Using a Stair Lift

There are many types of stair lifts available and for a straight staircase, the homeowner is usually able to do the installation by themselves. These kits are inexpensive and typically take about three hours to install.

Among those over the age of sixty, a fall on the stairs is a big concern. Quite frequently, due to disorders like osteoporosis, seniors have difficulty recovering from a fall and often suffer a broken bone. This is one of the main reasons that stair lifts are so frequently used.

A stair lift is designed to safely move a person between floors in their home. Generally installed directly onto the stairs, some lifts can support over 500 pounds and will work on staircases that are over 30 feet long.

Most of these lifts utilize a chair to carry the individual between floors. These lifts are usually called stair chairs and feature reinforced chairs and a foldable footrest. The footrest contains a sensor that stops the lift if something is detected on the stairs, like a ball or a toy. For individuals who are not able to easily bend down in a sitting position, a perch lift is available.

Perch lifts use a small platform, aptly called a perch, which the user stands on. They are then carried up or down the stairs in an upright standing position. These lifts are not as common though and since you must stay standing the entire time, they are not as safe as stair chairs.

Stair lifts utilize a simple hand control to move the lift. The hand control typically only has a simple bi-directional switch. The user of the chair must maintain constant pressure on the hand control in order to move the lift. If the user removes their finger from the switch, the lift stops moving. This is a safety feature that ensures that the lift moves only when the owner desires.

Most stair lifts are installed indoors and bolted onto the steps. Several kits are available that can be installed by the homeowner in only a few hours. These are only available for straight staircases though, because curved staircases require a custom built and very expensive type of stair lift.

Outdoor stair lifts are also available, but not all lifts can be placed outdoors. In order for a lift to be used outside of the house, it must be specially treated to resist the elements. These lifts are specially sealed to eliminate moisture and use special rust resistant paint and materials.

Preventing accidents on the stairs is an important task and stair lifts provide one of the most common ways to reduce accidents.