Options To Consider Before Purchasing A Stair Lift
If you are thinking about installing a stair lift in your home, you should know that, as with many things, one size does not fit all. A stair glide will become a permanent fixture in your home, and before you have it installed, you should ensure that you get the stair lift that is best for your needs and your home. There are a few ways that you can customize your stair lift, ensuring that you get the chair that is the most comfortable for use and the best fit for your needs.
Weatherproofing
If your chairlift is going to be used outside of the home in order to get up and down stairs, you will want to ensure that you purchase a chair that is weatherproof. Weatherproof chairs will include upholstery that is resistant to water damage. Chair lifts that are meant to be used outdoors also include working parts that are a bit more resilient to the elements than chairs that are produced for indoor use.
Key-Access
If you have small children in your home, you might want to think about getting a stair lift that is key-accessed. Including a key-access will mean that the stair lift cannot be operated unless a key is in place and in the "on" position. Getting a stair lift with a key-access is a great way to ensure that children do not accidentally injure themselves playing with a stair lift.
Hand-Held Control
For one reason or another, you might find it difficult to operate the stair lift yourself with the built in controls. Some stair lift models come with the option of a hand-held control. This control is very small and can be held in one hand. This makes a chair lift easier to operate for those who struggle with upper mobility and may not be able to control the stair lift the usual way.
Proper Capacity
Before you run out and buy a lift, you need to ensure that the stair lift is suitable for your weight and your height. Those who are taller or heavier than most people will need to get lifts specially designed to carry them comfortably. If you neglect to get the proper sized seat, not only will you be uncomfortable, but you will run the risk of injury.
Standing Lift
Standing lifts are lifts where you stand, instead of sit. This option is not very common, as most people who require a stair lift for mobility may have a difficult time standing. However, if you have a very narrow staircase and can stand comfortably, you might want to consider getting a standing lift. Narrow staircases often times do not have the width to allow both a chair lift and space for a mobile person to walk up and down the stairs.
Hinged Track
If you are lacking space at the top or bottom of your stairs and are uncertain about your chair lift track being in the way, you will want to get a chair lift with a hinged track. These stair lifts have small sections at the top and bottom that allow the track to be flipped up out of the way when it is not in use. You can get chair lifts that have hinged tracks that are manually flipped, or you can choose a model that offers automatic track flipping.
A stair lift is a great way to restore total mobility around the house for those who have problems with movement. However, if you install a chairlift without considering what sort of options to have included, you might wind up being unhappy, or even unable to use your lift. Consider each option carefully before you have your stair lift installed so that you are sure to be happy with your new mobility aid.
You can go to websites of local mobility aid retailers to learn more.
