Monday, January 14, 2008

Types of Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are equipment that can be installed on all types of staircases, either straight, spiral, or curved, for disabled people to move up and down the stairs. They can be set up and removed very easily.
There are several types of stair lifts. Some of them have folding tracks, folding arms, and various other controls.
The seated stair lifts are specifically designed for people who are able to walk but have problem with climbing stairs. This type of list is useful if you use crutches. The idea behind this lift is to make sure you are independent from needing help. The seated stair lift has a chair that swivels and has liftable armrests, so that the transfer from and in to the seat is made easy. Seat belts provide the required safely to a seated stair lift.
The standing stair lifts are for people who can walk and stand, but may be using a walking stick, making it difficult for them to go up and down the stairs without help. In cases where the legs are stiff due to a medical problem or unable to bend due to an injury, then standing stair lifts are extremely helpful. These type of lifts are also useful when the staircases are narrow, as they occupy less space. The safety factor is taken care of by the guardrails.
The perching stair lifts are a slight variation from the standing ones, in the sense, a small seat is provided to rest your back on. This is perfect for people who do need a little support but do not need to be seated. This is again a great choice where space is limited. Guardrails are provided to take care of the safety element.
A wheelchair lift is a wonderful piece of equipment that is a great boon to handicapped people. This helps them move up and down the stairs with ease, in their wheelchair. This is actually great if you take the emotional factor too. People who are handicapped strive to be independent and most hate to depend on people all the time. This lift obviously occupies a lot of space and it is good to use on staircases that are wide.
The exterior stair lift is a lift that is used outdoors. These lifts are useful when there is very less staircase space inside, but they have their own set of problems when it rains or snows.
Most stair lifts have built-in sensors that detect any obstruction in their path and stop automatically. Stair lifts should be bought only after professionals evaluate your home and suggest the type of lift that will provide convenience of use and is practical for your home.

Stair Lifts– Buy One That Suits Your Budget

You have decided that you do need a stair lift and have decided on getting one. The price varies between the numerous lifts out there and it certainly is a tedious task to determine if an expensive stair lift is better than a cheaper one.
It would help to understand the factors that are taken into consideration when determining the price of a stair lift.
The model of the stair lift is one aspect, curved or straight. Installing a curved stair lift takes time and effort, hence is more expensive than the straight lift.
The price varies with the number of features available on the stair lift. There are several facilities like lift arms, platforms for wheelchairs etc.
There are battery and electric ones available, with the battery ones being more expensive, as they can be used even during power outages.
The stair lifts with call switches at the top and bottom of the stairs are higher priced than the ones with push buttons situated on one side of the lift. These call switches enable the lift to be called to wherever the person is.
Sensors are an additional mechanism and the latest innovation, which help a great deal and provide security. With the help of these sensors, the stair lift senses if there is any obstruction in the way and stops, thus ensuring that no hazard takes place. These obviously will be priced higher.
When purchasing a stair lift, the repairing costs, maintenance costs, and service charges also should be taken into consideration; installation and maintenance being the crucial points you should be looking into.
If for some reason, you are not able to find one that suits your budget and you feel you will not be using it for a long period of time, you may look into the prospect of getting one on hire. Yes! Stair lifts are given on hire. The stair lift that is being leased needs to be tested before getting it installed. Look into the contract and understand what they mean before signing the lease agreement.
A word of caution! Although there may be stair lifts for lease, go for those only if you are very confident about the company providing these lifts. Never hire them from an unknown source. The reason being, there is no way to know if the company has been maintaining these lifts properly and it could be hazardous.
Any extra security devices provided with the stair lifts cost money, but it is worth paying for this security, as the main purpose of installing a lift is to keep your loved ones safe and happy. Stair lift prices have come down in the recent days due to the high demand and are more affordable than ever before.

Source: www.article99.com/health-tips/womens-health/article.php?art=63507