Climbing stairs can be quite difficult for someone with restricted mobility, whether it be you or someone you are caring for. Moving between levels may actually raise your risk of mishaps like slip and falls when accompanied with balance concerns and/or underlying health disorders.
Even though you can't completely prevent injuries, making your house safer can give you peace of mind. Take the stairlift, for instance. Your independence and quality of life can both increase with the use of a customized stairlift. But what should you think about before purchasing one?
Considerations Before Buying A Stairlift
There are a number of crucial aspects to take into account when contacting a firm for stairlift installation, including:
1) Your physical capabilities and those of your care recipient :
According to Jim Campbell, using a stairlift demands some degree of mobility. "A user must be able to enter and exit the stairlift at the opposite end of the staircase, at the very least. This will require a wheelchair user to transfer from the wheelchair to the stairlift seat and back again. Therefore, having help substantially improves how useful a stairlift is.
2) Cost:
Shopping around is essential because there are many different types of stairlifts and stairlift accessories.
Compare the price to your other possibilities, Shane Campbell said. "Although the initial cost may seem high, it's frequently much less expensive than moving or paying for nursing home care. Additionally, many dealers provide financing or installment payments.
3. Safety elements:
Learn about the safety features that your stairlift has to offer. It's crucial to know how to use them properly for the rider's safety.
- Seat belts: These are a crucial safety component that come as standard on all contemporary stairlifts. The proper usage of the seat belt is crucial to operate the stair lift safely.
- Safety switch: This controls whether the seat is in the correct position for the stairlift to operate; if the seat is not in the correct position, the stairlift will not move.
- Safety sensors: These sensors cause the stairlift to stop if it collides with a person, animal, or object on the stairs.
4. Durability:
Different stairlift sizes and lifting capacities are available. A heavy-duty lift has a broader seat and can support up to 750 lbs., whereas a regular duty lift can support up to 300 lbs. A heavy-duty lift also needs a stairway that is at least 36 inches wide. Make sure to assess the needs your stairlift project is addressing and get a unit installed that is the right size.
5. Controls:
The stairlift can be operated thanks to the controls. Although stairlifts are simple to operate, you should be familiar with all of the settings to ensure smooth operation.
Controls that are integrated into the stairlift's armrest allow the user to operate the stairlift.
The stairlift can be called or sent up or down the stairs using wall-mounted call/send controls, which are fixed controls put on the wall at the top and bottom of your steps.
Contact Pressure Controls - This type of control, which is typically found on the armrest, requires the user to keep applying pressure in order for the stairlift to move.
6. Warranty:
A guarantee ought to be included with your stairlift. Five years are the typical warranty period for a new life. However, we advise you to inquire about the manufacturer's offered warranty.
7. Features and Add-ons
Similar to computers and cars, stairlifts may be customized by adding different functions. Options HME advises focusing on four add-ons in particular, such as:
- Movable rails : "These arm rails fold out of the way so that they don't extend past the end of the stairs, eliminating potential tripping hazards."
- Keys locks :Children and/or other unauthorized users cannot use the stairlift because of a key lock.
- Automatic seat swivel: Wheelchair users will really appreciate this function. With the push of a button, the stairlift's seat revolves.
- Folding footrest with power : Trips up or down the stairs are made even more comfortable by the power folding footrest. The foot rest can be folded up or down with a single button press.
8. Installation and service:
You should unquestionably have one of our professionals install your stairlift. This guarantees a proper installation of the stair lift with the least amount of disruption to your house. For your stairlift, we also provide scheduled maintenance plans and service to ensure that it continues to function effectively for many years.
9. Options:
There are a wide range of options available for customizing your lift. Your lift will be personalized in this manner to suit your unique demands. The stairlift possibilities are as follows:
- Upholstery Power Power Folding Footrest Swivel Seat
- Expanded footrest
- Extra-large seat folding rails
- Rails that are painted to complement your decor.
10. What kind of stairs do you have?
There are many different ways to arrange stairs. Some are uncomplicated, straight lines without any obstacles. Many other staircases have landings or curves. To decide which stairlift is ideal for you, look at your steps and read the information below.
If your home has a straight, unobstructed staircase, a straight stairlift is the best option for you. The installation of these lifts is the simplest and most affordable.
A stairlift designed expressly for this use is required for continuous stairways that curve or feature landings. Since each stairway is unique, these lifts require the rails to be specially made to fit the stairs. These lifts sometimes cost more because they are customized.