General Information On Stair Lifts

Stair lifts help people who are unable to go up and down stairs, move around in their house. Subtle differences among various models of stair lifts allow you to choose features to suit your specific needs. Stair lifts are also suitable for wheelchair users when there is a wheelchair available on the other floor levels, which they can use. Various models are specially conceived for outdoor use. Stair lifts are a simpler alternative to vertical platfrom lifts, incline platform lifts, or home elevators. They can be modified to fit any staircase in or outside your home.

Stair Lifts are an option when you or a loved one are facing difficulty moving from floor to floor. We've got you covered in options, whether your needs are interior or exterior, whether you staircase is straight or curved, and whether you can transfer independently or not. Stair lifts are a great invention that provides safety while moving up and down the stairs. With a stair lift, you can be assured of the thing that the elderly or disabled people in your home or business are safe and protected and able to move more independently.

Stair lifts are devices that are used to help individuals with mobility problems ascend and descend the stairs. Using a small platform, called a perch, or a chair, these devices carry the individual up and down the stairs using a track system. Stair lifts are an essential item in your home if you have elderly or disabled person as they allows them to move freely around the house and staircases. Stair lifts are an essential item in your home if you have elderly or disabled person as they allows them to move freely around the house and staircases. Stair lifts are available in both AC and DC units. DC units are equipped with a battery backup and are generally a little more expensive than an equivalent AC model.

How To Measure A Straight Stair Lift

Installing a straight stair lift is easy and most people with a small amount of DIY experience can install one in only a few hours. However, many people are unsure about purchasing a straight stair lift because they don't know how to accurately measure their stairs so that they can feel confident when ordering one. However, measuring is not that difficult and can be done in about 5 minutes.

You can save a great deal of money is you buy and install a straight chair lift yourself. Even if you have the dealer install it for you, you can still sometimes save money if you give them the measurements beforehand; some agents make a charge for a pre-sales, on-site inspection.
Taking measurements is quite straight forward; there's not that much to it. The measurements are few and very easy to take. These machine are specifically designed to tolerate slight differences, meaning that things like carpet runners will not make a difference, so don't worry. Just follow the measurement instructions step by step and you'll be fine. You'll need a pen, paper and a measuring tape that can extends to the full run of your stairs.

Stand at the bottom of the stairs, look up, and decide which side of the stairs the lift will be mounted on. Most staircases run along a wall and most people prefer that the track also run on that side of the stairs: the track is actually fixed to the stair tread and never the wall. Small obstructions like handrails shouldn't be a problem as stair lifts are designed to clear these obstacles. This is the first and most important measurement.

For the next measurement, stand at the top of the stairs, and extend the measuring tape so that it lies on each of the stair treads - it should run parallel to the skirting board. You may find this easier to do if someone lends a hand. Take note of the measurement when the measuring tape touches the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

The next step is to measure from the edge of the top step to the edge of the first step - the tread. The next step is also simple enough. You just need to measure the width of the staircase. If there is a wall or door at the bottom of the stairs, measure the distance form the bottom step to the wall or door. This will tell the stair lift company how much clearance is needed.

The above measurements are the basic requirements that a stair lift company will need to supply you with the correct straight stair lift. Certain brands and models of may require more specific measurements to get a sense of space. If this is the case, the stair lift company will have instructions for any additional measurements needed. The company will usually supply you with graphs or easy to follow instructions, making measuring for your new straight stair lift an easy and simple process.

If you have any doubts you can request a survey from a reputable stair lift company. You can find these companies on the web and many will make no charge for an onsite survey regardless of whether you buy a straight stair lift or not.

Wheel Chair Lifts - Up, Up, and Away

A wheel chair lift is designed to allow those who must use a wheelchair easier accessibility to shops, restaurants, businesses, and any other public facility. There are many types of wheelchair lifts. The type a facility has will depend on the design of the building and the amount of money the facility has to spend on such equipment. Churches often have the older type of wheel chair lift that a person sits in. This requires them to move from their wheel chair to the seat of the lift.
Power wheelchair lifts are commonly found on vans and other vehicles. They allow wheel chair bound individuals the ability to get in and out of a vehicle with ease. This is very important for them to maintain as much of an ordinary life as possible. Many individuals who are in a wheelchair still work, do their own shopping, and enjoy social gatherings. A power wheel chair lift offers a way for them to be as self-sufficient as possible under the circumstances.

Wheel chair stair lifts are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They are also used by individuals who have difficulty going up and down stairs. The lift has a platform to roll the wheelchair onto or for an individual to stand on. It then lifts above the stairs where the individual is able to disembark from the lift. The same process is used to go back down the stairs. This is a great alternative to using the elevator and is also safe to use in the event of a fire.

Another useful type is the vertical wheel chair lift. This works almost the same way as an elevator, except the space is much smaller. The front has a door that opens when a button is pushed. The person in the wheelchair rolls into the space. There is generally enough room for another individual to enter the vertical wheel chair lift with the person in the wheelchair. Inside the lift are buttons similar to an elevator. Choose the button for your destination and you will be taken up or down depending on your choice. Once the lift has reached that location, the door will open much as the doors on an elevator do.

Handicap wheel chair lifts are designed to meet the special needs of those who use them. They may be similar to the wheel chair stair lift or the vertical wheel chair lift. They often have safety features in place and a bar inside to allow the person to pull themselves in or hold on during movement.

Wheel chair lifts come in many designs, all with the same goal of allowing those who use a wheel chair access to all the same facilities that the rest of society enjoys. They are made to be easy to use as well as accessible from ramps and other wheel chair accessible points of entry. If you require additional help, most facilities will have assistance available to help individuals with the proper use of wheel chair lifts.

Wheel Chair Lifts - Up, Up, and Away

A wheel chair lift is designed to allow those who must use a wheelchair easier accessibility to shops, restaurants, businesses, and any other public facility. There are many types of wheelchair lifts. The type a facility has will depend on the design of the building and the amount of money the facility has to spend on such equipment. Churches often have the older type of wheel chair lift that a person sits in. This requires them to move from their wheel chair to the seat of the lift.
Power wheelchair lifts are commonly found on vans and other vehicles. They allow wheel chair bound individuals the ability to get in and out of a vehicle with ease. This is very important for them to maintain as much of an ordinary life as possible. Many individuals who are in a wheelchair still work, do their own shopping, and enjoy social gatherings. A power wheel chair lift offers a way for them to be as self-sufficient as possible under the circumstances.

Wheel chair stair lifts are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They are also used by individuals who have difficulty going up and down stairs. The lift has a platform to roll the wheelchair onto or for an individual to stand on. It then lifts above the stairs where the individual is able to disembark from the lift. The same process is used to go back down the stairs. This is a great alternative to using the elevator and is also safe to use in the event of a fire.

Another useful type is the vertical wheel chair lift. This works almost the same way as an elevator, except the space is much smaller. The front has a door that opens when a button is pushed. The person in the wheelchair rolls into the space. There is generally enough room for another individual to enter the vertical wheel chair lift with the person in the wheelchair. Inside the lift are buttons similar to an elevator. Choose the button for your destination and you will be taken up or down depending on your choice. Once the lift has reached that location, the door will open much as the doors on an elevator do.

Handicap wheel chair lifts are designed to meet the special needs of those who use them. They may be similar to the wheel chair stair lift or the vertical wheel chair lift. They often have safety features in place and a bar inside to allow the person to pull themselves in or hold on during movement.

Wheel chair lifts come in many designs, all with the same goal of allowing those who use a wheel chair access to all the same facilities that the rest of society enjoys. They are made to be easy to use as well as accessible from ramps and other wheel chair accessible points of entry. If you require additional help, most facilities will have assistance available to help individuals with the proper use of wheel chair lifts.

Stairway Lift Chair

Stairway lift chairs can be found in many places such as homes, multi-storied offices, hotels and hospitals. They are used to help solve the problem of mobility and can save time in unnecessary movements in regular chairs. It depends on the needs of the office, hospital or home, but the best lift will look at these needs in an organization.

In a hospital, a stairway lift will help take the patient from one floor to another and reduces any discomfort or any pain to the patient. These kind are big enough to hold and accommodate wheel chairs, stretchers and beds. There is no problem with moving all the equipment to another place. A lift in an office helps save time while a person moves from one floor to another.

A stairway lift will also reduce the tiredness one gets by regular movements from a staircase. Older members with restricted movements can be helped by using them in houses. A lift chair is useful for various needs in various places and locations. This will be spacious based on the need of the organization, traffic, need of the person that is installing this. A strategic place that does not cover an entire area is desirable. There are many advanced lifts nowadays that can be managed by ways of a joystick. These have comfortable seats as well.

Stairway lift chairs could be an expensive solution, but could also be customized per the requirements of the organization or person and match the theme, interior and design of the location. A proper and complete study of the kind of lift chair is important.

Stairway Lift Chair

Stairway lift chairs can be found in many places such as homes, multi-storied offices, hotels and hospitals. They are used to help solve the problem of mobility and can save time in unnecessary movements in regular chairs. It depends on the needs of the office, hospital or home, but the best lift will look at these needs in an organization.

In a hospital, a stairway lift will help take the patient from one floor to another and reduces any discomfort or any pain to the patient. These kind are big enough to hold and accommodate wheel chairs, stretchers and beds. There is no problem with moving all the equipment to another place. A lift in an office helps save time while a person moves from one floor to another.

A stairway lift will also reduce the tiredness one gets by regular movements from a staircase. Older members with restricted movements can be helped by using them in houses. A lift chair is useful for various needs in various places and locations. This will be spacious based on the need of the organization, traffic, need of the person that is installing this. A strategic place that does not cover an entire area is desirable. There are many advanced lifts nowadays that can be managed by ways of a joystick. These have comfortable seats as well.

Stairway lift chairs could be an expensive solution, but could also be customized per the requirements of the organization or person and match the theme, interior and design of the location. A proper and complete study of the kind of lift chair is important.

How To Choose A Lift Chair

Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s, arthritis and other mobility limiting conditions trouble your loved ones. Being in one of these situations trouble them. It makes them feel useless and dependent on other people. They also sense that they have lost their vigor and free will. As a result they pity themselves.

In today’s modern world, mobility is an advantage. Thus, to bring confidence back to your loved one’s being, give them something that can help them live a life even with their disability or limitations. A quality lift chair for one is a great aid.

People who are suffering from knee and hip problems brought about by accidents, muscular weakness and other disabilities also need a lift chair. A lift chair can help them get up from a sitting position and back. Having a lift chair around gives them the opportunity to enjoy a normal life.

Caregivers, on the other hand, use lift chairs in order to take their patients in and out of their seats. An automatic lift chair can help them carry out their job easily and effectively. Said lift chair will also benefit the patients. The usual way of carrying them might give them sore. In using a lift chair, they will not likely get it.

Lift chairs come in different colors, styles, features and functions. A first sight, a lift chair may bear a resemblance to normal upholstered chairs. It may look like a recliner, couch, sofa or an ordinary chair.

With the wide-selection of lift chairs available in the market today, perhaps your next query is how to choose the right lift chair? To help you decide, here are some of the pointers that you can consider:

1. Consider the would-be user. When you are purchasing something for a person, think of his needs and wants. Choose the most appropriate thing that will best benefit him. In connection with lift chairs, consider whether the would-be user needs an automatic lift chair or not. Ask yourself: Is his condition critical to necessitate subtle materials and powerful equipments? Can a lift chair carry his weight? Be sure that these queries are answered. Most chairs carry 375lbs to 450lbs.Moreover, good knowledge and familiarity with the patient is a must to attain a good purchasing decision.

2. Examine the materials. The materials of the chair should also be considered. Patients may have sensitive skin and fabric and fur can cause them skin irritations. Leather, on the other hand, can give them unfavorable skin conditions.

3. The measurement of the chair matters. The size and height of the lift chair must match its user. If the chair is too small or too huge, the user will likely feel uncomfortable. Seat depth and width is are also vital to user’s comfort.

4. Convenience. Convenience is one reason why you are purchasing this kind of chair. Thus, convenience must be attained. If need be, you can purchase an automatic, 2 or 3 position, plugged or battery-operated lift chairs. There are also manufacturers that incorporate massage units and heating apparatus. You can install them too.

5. Fair Warranty. Most manufacturers give a 3 to 4 year warranty to the chair’s parts. Be sure to have them so that it will be easy for you to replace the chair if it turns out to be defective or unsatisfactory.

6. Price. Never sacrifice quality over price. Nonetheless, if you can get a quality lift chair at an affordable price, it will be better.

Electric Stair Lift Devices - Are They Really Worth It?

An electric stair lift comes in different makes, models and functions and it can be rather difficult to determine whether to get a home stair lift, wheel chair stair lift or an electric stair lift. When you go to buy a car you generally have an idea of what your basic needs are. Not just seating capacity but most importantly just how much you can afford to spend. This is the same with chair lifts. You must first know exactly how you'd like the device to aid you in your daily life.

Being able to move around and be mobile has always been a problem for those with physical challenges. Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease and many others make it tough. Whether it is at home, in the office or going to church. Those who are chair bound often need assistance with basic everyday functions like going up an down the stairs, making it to the bathroom and such.
Some people employ visiting nurses in their homes. A visiting nurse can do many things in addition to the nursing elements. She will likely become a part of the family since she would be visiting daily. Her routine could include light house cleaning, social visiting and medication refinements.

Sometimes an important consideration is forgotten in terms of how the chair bound person will be able to use vehicles. Whether they can get in or out of the vehicle is often a major challenge.

On one occasion I assisted a fellow church member in getting her mother in and out of the car. It was very difficult because many of these peoples conditions would worsen if they fall. This lady was over 400 pounds and a fall would require a call to the Fire Department to get her back into her chair. One simple solution would be a mobility device to take her from different levels of her home. But with regards to loading her into a regular passenger car, I think its better to call a van service with a motorized platform attached.

Some people balk at these devices but they really are meant to allow people with physical challenges to lead a more "normal" life. Many people feel the ease of control and self direction is superior to sitting at home in what amounts to be "solitary confinement". However, the price for installation and servicing of the most basic electric stair lift can easily run into thousands of dollars.

I've seen models start at $496.00 which is very modest for most working adults. But for someone on a pension or fixed income situation the additional features and maintenance of the device could prove to be to much for their budget. One should not treat the investment such a device as a lottery game. The results could prove very unfavorable for your health and well being. Generally speaking you should focus on three aspects during your selection process.

1. How safe is the device? With this you'd likely have to do a little internet research. Just Google the term "wheel chair stair lift" + safety Next, go examine the pages that are presented for that search you just did in Google.

2. How comfortable will you be in the unit? This is a question you should probably try to solve after you've narrowed down your top three selections. Because I am going to suggest that you have an odd number to compare one versus the others. This eliminates confusion and feeling overloaded as a result of looking at and talking with to many sales representatives.

3. Just how convenient will the home stair lift fit into your lifestyle? Do you have a large multi floored home? If so, this stair lift may be of a necessity for you.

Many people feel more at ease with having a unit to assist them in the home. The amount of security you feel as a result of gaining most of your mobility back is hard to estimate.
Some of the popular home stair lift brands are Acorn, Ameriglide and Braun. Whenever you speak with a sales professional be certain to find out if they work with any Governmental agencies like Medicare to get a much lower price on your unit.

Stair Lift Safety

A stair lift is a piece of home medical equipment that is designed to allow someone who is mobility challenged safely use the stairs. Typically a track is attached to the stairs and a chair or small platform is sent up and down the track by a set of hand or foot controls. There are several well known manufacturers of stair lifts including: AmeriGlide, Summit, and Acorn. A quality stair lift has been thoroughly tested for safety and has built in safeguards, but it is still very important to safely use and maintain these devices.

One of the most important ways to ensure safety is to follow the installation instructions, properly installing the stair lift using the correct tools and materials. Most reputable dealers have trained installation technicians available, so if you do not feel comfortable installing the stair lift yourself, you should contact your dealer. Once the stair lift is installed it is imperative that you use the stair lift in the manner it was designed, especially paying close attention to the weight capacity. Most stair lifts utilize high grade materials, but you can put an unsafe strain on the device if you go over the weight limit. Stair lifts made by AmeriGlide are some of the most reliable and safe in the industry. They all utilize high grade aircraft cable that has a breaking point of 4200 pounds, but this does not mean that you should in any way disregard the stated weight capacity.

It is extremely important that you do not allow children to play on the stair lift. Most stair lifts have, either included or as an extra option, some sort of locking mechanism. If you live with small children, the locking mechanism is a good investment because it ensures that the unit will not be used when you are not around to monitor it. If the unit is to be in a public area, like a church or a school, then it goes without saying that some sort of lock will be necessary.

Stair lifts manufactured by Summit and AmeriGlide have built in sensors on the footrest that stop the stair lift if it detects objects that could impede the stair lifts movement. They are also designed to not move if the seat is not in the correct locked position, which ensures that the unit will be used correctly. You should never try to bypass these safety features, because it can result in serious injury. In models that do not have a seat belt included, it is a good idea to purchase one separately. Just like in your car seat belts can save lives so make sure you buckle up.

Most stair lifts offer foldable seats that save space when the unit is not in use. If others use your stairs it is a good idea to get in the habit of folding the seat after each use. This will free up space on the stairs and allow for others to safely traverse the steps. If used correctly your stair lift will provide years of safe quality service. Like anything though it is important to follow the instructions on use provided with the unit and to under no circumstances let the unit be used as a toy.

Electric Stair Lift Shopping Tips

Before you go to an electric stair lift dealer, you want to be armed with all the information you can muster to avoid being talked into something you don’t want or something that won’t fit your situation perfectly.

Now if you have a therapist or professional who can advise you on what you or your loved one will need in particular that’s always ideal. So to start off with, it’s a good idea to check out at least three different companies selling electric stair lifts. When you do this, you’ll see why, as prices, quality and service plans can differ. Keep in mind that as in most industries there are always bad apples preying off people’s lack of knowledge.

So get a feel for the company that you feel most comfortable and one that seem reputable. It may help to ask each company to provide you with a list of customers that you can call or even visit.

Usually at the electric stair lift dealership, you’ll be able to personally test their stair lifts. Looking at a stair lift and actually trying one out are two very different things!
Thanks to improved technology, stair lifts are quieter and can be installed on almost all stair cases. Watch out for companies selling older technology disguised as something new.

Most reputable companies will guarantee their electric stair lifts for a year or more. Notice what you’ll have to pay after your one-year warranty expires. You don’t want to be sucker-punched with a big “re-guarantee warranty” fee. You want to make sure that your service plan includes having the stair lift inspected every six months and serviced annually. It would also be ideal to have it in your plan where you can get emergency call-out service.

A Guide to Choosing a Right Stair Lift

As you age you start having to make some choices you might prefer to never have to make. An example is picking out your burial plot, maybe even your casket, and making a will. These are hard decisions to make, but so are the decisions that go along with the aging process. One of these is a stair lift. Nobody wants to have to use a stair lift, but it becomes important for many individuals to do so at some point in their life. So, finding the right stair lift is important and something that everyone should be aware of because it could become necessary for you at any time.

Stair lifts, for those of you who don’t know, are simply lifts that will take you up the stairs without you having to exert any effort. It is really hard for individuals to lose their mobility and be required to use vertical lifts, but fortunately it is an option so individuals don’t have to move into a new home that is only one level. This is especially true for individuals who end up having to use a wheelchair. Wheelchair lifts installed in a home allow individuals the freedom of mobility they are so accustomed to even though it is not the same freedom of mobility they had before.

Growing old is certainly a challenge and having to install stair lifts in your home may seem too much to bear. But, it is reality and you should face it. The following tips will help you find the best stair lift. First, consider whether you need a stair lift or a wheelchair lift. Will more than one individual need to use the lift? How much can you afford to spend? Style and coloring are also important because you want a lift that matches your home. When you keep this in mind you should be able to find an appropriate stair lift without too many problems. If you want some advice then ask friends and family members what stair lifts they have used and which ones they would recommend. Having a little bit of family advice never hurt and it might make you feel better, too.

Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. The following tips will help you find the best stair lifts. First, consider whether you need a stair lift or a wheelchair lift. Will more than one individual need to use the lift? How much can you afford to spend? Style and coloring are also important because you want a lift that matches your home. Wheelchair lifts installed in a home allow individuals the freedom of mobility they are so accustomed to even though it is not the same freedom of mobility they had before.

Maxi-Comfort Lift Chairs!

Probably the best types of lift chairs are those built to give extreme comfort... especially for someone in pain or with limited mobility.

I remember my father who passed away about 20 years with terminal cancer. During his last 8 months or so of life, he sat, slept and lived in a regular recliner chair. That recliner was the only way he could sit and sleep with a minimum of pain. I've often thought how he probably would have been so much more comfortable in an electric reclining lift chair...especially the infinite position type like the Golden Technologies PR-505M Maxi-Comfort lift chair. I remember what a painful chore it was for him just to get up out of his chair and go to the bathroom.

Anyway, there are many different types of lift chairs available on the market. However, not very many of them are dedicated to maximum comfort levels. The best lift chair is one that is dedicated to giving you a purely relaxing experience, all the while helping to get in and out of the chair. There are some lift chairs that outshine others in the comfort level, and after you see them, it's easy to see why.

One of the best selling lift chair lines available are the Maxi-Comfort line by Golden Technologies. These lift chairs are dedicated to providing the most comfortable sitting, reclining and and upright experience imaginable. If you are searching for a chair that will give you nothing but relaxation and ease of mind and body, than these the chairs for you.

Some of the features that make these chairs so amazing include a hand stuffed back, infinite positions and many other features including left or right simple controls with only two buttons with 2 motors for ANY position for both the back and footrest portions. Another great feature about these lift chairs are the fact that they are extremely stable. While some chairs take extra precaution for stability, others do not. However, these recliners give you skid-free leg levelers. If you like to take naps in your recliner, then you will be able to take the best nap you've ever had by completely leveling out the chair making it perfect for taking wonderful naps.

Also, the Maxi-Comfort line allows you to fully customize the size. If you have ever bought a pre-made chair from a furniture store, than you may have noticed that the chair was either too short or too long for your body. This is because it was built for a "generic size" body frame.

However, with the MaxiComfort lift chair, you're given the ability to choose the exact model size based on your body height and width. By purchasing a lift chair that is customized for your exact size, than you are able to have a truly one-of-a-kind sitting experience that will provide you ultimate comfort and relaxation. Also, when you order your lift chair don't forget the unforgettable heat and massage option...well worth every penny you paid for it.

Acorn Stair Lifts

A stair lift is a device that can help people who are either disabled or elderly to go up and down the stairs in their own homes. There are plenty of different companies who now build stair lifts including Acorn Stair Lifts and each model that they produce will be able to cater to a person’s specific needs and requirements. Most types of stair lifts you see today have been specifically designed for use within the home, but there are some which a person can use for outdoors as well.

Certainly by having some form of stair lift in their home a disabled or elderly person will be able to maintain some sort of independence in their life. But each one of the stair lifts produced by either Acorn or other manufacturers of these devices will allow that person to travel safely and easily up and down the stairs in their home.

Acorn Stair Lifts since their formation have manufactured and installed many hundreds of thousands of stair lifts into people’s homes around the globe. By installing these within a person’s home Acorn have been able to ensure that these people can continue to live in the comfort of their own homes until such time as they feel that they are unable to.

Certainly as we get older and if you suffer from any form of disability (no matter how minor) it can be extremely difficult for you to get up and down stairs comfortably and safely. For many as we grow older or suffer from some kind of disability mobility is a problem and climbing up and down stairs can be a very big challenge as well as a big risk involved. Therefore these people will often turn to having a stair lift installed to help reduce the difficulties that they face of gaining access to the upper levels of their home.

All the Acorn Stair Lifts available today to purchase are powered by batteries and so there are no messy cables to worry about as everything is contained within a box that is built onto the chair. Plus many people who have already had one of these stair lifts installed in their homes have found the ride to be extremely smooth especially when the device is stopping and starting. Plus should there be a power cut in your home at any stage then you will know that your stair lift is going to still be able to get you up and down the stairs in your home.

Stair Chair Lift - A Word Of Warning

There is a growing trend for customers to buy a home stair lift and to install it themselves. This trend is encouraged by many dealers who sell residential stair lifts - especially via the internet - as they imply that installation is child's play, will save the customer money and is what most customers want anyway. However many organizations are concerned about self-installation of stair chair lifts.

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) has warned that many disabled people are putting their lives at risk by DIY installation of home stair lifts. BHTA director general Ray Hodgkinson thinks DIY stairlifts are "an accident waiting to happen".
Many disabled people are on low incomes and believe that they will save money by installing a stair chair lift by themselves. But they are warned that they might be saving money in the short term but they will pay in the long term.

David Jenkins, a product safety advisor for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents backs this advice. He says: "The implications of getting it wrong would not only be financial."There could be serious injury or even death."

In the US this concern has been expressed by the AMEA (Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer's Association). The AMEA states that no individual can know whether they have properly installed a home stair lift unless they have received expert training. The average consumer will also be unaware of conformance requirements with both local and national codes; in many localities, the codes referenced are the ASME A17.1, the A18.1, and the NFPA70 (National Electrical Code). Finally, the AMEA, points out that the customer could be breaking the law. If the stair chair lift requires any wiring to the mains supply, many states prohibit this unless it is carried out by a qualified technician.

Stair lifts may look simple but they are complex machines using the latest technology; only someone with the required training can confidently install one.

Another reason why many dealers prefer customers to self install a home stair lift is because there is no come back if things go wrong. The dealer can always throw up his hands and put the blame solely on incorrect installation. Many customers are negating many warranties when they install a stair lift by themselves.

The elderly and the disabled are often seen as easy victims - especially by internet traders. A good tip is to only deal with suppliers who insist that they carry out the installation. This, not only shows that the supplier cares about his customers' safety, it will also protect the customer in the long term should anything go wrong with the stair lift.

What Is The Best Handicap Stair Lift?

If you're handicapped a stair lift can really give you back your independence. But the cost of a handicap stair lift is expensive so before you part with your money you should make sure you buy the best stair lift for you. Here's a quick review of stair lifts for the disabled.
There are two basic types of stair lift; the straight stair lift and the curved stair lift. These further divide into electric AC mains stair lifts and DC battery operated stair lifts. First off, do you require a curved stair lift? The price of a curved stair lift is many times more expensive than a straight stair lift. And most stair lift manufacturers only make straight stair lifts. These manufacturers will tell you that you can use two straight stair lifts if you have a middle landing, however you should bear in mind that you will have to get on and off the stair chair lift twice; this may not be so easy, depending on your handicap, especially when changing stair lifts on a small interim landing.

Until recently just about all stair lifts for the disabled were powered from mains electricity. This had some problems: the units were noisy: they had a trailing cable, which could be easily tripped over; the ride action was somewhat 'juddery'; and you couldn't use it when there was a power failure. Most new handicap stair lifts are battery powered. You get many advantages with a battery stair lift: quiet ride; smooth ride; no mains wires and easy to install; and you can use it when there is a power outage.

However, there are some advantages to main power. With an electric stair lift you can use it as much as you like; battery operated stair lifts need to be recharged. So, if you think you might use the handicap stair lift more than 20 times a day, then you could consider an electric stair lift.
The following manufacturers make handicap stair lifts for straight stairways only.
The Acorn Superglide 120 stair lift is a very good battery powered unit. You get many features as standard; safety sensors to stop the chair when it encounters an obstacle, fold up seat and flip up foot rest, swivel seat, and a directional paddle switches that are operated by the lightest touch and can be used easily by those even with limited dexterity. You also get a choice of safety belts; inertial reel lap harness comes as standard - you have to pay more for a fixed 3-point shoulder harness.

Finally, Acorn also manufactures the Superglide Perch Stair Lift. This perch stair lift is especially useful for those who have only limited movement in their knees - it's also ideal for stairways that are narrower than normal.

Summit stair lifts are designed to be cheap and easily installed. The company makes electric stair lifts and not battery. You get many of the features that come with the Acorn; however the controls on the Summit stair lift are not ideal for the disabled. Also, you don't get a safety belt. If your disability is such that you have limited use in your hands or you need to be secured with a safety belt, then you really should consider the Acorn; the price of its disable stair lift is more than that of the Summit stair lift but you do get a lot more features that are better for the handicapped.

If you need a curved stair lift then you're probably best is considering either a Bruno stair lift or Stannah stair lift - both of these companies also make excellent straight stair lifts.
All Bruno stair lifts are battery powered. The company makes the Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail stair lift. You get a retractable safety belt; optional wrap-around parking so the chair doesn't occupy too much space on the landing; and it can carry up to 350 lbs. All in all, the Bruno is an excellent stair lift for the disabled.

Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer who supply handicap stair lifts all over the world. The Stannah 260 stair lift is its curved stair lift. This stair lift is ideal for the disabled. The arms come with integrated controls that operate at the lightest touch - you can also get a joystick option if you prefer. You get a manually operate swivel seat as standard but there's also a powered swivel option. The stair lift comes with 9 sensitive safety edges to detect any obstacle and stop the chair. Finally, the chair travels along a unique dual track that is very elegant in design.
The Stannah stair lift is a little more expensive that the Bruno handicap stair lift but it is worth paying that little bit extra.

The above four stair lifts all work well for the disabled. For a straight stair lift, the Acorn Superglide stair lift is your best option. For a curved stair lift, the Stannah stair lift is my recommendation. Whichever model of handicap stair lift you choose make sure it has the features you need.

Stair Chair Lift: Factors to Consider in Buying the Right One

So you’re ready to buy your first stair chair lift. As you might already know there are many makes, models and styles. It’s enough choices to make your head spin. But, there are also individual factors to take into consideration when buying a stair chair lift. Unfortunatlely some of these considerations are overlooked by people. Here’s what to consider when buying your stair chair lift:

· Would the user of the stair chair lift rather stand or be seated as they go up and down the stairs? For people wishing to stand as they go up and down the stairwell, a perching stair lift is right for them. If they prefer to stay seated, a seated stair lift is ideal. Now if the user of the stair lift is seated in a wheelchair, then something called a wheelchair platform is what they need.
· Size is an important consideration in what type of stair lift you will buy. Obviously a stair lift fitting an adult wouldn’t be safe for a disabled child. So the seat of the stair lift you buy must fit the user right.

· If the user of the stair lift has a stiff knee, he or she will probably needs what’s called a stair chair lift that faces forward instead of sideways like most stair chair lifts are designed. Usually a wider stair chair will be more appropriate for a person with a problem knee.

· If the user of the stair chair has a problem with heights, in addition to the chair’s seatbelt, additionally guardrails might be needed to assuage the user’s anxiety.

· There are different types of controls for stair chairs. That’s important to note, because some people because of their age or condition may not be able to work the controls of a particular chair properly. So make sure you have the stair chair lift user test out the controls and get used to them before you leave them on their own.

· In cases where the user of the stair chair lift is blind or suffers poor eyesight, an appropriate chair is required. One that sounds off with an audio signal to alert the user he or she has reached the top landing or the bottom of the stairwell.