Do you live with an elderly loved one or individual with mobility issues? If so, you’re surely concerned about his/her health and well-being. This is especially true if your loved one contends with diminishing strength and balance. Such conditions make climbing up and down the stairs very dangerous.
Thankfully, there is a tried and true solution to the dangerous stair climb issue. A home stair lift is a motorized chair that slowly and safely glides up and down a set of stairs affixed to a metal rail. It is mounted to the stair treads. Stair lifts can be mounted on either straight or curved staircases, making it easy to access other levels of your home with any type of stair design.
What steps should you take before selecting a stair lift for your home?
Determine the type of stair case you need a stair lift for.
There are stair lifts for both straight and curved staircases. Straight stair lifts are fitted to staircases with no bends. Curved stair lifts are fitted to staircases that have one or more bends and require custom-designed curved rails. Basically, any staircase configuration that isn’t completely straight up and down requires a curved stair lift.
Consider the features that are important to you.
There are many basic features that come with a home stair lift. Firstly, it is battery powered so you will never have to worry about it being unable to operate in the event of a power outage. Secondly, a stair lift can fold up to be kept out of the way when it is not in use. That way, all members of the household can walk up and down the stairs with ease.
As well, there is a safety system to stop the stair lift if something is on the stairs. There is also a safety key switch to turn the stair lift off when it is not in use. Of course, each stair lift comes equipped with a seat belt as well. If your care recipient requires additional features, such as a swivel chair to make it easier to get into and off the seat, it’s worthwhile to request. Power swivel seats, upholstery colours, power footplates and custom rail colours are available options.
Select a reputable manufacturer.
It’s important to choose a stair lift that has been created by a reputable manufacturer. Naturally, optimum performance and safety are paramount. As well, you’ll want to ensure that you receive a warranty that will cover the cost of repairs. Bruno and Handicare are two of the most trusted names in the industry. We especially recommend the Bruno Elan and Handicare Freecurve stair lifts as they are among their most popular models.
Understand the needs of your care recipient.
While this point is being made last, it deserves to be first. Nothing is more important than addressing the specific requirements of the loved one in your household. If he/she requires the use of a mobility solution such as a wheelchair, it’s wise to do away with the dangers of the stairs. At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we strongly believe that a stair lift is the best solution to stay independent at home and to access all levels of your residence.
To learn all about our stair lifts, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!