Stair Lifts
A stairlift is a machine that is usually fitted onto a steel rail running up a set of stairs. The machine has a chair which moves along the steel rail going up and down sets of stairs. Stairlifts are very important machines for some people, there are many reasons why you may need one, and these include disabilities, injuries, arthritis or anything that could stop the user from being able to comfortably negotiate a set of stairs.
Getting a stair lift is ideal if you face pain when climbing up stairs, such as having chronic back ache or being disabled. The stair lift takes away all the pain of walking and allows the user to just simply sit in a chair and be taken up and down the stairs.
There are a few different types of stair climber to choose from when deciding on purchasing one. Firstly you will need to know what kind of stairlift you require. There are 2 types, one being straight and one being curved. A straight stairlift goes up and down straight stair sets whereas a curved stair climber can go round corners and curves in stair sets. Before deciding on buying a curved stairlift always make sure that you actually need the curved one as a curved stair lift takes a lot longer to build and install than straight ones.
The reason why a curved stairlift takes so much longer to build and install is because all of your stair dimensions need to be very carefully measured and then the stairlift needs to be custom built to fit the layout of your staircase. Whereas straight stair climbers can pretty much be placed onto any straight staircase within a matter of hours.
Generally a stairlift is made up of a seat with arm and foot rests which is pulled up and down the stairs by cables which pull along on small rollers that are placed on the rail that goes up the side of the stairs. Most good stairlifts have a seat that can swivel out to the side so that when the user gets to the stairs the chair swivels allowing for easy access to the stairlift. Once the stairlift reaches the end it swivels out again allowing for the user to easily get out of the chair onto the next floor.
There are a few other types of stairlift which include replacing the chair with a platform lift. This kind of stairlift is especially good if the user is confined to a wheelchair or any other kind of disability machine.
A stairlift can climb up and down pretty much any type of staircase, they will go up and down steep staircases as well as normal ones. They allow for the user to go to parts of the house that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Remember when buying a stairlift make sure that you are getting the correct one for your needs, otherwise you could end up paying a lot more than what you really would need to
Choosing an Electric or Battery Powered Stair Lift
The advent of technologies has made great impacts on human lives. It has improved ways of doing things in various health related concerns and disability issues. The Stair lift is one invention that has provided tremendous effects in easing the need to go up or downstairs for people suffering from painful joint or back injuries. Many lives have improved and become more comfortable after installing an electric or battery powered stair lift in their homes. It is important to take note which type of stair lift to choose if you decide to have one. There are advantages and disadvantages when opting for a battery powered lift over an electric one.
Electric or AC powered stair lifts used to be the more popular option. It is directly connected to a main power supply through trailing cable. It generally runs on a 110 to 115 grounded VAC outlet. At the top of the stair is a spring-loaded drum that stores the cable. Obviously, its main advantage is being free from the hassle of changing and charging batteries. This is very important when you expect to use the stair lifts regularly or when more people is likely to use it. Also, AC models are usually cheaper than battery powered stair lifts. The major drawback is the dependency to power connection. If your area frequently experience power outages, then electric stair lifts may not be the best choice. AC models are also more prone to irregular stop and start motions. This of course can bring discomfort and even pain to users. The cables that it uses can be also a risk for anyone can trip from it accidentally.
Also known as DC powered stair lifts, battery stair lifts are apparently operated by a battery that should be recharged after a certain period of usage. There are DC models that provide charging stations anywhere on the trail or at both ends of the rail. The best thing about battery powered lifts is that you can use it anytime you want without worrying if a power outage or blackout suddenly occurs. It offers a smoother maneuver compare to AC models and are also quieter – a big difference for people with delicate health conditions. The main disadvantage is the time and effort you have to exert in charging the batteries. This is a real trouble when a lot of people are using the stair lifts too. Also, even though most batteries in the market now are inexpensive and last for many years, you still have to replace it over a period of time.
The most important thing to consider when choosing which type of stair lifts to get is the need and requirements of the people expected to use it. The health condition of the user should be also taken into account. The frequency of use should be considered as well. After that, it will be easier for you to decide if an electric or battery powered stair lift is for you.