For the past 80 years or so, stairlifts have been around, helping move people who cannot move on their own from one floor to another. The modern version became fashionable only in the 90s.
Typically, these are electrically-powered devices attached to the staircase where a mobility-impaired person is transported from one floor to another. Today, stairlifts have been instrumental in making senior citizens, people with limited mobility, and those recovering from injuries or surgeries be mobile and be productive again.
Types
Basically, stairlifts are chair-and-platform devices that transport a single user along a staircase, either in descent or ascent. They run the whole staircase and are typically made of lightweight metals (aluminium), with the track attached to the steps of the stairway. (Wall-mounted lifts are those used for limited spaces or if the staircase is curved.)
In the old days, stairlifts use AC current (those used to power up the house) while new modern models are run mostly on DC current (run on batteries). These are a bit more expensive than that running on household power, but they have the advantage of working even if there are emergency power outages and the like.
One deciding factor in determining the type of stairlift that can be installed in your home is the actual design of your staircase. The easiest one would be the straight type following the form of your staircase.
Some companies offer Do-It-Yourself Stairlift kits where the requirement would only be the length of the staircase. However, most experts (and manufacturing companies) would recommend that a licensed professional should do the job, unless you are one yourself.
This is especially true in cases where the staircase is not straight but is curved, L-shaped, or has a landing. Moreover, companies usually add the installation fee to the final price of the stairlifts and have their own fully-trained professionals do the job.
Costs
With the proliferation of so many companies manufacturing stairlifts, prices become competitive and lower than in the old days. Today, many other innovations are tacked on to the device that makes it more valuable in concrete terms.
For one, stairlifts are less costly than installing an elevator in your house which needs a shaft and a strong holding beam. Some people also opt for reconditioned machines.
Reconditioned stairlifts are definitely cheaper than brand-new models for obvious reasons. The cost might prove to be a winner but safety should definitely a topmost concern.
Even if the dealers have done their standard checks (it is said they need to check on 20 things before selling these reconditioned stairlifts), it is wise to verify things on your own.
Check on the wear and tear on the parts that are most susceptible. Do the rollers show abrasions and look worn-out? Are the wires on the cables still intact? Even the seats need to be inspected for telltale signs of being worn out.
Productivity quotients
With stairlifts in homes where they are needed, old people and mobility impaired individuals are now given the chance of being productive again.
With their mobility unimpaired, they can move about in their normal (though slower) ways. Boosting their confidence and having a good sense of well-being is one excellent start to a productive life.