The stair lift

For many elderly and/or disabled people, the stairs that once were such a breeze may may suddenly become a major obstacle in daily life. As a result, these people spend most of their times confined to the ground floor of their homes, with the upper levels practically unreachable. According to research performed by the University of California Disability Statistics Center, more than 60% of the 1.6 million wheelchairs users in America face daily problems in getting around the house. Often times, the relatives of these people will simply advise solving the problem by moving to a bungalow or care home. However, the logistical and mental impacts of moving one’s residence are many times grossly underestimated. To those affected, having to leave one’s trusted home will often feel like giving up, which might ultimately lead to depression and a general sense of failure. Luckily, there is an answer: a stair lift.

A stair lift, sometimes also called a handicap lift is made up of a high-quality wall-mounted rail with a comfortable, mechanic chair attached. This chair moves up and down the rail through a rack-and-pinion system, transporting the seated individual up and down the stairs with very little effort. The device was originally invented by C.C. Crispen during the polio epidemic of the 1920s, to help his wheel chaired friend in climbing the stairs of his house. Recently, the machine then known as the ‘inclin-ator’ has underwent major steps in development. Stair lifts come in a wide variety of models, able to tackle both straight stairways and stairs with a curvature. Additionally, one may encounter models for use outside and models which feature a large platform suitable for parking a wheelchair.

If lack of mobility starts limiting your life to the ground floor of your house, you may want to think about having a stair lift installed. In these days, stair lifts no longer have to be those bland industrial-like machines that contrast so strongly with your home interior. You will discover that there is a large variety of seat models and coverings available, to make sure your stair lift fits perfectly into the warm familiarity of your home. As for power, stair lifts come in both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) variations. AC-powered lifts are connected directly to the mains power supply, while DC-powered lifts utilize a special kind of rechargeable battery pack. DC-powered lifts are usually more expensive, but they have several important advantages. The biggest advantage of a DC-powered lift over an AC-powered lift is safety; in case of a power blackout, a DC-powered lift will continue to work. You should remember that short-circuits are a very common cause of fire; in such a case, an AC-powered lift will not be able to transport you down to safety. When purchasing a stair lift, also take the following factors into consideration:

* Glide: the glide-factor will affect the overall smoothness of the ride. * Power supply: a DC powered lift offers better safety and a generally smoother ride. * Control: for those suffering from arthritis, a joystick-based control is generally regarded as easier to use than a button control. * A swivel chair will allow you to exit and enter the lift without taking awkward steps.