Stair
Lifts
Stair Lifts can be a
vital mobility device to those with severe mobility problems that hinders
movement up and down stairs, and can be a distinct safety measure as well.
In addition they aid independence and enable those living alone to continue
to move around a multi-level home. Stair Lifts can be purchased new
and used/reconditioned, and there are both electric powered and battery
powered Stair Lifts.
There are two main
types of Stair Lifts - straight and curved. They can be used in just about
any home. They are special chairs that run on a track that is mounted on
the stairs in your home. This chair has a motor attached to it that will
lift a person up and down the stairs. A stair lift is simple to operate
and easily installed.
Straight
Stair Cases:
On straight stairs cases,
the lift will travel along a straight rail with the footrest of the lift
normally stopping level with the top stair.
Curved
Stair Cases:
Curved Stair Lifts,
are usually more expensive, as they have to be made to measure to travel
around bends on the stairs and can be made to run on to the landing. Prices
vary according to the length of the stairs, the number of bends and the
complexity of the bends. Curved stair lifts can usually be fitted
on either side of the stairs; the layout of your staircase will determine
which is most suitable.
Electric
Powered Stair Lifts
An A/C powered Stair
Lift plugs into a standard household electrical outlet and is then powered
by household A/C current. It is therefore a convenient option for
those who never want to worry about changing a battery.
Battery
Powered Stair Lifts
A D/C powered Stair
Lift runs from a rechargeable battery. One of the main benefits of a battery
powered stair lift is that they can continue to work even when the power
is out. This makes battery-powered stair lifts essential to those who live
by themselves, and are unable to get up and down the stairs without the
aid of a lift. Batteries will ordinarily need replacing after about
18-24 months.
Modern stair lifts
have a wide variety of features such as adjustable seat height, battery
isolation switches, call stations, 'flip-up' rail, key switch, folding
step, speed governor, seatbelt, soft start and soft stop. You should
consider what your needs are, and which features would be of particular
benefit to you.
Some of the main
manufacturers of Stair Lifts in North America are: Ameriglide, Summit,
Bruno, ThyssenKrupp Access, and Sabre
For a selction of
UK Stairlift Suplliers visit: The
Stair Lift Site
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