Often as you body begins to age, things that once were easy to do become more difficult. The stairs are one of these things that in some cases can present a safety hazard as you become older. In fact falls down the stairs are more likely to occur to individuals who are over the age of 65 and they frequently result in hospitalization.
There are several ways to help prevent falls down the stairs. You could of course simply avoid the stairs, but this can mean not using whole areas of your home. You could also hire someone or rely on a family member to help you with the stairs. This can put a strain on your pocket or those you love and means giving up your independence. Perhaps the best choice is to install a stair lift.
Stair lifts are devices that are installed on the stairs and are used to carry an individual up and down the stairs. Typically a chair is used to carry the individual, but a small platform can also be used if the individual has trouble standing or sitting. A stair lift can be easily installed in an afternoon and most dealers have installation technicians that can come to your home and set it up for you if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.
A stair lift will greatly increase your independence and keep you from rely on someone else or having to stop using a portion of your home.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Safety on the Stairs
If you are over the age of 65 then you are at a much greater risk of falling down the stairs. This type of fall can be very dangerous and often results in a broken hip. Rather than take this risk, it is far better to install and use a stair lift.
Stair lifts are mobility aids that are installed on usually installed on the steps, but in some instances are attached to the wall instead. Usually the installation of a stair lift to a straight stair case can be done in an afternoon, but if your stair case is curved then it is much more complicated.
Even though a stair lift can greatly reduce your risk of fall and injury, it is still possible to be injured if you do not use the device properly. Always remain seated until the unit has reached the top of the stairs and if it has a seat belt then make sure you keep it buckled. Keep the stairs free of obstacles and obstructions. This includes things like clothes and bags that are often set down on the stairs. It is also important that the device is not used as a toy. If you have small children make sure that you do not allow them to play on the device and you may want to consider a model that has a key lock system. This is also true of public areas.
When used properly a stair lift will provide many years of worry free safe service, but make sure you remember to follow all safety procedures.
Stair lifts are mobility aids that are installed on usually installed on the steps, but in some instances are attached to the wall instead. Usually the installation of a stair lift to a straight stair case can be done in an afternoon, but if your stair case is curved then it is much more complicated.
Even though a stair lift can greatly reduce your risk of fall and injury, it is still possible to be injured if you do not use the device properly. Always remain seated until the unit has reached the top of the stairs and if it has a seat belt then make sure you keep it buckled. Keep the stairs free of obstacles and obstructions. This includes things like clothes and bags that are often set down on the stairs. It is also important that the device is not used as a toy. If you have small children make sure that you do not allow them to play on the device and you may want to consider a model that has a key lock system. This is also true of public areas.
When used properly a stair lift will provide many years of worry free safe service, but make sure you remember to follow all safety procedures.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Alternatives to Stair Lifts
If you are in a wheelchair, or rely on a mobility scooter to move around, then the stairs are probably your biggest nemesis. Often the front steps are also very steep and are very unforgiving. A traditional stair lift will not be able to accommodate your mobility device. Vertical platform lifts are used by many to combat these problems in situations where a stair lift will not work.
Vertical platform lifts are like min-elevators, but are generally not enclosed like a normal elevator that you would find in a building. They are used to lift a person and their mobility devices vertically the distance of the stairs. Some units can lift vertically over 12’ high, so it is likely you will be able to find a unit that will work with your front steps. They can also support a great deal of weight and a quality platform lift will support at least 500 pounds. Frequently these devices are used to carry 2 people and 1 mobility device.
The installation is generally fairly simple for these devices. The biggest concern will be the base that the vertical platform lift will sit on. It must be very flat, level, and capable of supporting the weight of the lift and those using it. Often a concrete slab is poured, but they can also be secured to wood or in some cases a special base of sand and rock can be built. If you are lifting more than a few feet, you will likely need to secure the unit to the side of the steps as well. While more often than not these units are installed in a permanent manner, some portable units are available. These are frequently used in public places like churches and schools, but they can be used in residential settings as well. A portable vertical platform lift often has a lower weight capacity and is limited in how high it can lift.
A vertical platform lift is a great investment for your home or business. It can restore mobility and independence and allows you to sleep easy knowing the stairs can be conquered with ease.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Using And Maintaining Your Stair Lift Safely
Climbing the stairs has consistently been rated as one of the most challenging tasks for mobility challenged individuals. This often results in people avoiding their stairs, which in turn can result in large portions of their homes going unused. A stair lift is one medical device that has been developed to solve this problem and is incredibly popular. A stair lift is a medical device that is used to transport a person up and down the stairs. They generally feature a track that is secured to the stairs. A small platform or chair is then sent up and down the stairs resulting in what is in many ways a personal escalator.
The safety advantages associated with a stair lift are many, but like any medical device it is imperative that it is used in the manner it was intended. One of the most common mistakes made when purchasing a stair lift is regarding the weight capacity. All stair lifts are rated to safely support individuals up to a certain weight. Even though they frequently use incredibly strong materials, such as reinforced steel and special aircraft cables, they are still designed and tested for individuals of a certain weight. This weight capacity is often a reflection of the design of the system it self, but also the manner in which it is secured to the stairs. Stair lifts that support higher weights generally cost a little more, and this is one reason people sometimes ‘fudge’ their weight. Others may feel self conscious about their weight, or if they are buying it for someone else might not feel right asking about their weight. It is important that you honestly evaluate your weight requirements and include any anticipated weight growth. It is far better to air on the side of caution and get a unit that supports too much weight, than to purchase a unit that has an inadequate or borderline weight capacity.
There are several practices that must be maintained while using a stair lift to promote safety. It is important to never try to stand or move while the stair lift is in motion. Many units come with seat belts and if one is included, it is a good idea to buckle up. Since your stair lift will be traveling up and down the stairs it is very important that the stairs remain free from clutter and debris. It is never a good idea to have clutter on your stairs, but it can be very dangerous if you have a stair lift. The problem with clutter on the stairs is two fold. On the one hand if it interferes with your stair lifts movement, you could damage your unit. Many stair lifts have built in sensors that will detect most objects in its paths, but you should not rely on these sensors alone. The other safety issue presented with objects on the stair case involves people who walk up and down the stairs. A misplaced object can cause them to trip, and because the stair lift takes up a small portion of the stair case, it is much harder to avoid objects while avoiding the stair lift as well.
In regards to the amount of regular maintenance that is required to keep them running, modern stair lifts have come a long way from their older relatives. Most are designed with sealed drive systems that do not require any lubrication and will not leak. Even with these many advances, it is still important to follow any maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This is important because it ensures that the device will continue to function properly and safely. It can be very easy to follow the “If it is not broke, don’t fix it mentality,” but this can be incredibly dangerous if applied to stair lifts. Most only require lubricating a few points on the device and a brief inspection, so it makes no sense to take a chance with something that carries so much.
While stair lifts have been thoroughly tested to provide safe and reliable service, it is still important to use these devices in the manner which was intended. When in doubt use your common sense when deciding how to use your stair lift.
Article Source
The safety advantages associated with a stair lift are many, but like any medical device it is imperative that it is used in the manner it was intended. One of the most common mistakes made when purchasing a stair lift is regarding the weight capacity. All stair lifts are rated to safely support individuals up to a certain weight. Even though they frequently use incredibly strong materials, such as reinforced steel and special aircraft cables, they are still designed and tested for individuals of a certain weight. This weight capacity is often a reflection of the design of the system it self, but also the manner in which it is secured to the stairs. Stair lifts that support higher weights generally cost a little more, and this is one reason people sometimes ‘fudge’ their weight. Others may feel self conscious about their weight, or if they are buying it for someone else might not feel right asking about their weight. It is important that you honestly evaluate your weight requirements and include any anticipated weight growth. It is far better to air on the side of caution and get a unit that supports too much weight, than to purchase a unit that has an inadequate or borderline weight capacity.
There are several practices that must be maintained while using a stair lift to promote safety. It is important to never try to stand or move while the stair lift is in motion. Many units come with seat belts and if one is included, it is a good idea to buckle up. Since your stair lift will be traveling up and down the stairs it is very important that the stairs remain free from clutter and debris. It is never a good idea to have clutter on your stairs, but it can be very dangerous if you have a stair lift. The problem with clutter on the stairs is two fold. On the one hand if it interferes with your stair lifts movement, you could damage your unit. Many stair lifts have built in sensors that will detect most objects in its paths, but you should not rely on these sensors alone. The other safety issue presented with objects on the stair case involves people who walk up and down the stairs. A misplaced object can cause them to trip, and because the stair lift takes up a small portion of the stair case, it is much harder to avoid objects while avoiding the stair lift as well.
In regards to the amount of regular maintenance that is required to keep them running, modern stair lifts have come a long way from their older relatives. Most are designed with sealed drive systems that do not require any lubrication and will not leak. Even with these many advances, it is still important to follow any maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This is important because it ensures that the device will continue to function properly and safely. It can be very easy to follow the “If it is not broke, don’t fix it mentality,” but this can be incredibly dangerous if applied to stair lifts. Most only require lubricating a few points on the device and a brief inspection, so it makes no sense to take a chance with something that carries so much.
While stair lifts have been thoroughly tested to provide safe and reliable service, it is still important to use these devices in the manner which was intended. When in doubt use your common sense when deciding how to use your stair lift.
Article Source
Friday, May 2, 2008
Battery or Electric
A stair lift is a device that carries people up and down the stairs. There are several different types of stair lifts made by a variety of manufacturers. When you purchase a stair lift, you can purchase either a battery powered one or an electric powered one.
Battery powered units still plug directly into the wall, but the electric current is used to charge the batteries. The batteries are what actually powers the unit. These are great if you live in an area that frequently looses power. This will ensure that even if the power goes out, you will never be without your stair lift. Most modern units charge continuously, but a few models still require you to park the lift in a "charging position." Try to stay clear of models that only charge in one position and instead find a unit that continuously charges.
Electric units receive their power directly from the wall. These units will not work if the power goes out, but you do not have the added expense of changing batteries. They also typically cost less then a battery powered unit of similar type.
Battery powered units still plug directly into the wall, but the electric current is used to charge the batteries. The batteries are what actually powers the unit. These are great if you live in an area that frequently looses power. This will ensure that even if the power goes out, you will never be without your stair lift. Most modern units charge continuously, but a few models still require you to park the lift in a "charging position." Try to stay clear of models that only charge in one position and instead find a unit that continuously charges.
Electric units receive their power directly from the wall. These units will not work if the power goes out, but you do not have the added expense of changing batteries. They also typically cost less then a battery powered unit of similar type.
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