For individuals with limited mobility, simple tasks like climbing the stairs can feel like scaling a mountain without a harness on. A stair lift is a great mobility tool that can give your loved one more independence in their home while also keeping them safe from potentially harmful falls. There are many stair lift options on the market right now, with the help of an advisor it is quick and easy to find one that fits your specific needs while staying within budget.
Thinking about investing in a stair lift for your home but not sure where to begin? You have come to the right place. This post will go over the types of stair lifts available on the market, the key safety features found on a stair lift, and the customization options available to make sure your chair is the right fit for you or your loved one.
Types of Stair Lifts
Straight Stair Lifts
As the name implies, straight stair lifts can be fit on straight staircases. They are a great option for homes with staircases that do not have any curves or landings, as the rail that the chair moves on is one consecutive piece that does not curve or bend. These are some of the more popular stair lift styles, as they are easy for a professional to install, often only taking a few hours.
Due to their simplicity and ease of installation, a straight stair lift is also a cost-effective lift option for homes that are on a tighter budget.
Curved Stair Lifts
If the staircase in your home is more complex with turns or landings in the middle, do not fret. Curved stair lifts are designed for these types of staircases, and they can safely transfer your loved one around turns and landings on your staircase while keeping them secure in the chair. The rail that the chair rides on is customizable to create a perfect fit for your staircase, and it can even be extended beyond the end of the stairs for added convenience and safety.
Outdoor Stair Lifts
We’ve gone over lifts for indoor staircases, but what about outdoor porch steps? These steps can be just as risky for individuals with limited mobility, and there are stair lifts that are designed to go outside. They are made with durable, weather-resistant materials, and they are a fantastic option for patios, porches, or outdoor steps. They connect to your home’s electricity and they are designed to remain functional no matter the rain, wind, or snow in your area.
Key Features of Stair Lifts
Automatic or Manual Folding Rails
Stair lifts typically have a small section of railing at the bottom or top of the stairs that allows the chair to park at the end, enabling the individual to safely exit the lift. If this section of railing is blocking a hallway or poses a tripping hazard, it can be beneficial to tuck it away when the lift is not in use.
An automatic retractable rail will fold out of the way without the individual having to do anything, as there is a small motor that raises and lowers it.
On the other hand, manual-folding rails require a second person to be present to assist in raising and lowering the rail by hand. This can help negate the tripping hazard of the rail, yet it may be more tricky for individuals with limited mobility to move on their own if they need to use the lift.
Power Swivel Seat
While stair lifts are great for safely transporting people up and down the stairs while they remain seated, your loved one must also be safe while they are entering and exiting the chair. A power swivel seat will rotate the chair once it is at the end of the staircase so that the individual can safely stand up from the chair without having to turn, shift, or pivot. It can make the whole process smoother and safer while still giving your loved one that feeling of independence and confidence while they navigate the stairs.
Automatic Folding Footrest
Stair lifts have a small footrest for individuals to be able to safely rest their feet so they remain out of the way of the lift as it moves up and down. This footrest can stick out from the chair, creating a potential tripping hazard and generally taking up more floor space. An automatic folding footrest will automatically fold up and bring down the footrest without the individual having to do anything, which is a great option for loved ones who may have a hard time bending down to fold the footrest on their own.
Stair Lift Customization & Design Options
Seat and Footrest Customization
Many stair lift manufacturers have customization options that can have both practical and design benefits. There are various seat size options available to make the user more comfortable and secure in the chair as they ride on the lift. Different footrest options can also improve the ergonomics of the chair and make it more comfortable for the user. These customizations allow you to be able to tailor your stair lift to meet your specific needs.
Upholstery Color & Style Options
In addition to practical customizations to improve the functionality of your stair lift, many manufacturers also offer different design options to customize your chair and help it match the aesthetics of the rest of your home. While the base model for many chair lifts is a neutral tan or gray color, many manufacturers offer custom upholstery colors.
Safety Enhancements for Stair Lifts
Seat Belt & Harness Options
While every stair lift is already equipped with basic safety features to keep the user safe and comfortable during the ride, additional safety enhancements can be added to meet any specific safety needs and give you additional peace of mind. Manufacturers can add a seat belt or harness option to keep the individual more secure in the chair if they need more support while on the lift. These can include a basic lap belt or a five-point harness for extra rider security.
Obstruction Sensors
Stair lifts move at a slow pace to keep the rider safe and secure in the chair. In addition, our stairlifts include obstruction sensors that scan the staircase for any potential obstacles. If the sensors do find a roadblock or obstacle on the stairs that is a potential hazard, they will trigger the chair to come to a safe halt before it hits the obstacle.
Making the Best Choice with Your Stair Lift Options
Stair lifts are a vital piece of mobility equipment that can keep you or your loved one safe in the home while also giving them a sense of freedom and independence as they navigate the stairs. Many manufacturers have customization options that range from practical safety improvements to the aesthetic and design of your lift. Whatever your specific needs are, there is a stair lift option that is the perfect fit for you.
Looking for a stair lift manufacturer available in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Indiana? DME Elevators & Lifts is your team of local stairlift experts. Our crew is ready to work with you to create the perfect custom stair lift to meet your needs. Contact us today to talk with one of our experts or schedule an appointment!
