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For many elderly and/or disabled people, the stairs that once were such a breeze may may suddenly become a major hurdle in daily life. As a result, these people spend most of their times confined to the ground floor of their homes, with the upper levels practically out of bounds. According to a study by the University of California Disability Statistics Center, more than 60% of the 1.6 million wheelchairs users in America face daily difficulties in getting around their homes. Often times, the relatives of these people will simply recommend solving the problem by relocating to a bungalow or care home. However, the logistical and mental impacts of moving are many times grossly underestimated. To those affected, having to leave one’s trusted home will often feel like yielding, which could in the longer term lead to depression and a general sense of failure. Luckily, there is an answer: a stair lift. A stair lift, also commonly referred to as a handicap lift is made up of a high-quality wall-mounted rail with a comfortable, mechanic chair attached. The chair moves up and down the rail through a rack-and-pinion system, transporting the seated individual up and down the stairs with minimal effort. The device was originally invented by C.C. Crispen during the polio epidemic of the 1920s, to help his wheel chaired friend in climbing the stairs of his house. Recently, the machine then known as the ‘inclin-ator’ has underwent rapid development. Stair lifts come in different varieties, able to tackle both straight stairways and curved stairs. Additionally, one may encounter models for use outside and models which feature a large platform on which one can securely park a wheelchair. If lack of mobility starts limiting your action radius to the ground floor of your house, consider having a stair lift installed. In these days, stair lifts no longer have to be those boring industrial-like machines that contrast so strongly with your home interior. You will find that there is a wide variety of seat models and cover materials available, to make sure your stair lift fits perfectly into the warm familiarity of your home. As for power, stair lifts come in both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) varieties. AC-powered lifts hook up directly to the mains power supply, while DC-powered lifts use special rechargeable battery packs. DC-powered lifts are generally more expensive, but they have several important advantages. The biggest advantage of a DC-powered lift over an AC-powered one is safety; in case of a power cut, a DC-powered lift will continue to operate. You should remember that short-circuits are an exceedingly common cause of fire; in a case like that, an AC-powered lift will not be able to transport you down to safety. When purchasing a stair lift, don’t forget to take the following factors in due consideration: * Glide: the glide-factor affects the overall smoothness of the journey. * Power supply: a DC powered lift offers better safety and a generally smoother experience. * Control: for those suffering from arthritis, a joystick-based control is generally regarded as more convenient than a button control. * A swivel chair will allow you to exit and enter the lift without taking awkward steps. Considering the cost, a stair lift may not be light on your wallet. However, because of recent price drops, prices have fallen into a range that is affordable to most people with a standard income. In the end, the price will mostly be determined by your personal needs and the design of your staircase. Curved stair lifts are custom-made and may therefore be significantly more expensive to manufacture and install. For those that can not pay up front, stair lifts are also available for rent. You could also consider consulting your retailer for a special financing plan. Always consult a local retailer and have your home evaluated before investing in a stair lift.
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