offer several different styles to accommodate your home and body type.
You can sometimes get a good deal on an Ameriglide Stair Chair as well, but keep in mind that Ameriglide is not a manufacturer and just rebrands other stair lifts, so you will probably end up getting one of the main stair lift brands anyway if you get a new Ameriglide stair lift.
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