Knee problems, hip issues, or back trouble can all make sitting in a stair lift nearly impossible. At the same time, they make walking up and down those same stairs difficult, too. A standing stair lift can give you access to all you floors, without the high cost, and major construction of installing an elevator.
A standing stair lift uses very similar technology to a traditional stair lift. They travel on identical rails on the stairs, but instead of having a seat you are unable to use, you will have a platform to comfortably and safely stand on.
A standing lift adds a few additional issues in safety compared to traditional stair lift. When you are seated hitting a little bounce is not going to throw you off the lift. When you are standing the same little bounce could disrupt your balance. This is one reason professional installation is highly recommended, and required by most sellers of lifts. A smooth ride is very important to your safety.
Along with a smooth ride, it is even more important to have a security belt for a standing stair lift. Check the lifts you are looking at to make sure they include a security belt, and hand grips for securing your ride up and down the stairs. When you combine a smooth ride, a security belt, and proper grips, the ride on a standing lift is just as secure as a seated stair lift.
While checking on the features of your standing stair lift, make sure it includes an option, or includes a seat. Just because you do not need one today, does not mean you or another family member may not need a seat in the future. Many homes have more than one person who can benefit from having a lift in the home. By having a dual purpose lift you can satisfy the needs of everyone.
Needing a lift which allows standing does not limit you to only having a lift on straight stairs. Standing lifts are available for spiral, straight, and stairs with multiple landings.
How much space is a standing stair lift going to use on your stairs? Normally they only require about 12 to 18 inches of width for the rails on the stairs. Many units allow for folding up the platform and seat when at the top of bottom of the stairs. The next question which pops up next is about how much weight can a lift carry. Each manufacturers lifts vary some, but an average capacity runs around 500 pounds, which is sufficient for most families. If you are concerned with needs a stronger lift, there are a few manufacturers offering lifts with capacities of 700 to 800 pounds. Just because a lift can carry a lot of weight is never an excuse for carrying more than one person at a time. Lifts are designed for safety of one person at a time.
Do not let you physical ailments and stiffness restrict you from accessing all the floors in your home. A standing stair lift can solve the problem of mobility for people unable to sit down in the seat of a tradition chair stair lift. Get full access to your home back.