Tips for Choosing a Stair Lift
Stair lifts can be a wonderful way to increase mobility and independence for a person who cannot easily walk up and down steps on their own. There are a wide variety of different styles and options available to choose from, which can make it overwhelming to make a decision. When purchasing a chair lift for stairs one of the most important things to look for are the different safety features available. Not all lifts are created equal, and some provide more benefits than others that can offer you more comfort and peace of mind.
Below are a few tips on helping you choose a system that is safe to operate and use:
Does it Have Seat Belts? While it would seem like a seat belt would be a standard safety feature, there are many manufacturers who do not include it as part of the basic package. It is not absolutely necessary to wear a seat belt when riding up and down in the seat, but it can give you additional peace of mind and security when it is being used.
Is it Wall or Floor Mounted? Some lifts are mounted directly into the wall, while others are installed onto the steps themselves. Making this decision will greatly depend on the construction of your home. Generally it is believed that floor mounted systems provide increased stability, though most homes are also safe to use with the wall mounted lifts as well. Speaking to an experienced contractor or installer will be able to help you determine which type would be the safest in your home.
Automatic Stopping: Most lifts have an automatic stopping feature built in that will prevent it from moving if something is blocking it’s path. When shopping for a model, you will want to see exactly how the sensors will determine if it should stop or not. Some have additional guards in addition to a sensor to prevent it from accidentally hitting something when in use.
Electric Vs. Battery: You can often choose whether the unit you purchase will be powered by electricity or if it will operate on rechargeable batteries. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and it will greatly depend on your intended use of the product. For those who will not be using it more than a few times a day, using a battery powered one can be an excellent choice, as it would be able to still work in case of an emergency and the power is out.
Folding Options: If the lift will be installed in a home with multiple residents, having the feature to have it folded along the wall when not in use can make it safer for those who will not be using the stair lift. Depending on the width of your staircase, you will want to make sure that anyone traveling up and down the steps will not accidentally trip on the system.
Choosing a stair lift may seem overwhelming at first, but doing a little research can help make it much easier to make a decision. Factoring in these important safety features will help ensure that the one you choose will be comfortable and safe to use for many years to come.
About the Author
Bill Lewis is experienced in working with the elderly and freelance writing. For more information about choosing a stair lift, you may be interested in some of the articles he has written on his Stairlifts site.
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