Wednesday, August 7, 2013

How to Choose Stairlifts

These days, the trend for older adults is “aging in place” – a rather trite term that means “staying at home instead of going to an elderly care facility.” It’s an option that most people prefer, but they may have barriers that make remaining at home difficult. One of the most common of these barriers is stairs. Age and disabilities can make it difficult or painful to navigate the stairs, but that shouldn’t confine someone to one floor in their own home. Stairlifts return access and mobility to those who can’t comfortably navigate the stairs in their home. There are a wide range of chairlifts and stair lifts on the market, and choosing the best one for your needs can be confusing. Consider these factors to help you choose the best stair lift for your use.
Design
There are a number of basic designs for stairlifts, including those that mount on straight stairs and those that can navigate curved – or even spiral – stairs. The most common chairlifts are those that mount the rails on the steps (or treads) rather than along the wall. This lends them additional strength and stability. In addition, there are heavier duty lifts meant for wheelchairs, as well as perching stairlifts for those who can’t comfortably sit because of knee problems. The best way to choose the right design for your home is a professional consultation to evaluate your staircase and present the best possibilities.
Safety Features
The best stairlifts have integral safety features to ensure that they can be used without fear of injury. Check to be sure that the stair lifts you’re buying have:
  • A convenient and easy-to-use seat belt
  • A sensor to stop the chair before it hits an obstruction on the stair
  • End caps on the rails to prevent the chair from sliding off them
  • Good safety ratings
Also, check to make sure that the installers have references regarding their work, as well as experience installing the type of chairlift you order.
Comfort Features
Stairlifts don’t have to be comfortable, but they should be. Look for:
  • Wide, well-padded ergonomically correct seat
  • Adjustable footrest/platform and seat
  • A comfortable backrest
  • Intuitive, easy-to-use controls
In addition, consider the size of the stairlift. It should be designed so that it allows plenty of room for passage when it’s folded up and out of the way. Finally, you’ll find that the hardware and seat covers stairlifts are available in multiple colors and styles so you can choose one that fits your décor and design tastes.

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