1 in 8 adults has a mobility issue. Limited mobility is a daily struggle for these individuals, making simple tasks much more complicated. We climb the stairs without even thinking about it, but this can feel overwhelming for people with mobility difficulties. Fortunately, there are effective ways to make stairs handicap accessible. Tools such as stairlifts and home elevators not only improve safety but also restore freedom and independence. Explore equipment options that make stairs more handicap accessible.
Why Handicap Accessible Stairs Are Essential
While stairs are a part of our everyday lives, they can feel like a mountain to climb for people with mobility issues. For many people, a set of stairs is what prevents them from venturing out of their homes because they can’t reach certain areas. For homeowners, creating handicap accessible stairs means loved ones can freely access all parts of the house.
A staircase quickly becomes a matter of safety for people with limited mobility. While some can technically climb up and down the stairs, limited mobility in their legs and unsteadiness make the process extremely difficult and dangerous. It can lead to falls and serious injuries such as concussions and broken bones.
A mobility tool like a stair lift or elevator helps people with limited mobility to move around safely. In the next few sections, we will go over common mobility tools and how they make homes and businesses more accessible for everyone.
Stair Lifts
You may have heard this term before, but what is a stair lift? These are the lifts you might have seen on television where a motorized chair moves the user up and down a flight of stairs. These lifts keep the individual secure in a chair; that way they don’t have to try and climb the stairs on their own.
Stair lifts come in 2 types, either a straight stair lift or a curved stair lift. Which one you need depends on your stair configuration. Straight lifts work great for staircases that go straight up without any bends or curves. On the other hand, curved lifts work with staircases that have landings or turns in them. Curved models are custom-made to fit your specific staircase. Whatever type of staircase you have in your home or business, there’s a stair lift for you.
Stair lifts have a motorized chair connected to a track that follows the lines of the staircase. The user sits in the chair, buckles the seat belt, secures any carry-ons, and presses a button. The chair then rides the track up or down the staircase while the user safely sits. These chairs are great for people with limited mobility who struggle to climb the stairs. All they have to do is sit down and take a ride.
When looking for a stair lift, choose one that best suits your staircase and the needs of the user. Some chairs have automated features such as a lowering footrest that may help users who can’t bend over to adjust the footrest. It’s important to keep their mobility limitations in mind when looking for the right stair lift.
Stair lifts keep the rider safe by eliminating the need to climb the stairs. A person can trip and fall on the stairs if they struggle with balance or range of motion in their legs. A stair lift makes it so they don’t have to worry about a thing.
Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)
While stair lifts are a great option for users who only need to use a cane or walker, there are better mobility options for people who use wheelchairs. Wheelchair users need to be able to take their wheelchair with them to the next floor so they can get around safely—this is where the vertical platform lift (VPL) or wheelchair lift comes into play.
These lifts are similar to an elevator in that they vertically bring the wheelchair users up and down floors. Instead of a track on top of existing stairs, a vertical platform lift is installed separate from the staircase. The user will wheel themselves onto the platform, make sure the door and their chair are secured, and then press and hold a button to move up or down to the next floor. Rather than the user sitting in a chair, they remain in their wheelchair the entire time and are transported with their wheelchair.
A VPL is a great option for both residential and commercial spaces. They make your home and other businesses more accessible for wheelchair users while keeping them safe. Something to consider is the installation requirements for a VPL and the total costs. They do take up a good amount of space, and they may require additional home modifications. We recommend speaking with an expert advisor who can help you weigh the pros and cons of a wheelchair lift.
Home & LULA Elevators
Lastly, consider the elevator. When we say elevator, you may think of a massive hotel elevator that goes between dozens of floors. However, we’re referring to home and limited-use, limited application (LULA) elevators. These elevators are smaller than commercial elevators, and they typically only go between a few floors. They are designed for smaller spaces such as in your home or local business, so they’re meant to take up less space. These elevators also come in a variety of colors and designs, perfect for any home or commercial setting.
When is it Time to Choose a Home Elevator Over a Stair Lift?
A home elevator is a significant investment and modification to your home. However, safety and peace of mind are worth the price. A home elevator is a great option for users who have very limited mobility and are permanently restricted to a wheelchair. They also offer the user a greater feeling of independence in their own home while still keeping them safe.
Regular Maintenance to Keep Stairs Accessible & Safe
Whichever mobility tool you decide is best for your home, regular maintenance is crucial in keeping your loved one safe. Stairlifts, VPLs, and home elevators need routine maintenance from a certified technician to make sure everything is working properly and the equipment is safe to use.
During a maintenance appointment, a technician from the company will visit your home and inspect your mobility equipment. They will look at all of the main components, such as the motor, gears, and belts, and run diagnostic tests to make sure everything is working properly.
Minor issues can quickly snowball into more serious issues if not dealt with promptly. Broken or faulty equipment can put your loved one at risk of a fall or serious injury. For elevators and lifts, failures can leave users trapped. Routine inspections make sure that doesn’t happen and your loved one is safe with every use.
Get the Accessibility Solutions You Need
For some, a flight of stairs is just a few steps—while for others, it’s like scaling Mount Everest. Stairs can pose a significant risk of falls and serious injuries, and for many, they’re simply not an option. Fortunately, there are ways to make this obstacle more accessible and safe for mobility aid users. From stairlifts to elevators, there’s a mobility solution tailored for every need.
Considering a mobility aid for your home or business? DME Elevators & Lifts has you covered with stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, and home elevators. Serving both residential and commercial spaces, we’re here to make accessibility possible for everyone. Contact DME Elevators & Lifts to schedule a free estimate or speak with one of our elevator experts.
