• Stair Lifts Cost Versus Reward

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    If you are getting on in years or have trouble getting around because of a physical disability then stair lifts could certainly add ease and comfort to your everyday home life. Stair lifts have been around for decades and have helped millions of people live a richer, fuller life. Stair lifts primary use is to help those who have trouble walking up and down the stairs of their own home; you can even say that stair lifts free people from feeling like they live in a prison, confined to one place in their home.

    Some people are reluctant to have stair lifts installed in their homes for aesthetic reasons. People are not aware that stair lifts are available in many different designs that can match the decor of your home. The electrical device can however be a bit rough on your wallet. Before purchasing stair lifts, be sure to do your research. Find out what best suits your needs. If money is an issue then inquire about payment plans, or possibly even rent instead.

    As far as cost goes, the most definitive thing to take into consideration is your staircase. If you have a straight staircase then the cost would be significantly lower than if you your stairs are curved or winding. The reason for this is that the stair lifts must be custom designed and built for such a staircase. The more work, the more time, the more cost that is then passed on to you, the consumer.

    If you have the budget and mobility is also a factor for you outdoors, then you may also want to look into wheelchair platform stair lifts or even just an outdoor basic stair lifts.
    A few other things you want to consider beyond just that of the cost of the stair lifts and installation would be warranty information. As in any purchase, you want to protect your investment.
    As stair lifts become more popular many new models and designs are rapidly becoming available to the market. Companies are taking an interest in stair lifts as they see a growing demand for the product.

    This has both a positive and negative impact on the consumer. On the plus side, more research is going into the designs for safety and comfort, but on the flip side of that comes the added costs. But as more companies jump on the stair lifts bandwagon, the more competition the existing manufacturers have, which normally reflects positively on the cost for the consumer.
    No matter what the cost may be, you have to decide if it’s truly worth the investment. If you have a big home and are absolutely confined to one floor and are perhaps even thinking of moving, then the purchase should be a no brainer. It’s not just a product you are purchasing, its freedom, comfort, health, and perhaps the most important thing of all, peace of mind.

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  • What Are Stair Lifts

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    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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