Stair lifts

For many old and/or disabled people, the stairway that always was so easy to climb could suddenly become a major obstacle in daily life. As a result, these individuals have to spend most of their time confined to the ground floor of their houses, with the upper levels effectively out of bounds. According to a study by the University of California's Disability Statistics Center, more than 60% of America's 1.6 million wheelchair users face daily problems in getting around the house. Often times, the families and friends of these people will just advise solving the problem by 'moving to a bungalow or care home'. However, the logistical and emotional impacts of moving one's residence are many times grossly underestimated. To those persons affected, having to leave one's trusted house will often feel like yielding, which could in the longer term lead to a feeling of depression and a general sense of failure. Nowadays, there is however an answer: a stair lift.

A stair lift, sometimes also referred to as a 'chair lift', consists of a high-grade durable wall-mounted rail with a durable and comfortable seat attached. The seat moves up and down the rail through a rack-and-pinion system, moving the seated individual up and down the stairs with minimal effort. The device was originally invented by C.C. Crispen during a high incidence of polio in the 1920s, to help his wheel chair using friend tackle the stairs of his house. In recent years, the machine then known as the 'inclin-ator' has underwent many stages of improvement. Nowadays, stair lifts come in a wide variety of models, able to tackle both straight stairways and curved stairs. Additionally, there are models for use outdoors and models which feature a large platform suitable for parking a wheelchair.

If lack of mobility starts to limit your action radius to the ground floor of your house, you may want to think about purchasing a stair lift. Nowadays, stair lifts no longer have to be those boring industrial-like machines that contrast so strongly with the interior of your home. You will discover that there is a wide variety of seat models and cover materials available, to make sure your stair lift fits perfectly into the trusted interior of your house. As for current, stair lifts exist 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 critical 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 planning to buy a stair lift, don't forget to take the following factors into consideration:

- Method of control: a joystick-based control is generally seen as more convenient than a button-based control. In particular people suffering from arthritis.
- The glide-factor: This affects the general smoothness of the ride.
- Power: a DC powered lift provides better safety and a generally smoother experience.
- A swivel seat will allow you to exit and enter the lift without bending in awkward directions.

Considering the price, a stair lift is not likely to be be light on your wallet. However, because of recent price drops, prices have fallen into a range that is affordable to most people with a standard income. In the end, the price will ultimately be determined by your personal needs, as well as the design of your staircase. Curved stair lifts are custom-made and may therefore be significantly more expensive in both manufacture and installation. For those that are not able pay up front or only suffer from temporary disability, stair lifts are also available for rent. You can also consult your retailer for a special financing plan. We recommend you consult a local retailer to have your house checked for compatibility before investing in a stair lift.

If you have a desire to learn more about the stair lift, make sure you check out this site.

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