Chair Lifts

Chair Stair Lifts

Chair stair lifts come in several different forms, such as the chair lift recliner. You have the chair lifts that travel up and down stairways that accommodate individuals in wheelchairs and simply have a chair attached to them that allows a person to ride to their desired floor when they need and want to.

Chair stair lifts are for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. There are a number of disabilities that can keep a person from successfully climbing stairs. Conditions such as arthritis, muscle disorders, and those who have surgery can't climb. The elderly also has difficulty because joints become tired and this can increase the falling risk. Falls can cause broken bones such as broken hips, arms, legs, and falls down stairs have even resulted in death.

Fortunately, with stair lifts, individuals are able to travel safely up and down stairs without a risk of falling. There are a number of safety features that are integrated into the design so that a person doesn't have to worry about falling out of the chair, their feet dragging, or an obstacle getting in the way and tearing up the unit.

Sturdy Materials

To accommodate those with conditions that keep them from being able to successfully climb up and down stairs, the stair lift is usually made of heavy duty aluminum rails that a chair glides up and down on through the use of a pulley chain or cable. The seat is usually facing the side, but it will swivel for easy entry and exit. The seat of chair stair lifts has arm rests and a foot rest to ensure that all limbs stay near the body. This prevents feet from getting caught by the stair and prevents and individual from falling out.

Because of the ability to customize chair stair lifts, they can be made to fit a straight stairway or they can be made to fit curved stairs. They can also be made to fit the depth of the stairs. Some are steeper than others and it is important that the aluminum railing is placed a certain distance from the steps so that the chair doesn't drag the stairs. Lifts can only be operational if any and all obstacles are taken into consideration and the unit is constructed to make sure that nothing gets in the way. Others even have to be able to travel the stairway without the lift being in the way.

There are heavier duty models of chair stair lifts available. The wheelchair stair lifts have a platform instead of a set attached to the rail so that a wheelchair can be taken up the stairs instead. This is opposed to the platform lifts that some individuals invest in. Platform lifts won't work in all homes because either a hole has to be cut into the ceiling to go to the second floor or there has to be a second floor balcony overseeing the lower floor for this to work right. They are also very expensive, which is usually much more than your usual chair stair lifts.

Installation Process

The installation process of chair stair lifts is rather simple in that professionals take on the job and they can install it quickly. The stair lift is not very complicated as far as the parts that are used, but it is the measurements and the customization that may have to occur.

If you have a straight stairway, you can count on the installation process being quite simple, especially if it is not very steep. When it's steep, the measurements just have to be altered so that the degree of the slant ensures the chair is not going to drag in any way.

It is even possible for chair stair lifts to be plugged into regular household plugs. This keeps you from having to have custom wiring in your home to accommodate the stair lift. You can also have battery backup in case something happens the electricity goes out. If you live in an area that is prone to bad weather and frequent power outages, this battery backup can serve you well. The last thing you want is to be traveling on the lift and then suddenly be stuck due to a power outage. This results in being stranded or trying to get out and conquer the stairway, which can be dangerous.

So between the sturdy materials and the ease of installation, you know that chair stair lifts are great investments. They add mobility to a person's life, which adds a whole new world of freedom to their world. There is nothing like seeing the face of a person who has been limited and then give them a tool to give them more freedom. Since disability can alter the quality of a person's life, it is important to do what is necessary to restore that quality.