• The stairs that were once so easy to climb can become an obstacle for many as we reach those golden years. Sadly, so many elderly and disabled people become prisoners in their own homes, unable to leave the ground floor. Being able to simply go upstairs becomes a chore all in its own, something so trivial becomes something that was once taken for granted.
    The University Of California Disability Statistics Center discovered that more than 60% of the 1.6 million wheelchairs users in America are challenged daily in moving around their own houses. More often than not, people are forced to move from their homes to an apartment building, bungalow, or retirement home. In many cases the elderly have lived in their homes for the most part of their lives, and are forced to abandon the only place they’ve ever called home. Such drastic changes so late in one’s life can have devastating long lasting effects, and can lead to severe depression, and an overwhelming sense of failure. Luckily there is a very simple and practical solution to this underrated problem, its called stair lifts.

    Stair lifts may also be known to many as a handicap lift. It’s basically a very sturdy wall-mounted rail with a patted mechanic chair attached for total comfort. The chair then slides up and down the rail atop a rack-and-pinion system. This allows the person using the device to transport themselves easily and comfortably to levels of their home they would otherwise not be able to get to.

    If you or a loved one suffer from any physical condition which limits your mobility and keeps you confined to the ground floor of your home then you may want to consider purchasing a stair lift. With this purchase you may very well find a new sense of independence and youth. People are sometimes reluctant to purchase stair lifts because it may not be appealing to the eye. One often imagines a large bulky mechanical device ruining the decor of their home. However this certainly is not the case. Companies who research and develop stair lifts invest a lot of time and money into making these lifts fashionable and offer a wide selection of colors, makes, and models.
    Stair lifts are available in both AC or alternating current and DC or direct current models. AC powered lifts are connected directly to the homes primary power supply, whereas DC-powered lifts utilize a specific kind of rechargeable battery pack. Although DC-powered lifts are often more expensive than their sister source, most still recommend them because of their many advantages. Hands down, most of us will all agree that safety is by far the number one advantage of owning a DC-powered lift. During a power outage the DC lift will continue to run as it is battery operated, while the AC-powered lift would shut down as the homes power turns off. Imagine if you will you or a loved one alone in your home dangling between two floors for hours as the power company restores power to your home. Furthermore, in the rare occasion that the chair may have a short, it will cease to operate and may even ignite a fire. You should certainly take the following into consideration when in the market for stair lifts:

    Try to purchase a swivel chair. This will allow you to exit and enter the lift without having to maneuver awkwardly.
    Keep in mind that a DC power supply is much safer and tends to offer a smoother ride.
    The glide-factor basically determines the smoothness of the chair as it ascends and descends

    If you suffer from any bone disease, then a joystick control may be best suited for you.

    The history of stair lifts dates back to the 1920’s when polio cases were being reported in record numbers. C.C. Crispen developed the concept for stair lifts in aid of his friend who was suffering from the disease at the time. It was then known as the inclinator. From its journey from being known as the inclinator, to its modern day name of stair lift, it has had drastic improvements made to it for both safety and comfort. The device is even offered for outdoor uses as well.

    When purchasing any product, a customer tends to be concerned mainly with the price. Although stair lifts are certainly not cheap, you have to consider the life altering effect it will have on your life. If you are considering moving because you are unable to maneuver around your home, then the purchase should be a no brainer. The cost will be determined from case to case, as one’s need differs from that of another. The type of staircase in your home is also a deciding factor in the price. If you happen to have a curved staircase then you would need a custom made lift, which would understandably be much more costly. If you are in the market for stair lifts then contact your local provider and get an estimate. If you can’t afford one, seek out financing options are perhaps even rental agreements. Whatever you decide to do, I assure you that you will feel as though you are purchasing part of your home, youth, and life back.

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  • Once you’ve decided to purchase stair lifts the next step to consider is installation. If you’ve felt the need to purchase such a device it may be safe to say that physical labor may be too strenuous or difficult for you. Although the installation, in most cases, can be achieved with a few basic tools; it is still recommended it be done by a licensed professional. For the most part, upon purchasing stair lifts you should have the issuing company include installation in the final price. Who better to install the stair lifts then the manufacturer?

    If money is an issue, and you feel as though you are up to the challenge, then you can do it yourself. If not, you can always seek out the aid of a friend or family number, preferably someone who is “handy.” You must make sure that the directions are followed precisely, and that during the stir lifts installation all of the proper tools are used. When it comes to safety, you can never be too precise. If at any time you feel as though you or your helper may not be installing the stair lifts properly, then you may want to call in the pros.

    Keep in mind that prior to any stair lifts installation; you must first verify the condition of the staircase to which the stair lift will be used on. This should be done again by the company your purchasing the stair lifts from, usually during your consultation with a company representative. This is of crucial importance to ensure the longevity of the stair lifts as well as for your own personal safety. Depending on your staircase, you may need to have stair lifts custom built to suit your needs; if this is the case then you must hire a professional.

    Assuming you have straight stairs and you have determined you can and will install stair lifts yourself then you will need a socket wrench, measuring tape, screwdriver, and drill with all of the attachments. Follow the instructions in a step by step manner; be sure not to skip anything. Do not rush the installation. The last thing you want is to be caught riding upstairs on faulty stair lifts, leaving you stuck in the middle of your staircase, or worse yet, causing an electrical mishap. Before taking on the task yourself, you will want to check with the company you purchased the stair lift from to make sure that it is still covered under the warranty if you are to do it yourself. Good luck and safe riding.

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