Electric stair lifts are very practical and useful devices that not only help handicapped people move from one floor of the house or a building to another but also in transporting large crates, laundry, documents and groceries.
They are also useful to senior citizens as most people have a fall while climbing up and down staircases unaided. Now, with stair lifts, they can move at their pace and comfortably and easily.
Usually, they are found in hospitals where patients can be easily shifted from one part of the facility to a lab or ultra sound room, etc. Certain buildings also make this provision for their residents, in obedience to the Accessibility Law. Some homes are now equipped with these accessibility devices to provide a handicapped loved one easy access from the front driveway into the house.
Stair lifts are installed on one side of a staircase and attached to the wall that is diagonally on the slope of the staircase. They have several advantages and disadvantages.
Types of stair lifts: There are two types of stair lifts-Straight stair lifts and Curved stair lifts.
" Straight stair lifts: These are fixed on to straight staircases without bends. The chairs are fixed on to straight rail channels that are fixed on to the steps that let the stair lift rise up and down the stairs along the rail. These are the most inexpensive kind of stair lifts and the easiest to set up.
" Curved stair lifts: These are different from their straight counterparts. They are not only expensive but also take a longer while to install since they are custom-built to suit the staircase, especially if you have a staircase with several twists and curves.
" Wheelchair platform stair lifts: Stair lifts that come with a wheelchair platform eliminate the need for a patient or user to move out of the wheelchair and onto a stair lift. With this stair lift, he or she can push himself or herself straight on to the stair lift platform. Since one's safety on this wheelchair is of utmost importance, it is vital to take the advice of an occupational therapist.
" Outdoor stair lifts: Outdoor stair lifts can be designed with perches, footplates, seats or platforms. They are weatherproofed. Their seats could be made with rotating seats, armrests with cushion protection, brakes, etc. These stair lifts can also be folded away and stored when not in use, making it space-saving. These stair lifts usually weigh not more than 180 kg.
" Goods stair lifts: Some stair lifts are made with trays rather than seats to move goods between different levels in industrial or commercial buildings.
Why buy a stair lift: The advantages of buying a stair lift are many, such as:
" If one lives alone without the support of anyone else, this can be used as a reliable means of in-house transport.
" A user need not worry about falling down the stairs.
" Sore knees and legs will become a thing of the past!
" Apart from helping patients or old people up and down floors, even heavy luggage or big items can be sent from floor to floor.
Author Resource:
Ian Millen is the author of this article on Mobility Scooters .
Find more information about Electric Wheelchairs here.
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