Stair Chair Lift
When you are no longer able to use the stairs in your home, choosing the proper stair chair lift for your home is very important. You want to install a solution which is going to take care of your needs for many years, and not fill you with frustration. There are many styles and brands of lifts to choose from. Here are a few suggestions on what to watch for and how to make a better decision.
Your first decision is going to be based upon your stairway. Are your stairs straight, with only landings at the top and bottom? Do you have stairs with several landings? Perhaps your stairs are curved, or a spiral staircase. These differences will affect the brands you choose from, the cost, and the ease of installation. No matter what type of stairs you have there are stair chair lift designs to fill your needs. Even narrow staircases can be fitted with a lift. Another determining factor is whether the stairs are indoors or outdoors. The two styles of stairlifts are similar, but an outdoor stair lift needs to be more rugged, and have systems which are sealed from the weather. Do not install an indoor unit outside in the weather.
Stair Chair Lift – Deciding Factors
Another deciding factor is your own mobility, and physical condition. Are you restricted to a wheelchair? Then your chair lift will need to be a lift outfitted with a platform for rolling your wheelchair onto. This makes transportation up and down the stairs much easier, and does not require transferring from your wheelchair into the lift chair multiple times per day. If you have limited flexibility you may need a standing stair lift. These lifts allow you to safely stay in an upright position while riding up and down the stairs. They are still very comfortable and safe. You will have hand grips and a security belt to wear while you move between floors. If you are simply needing help getting up and down the stairs a standard stair chair lift can save you money, and is the most common style installed.
Only after you have determined all of the factors above are you really ready to start evaluating brands. Some of the most popular brands of lifts include Summit-Pinnacle, Acorn, Stannah, and Ameriglide. These companies are highlighted due to their high quality, durability, and the high level of service their companies provide. The companies all offer a wide range of stair lifts designed to work with almost any style of stairs. When you start checking deeper into each company you will discover stair lifts designed to run on rechargeable battery power or full-time electric power. Keep in mind, there are advantages to both systems, think through your homes needs as you make your decision.
As you evaluate stair lifts you are going to find a wide range of prices and features. Do not allow pricing to be your only deciding factor. Many times the features you eliminate by cutting corners are the features you are going to want the most in the future. Look at the difference in safety features, convenience of use on your stair case, and even the speed the different lifts will travel up and down the stairs.
Choosing the right stair chair lift is going to take a little research on your part, but by doing the research you end up with the right lift, and not aggravation. With the right lift you will enjoy the return of freedom in your home.
