Safety, Stair Lifts, and More

Using the stairs is an integral part of many people's daily routines, but for those that have difficulty walking, which is often as a result of diseases like arthritis, it can be difficult or even impossible to use the stairs. For these people a stair lift is often the best and most cost effective way to allow full access of their home.

Those that are not able to safely use the stairs might consider simply avoiding areas that have stairs and for public areas, this might be a good idea. However, around the home this solution looses its practicality. This is because avoiding the upstairs of your home means that you will have to avoid a large portion of your home. It is far better to take advantage of one of the many mobility lifting aids that are available for the home.

The stair lift is the most common type of lifting aid found in the home. This is because most homes have straight staircases and in these homes a stair lift can be installed for much less than an elevator could be. The stair lift carries a single occupant up and down the stairs quickly and safely. Depending on the model, some are capable of supporting over 500 pounds and can be used indoors or outdoors. While outdoor models are available, they cost a little more and are required to be completely weatherproof. Indoor lifts are less expensive and more common, but both are very popular.

People who have curved staircases are almost always better off going with an elevator though, because the cost will be about the same, but the elevator has much more functionality.