Saturday 28 February 2009

Stair Chair Lifts for Straight and Curved Staircases

Stair chair lifts are practical and convenient accessibility solutions for individuals affected by various types of mobility problems. Nowadays, you can find a wide range of stair chair lifts for straight and curved staircases, from leading manufacturers in the industry. Stair chair lifts enhance the value of your home, and with their elegant designs add to the overall aesthetic appeal.


Effortless Access to the Different Floors

Both straight and curved stair lifts are provided with many standard safety features including safety brake, height adjustable footrest, wall mounted call / send controls, automatic sensors, seat belts and swivel seat cut-off switch, and more. Straight chair lifts designed for use in both indoor and outdoor settings are available. With these devices, anyone can effortlessly use the stairs in residences and offices.


Along with reliability and safety, stair chair lifts offer a smooth and quiet operation. Curved stairlifts are the ideal options for staircases with bends or curves. Features such as automatic obstruction sensors, seat belts and armrest controls are incorporated in these models for ensuring safety and convenience. Whatever the configuration of your staircase is, you can get this mobility system tailor-made to the size and shape as per your needs and preferences.


Stair Chair Lifts – Enhancing Mobility and Freedom

Installing such equipment can provide a great degree of independence and freedom to mobility impaired individuals, and enhance the quality of their life. Stairlifts for residential as well as commercial purposes can be purchased from branded manufacturers in the market. At present, the top manufacturers that offer this line of accessibility equipment are Bruno, ThyssenKrupp Access and Savaria Concord.


The available models of stair lifts for straight and curved staircases include Electra-Ride III curved rail model, Citia, Excel, Stair-Glide, Flow II, Step-Saver and B.07. When planning to buy stair chair lifts for straight and curved staircases, it is important to do a little research regarding the various competing brands and models, their advantages, load carrying capacity, safety features, and prices.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/stair-chair-lifts-for-straight-and-curved-staircases-704432.html

Thursday 26 February 2009

Stair Chair Lifts for the Disabled

Stair chair lifts for the disabled are great accessibility options for individuals who find it difficult to climb stairs. Highly efficient and easy-to-operate stair chair lifts will help you move up and down the stairs effortlessly.


Feature-rich Stair Chair Lifts

Elegantly designed stair lifts are available in various sizes and color options. They are equipped with several safety features, which include:


• An array of sensors to detect the obstacles on its way
• Safety belt
• On and off switch operated by the lightest touch
• Flip-up foot rest
• Swivel seat which can be folded against the wall when not in use to provide space for others to walk by


Without making any structural changes, one can install a stair chair lift on straight or curved stairways. Ideal for any staircase configuration, this AC/DC operated device can be mounted on either side of the staircase.


Purchase from Reliable Manufacturers

Many reputable manufacturers such as ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria Concord and Bruno manufacture AC and DC operated stair lift models, appropriate for your needs and budget. Different types of stair chair lift models available in the U.S market include outdoor Electra-Ride Elite, StairGlide® Stair Lift, Flow StairLift and Citia Stair Lift.


Careful planning and informed selection will ensure that you get the stair lift that is best for you purpose. Disabled stair chair lifts will be the greatest gifts you can give for aged and physically challenged members of your family.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/stair-chair-lifts-for-the-disabled-705859.html

Sunday 22 February 2009

Creating a Safe Stair Climbing Experience

For some people, it might seem like it is necessary to completely avoid the stairs in their home. This is because for many climbing the stairs is very difficult and it is also one of the leading causes of serious injury in the home. However, avoiding the stairs is not something that is practical, nor is it something that is necessary if you own a stair lift.


A stair lift is a device that helps to make the stairs safe by carrying a person up the staircase. This way there is no need to try to walk up the stairs and potentially falling. Instead, it is only necessary to sit in the stair lift's seat and the lift will do the rest. Remote controls are also usually included, or available, with most lifts. They can be mounted on the wall and used as call buttons or they can be used to allow caretakers to operate the lift.


Most people will be better off going with a sitting stair lift. These devices are very safe and to increase safety a seat belt is included or available for almost all models. There are some people, however, who might not be able to easily use a sitting stair lift. This is often due to an injury like knee replacement surgery, which can prohibit a person from bending their knees enough to safely sit down. For these people, a standing stair lift called a perch lift can be used.


Perch lifts, while still greatly reducing the risk of a fall, are not quite as safe as a sitting stair lift. This is because the occupant must remain standing as they are carried up the stairs when using a perch lift. This means a much higher level of balance will be required, making this a poor choice for most people. There are some that will not be able to use a seated stair lift, so for these individuals, a perch lift is a good choice.


The first stair lift was actually developed over eighty years ago and today still look, in some ways, similar to this first stair lift. However, from a performance and safety standard they are much improved. Today's lifts are more powerful, last longer, and are much more durable as well.


One safety feature that all quality lifts have is a special sensor built into the footrest. This sensor can detect items on the stairs that could interfere with the movement of the lift. If something is detected, the lift will stop moving. A swivel seat is also essential for safety and included in most lifts. The swivel seat allows the chair to be turned away from the staircase. This allows an individual to exit or enter the lift off of the staircase. The lift will not move until the seat is swiveled back in place though.


There are many stair lifts available, so it is never a problem to find one that will provide safe support, while still matching the houses furnishings. These devices can greatly increase staircase safety.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/creating-a-safe-stair-climbing-experience-746697.html

Friday 20 February 2009

Stair Lifts - the Ups and Downs

Stair lifts are designed to take individuals up and down the stairs with ease and convenience. They are often used by those who are confined to a wheel chair or who have bad knees or other medical issues that make stairs difficult to navigate. They may be used by the elderly and pregnant women as well. Stair chair lifts can be found in a variety of settings including public facilities, restaurants, Churches, Museums, homes, and businesses that have more than one level.


Wheel chair stair lifts are the most common type found in public. These stair lifts work in several different ways, depending on the type of lift design the facility is using. A common type of wheel chair stair lift has a chair built on the lift. This can be difficult to use as it requires the person being able to move out of the wheel chair and into the chair on the lift. Another person has to help the individual because the lift will take them to the top of the chairs, or back down depending on their need. Someone will have to carry their wheel chair up and down the stairs for them to get back in to.


A more convenient type of wheel chair stair lift allows the person in the wheel chair to push their wheel chair onto the lift platform. A safety gate will close behind them. When they reach the top or bottom of the stairs, the front of the lift will open, allowing them to wheel forward out of the lift. This type of lift allows individuals to go up and down stairs without the assistance of anyone else.


Home stair lifts are very convenient for someone who has become wheel chair bound, but who also wants to remain in their home. They are easy to install. Most plug in to a wall current just like a lamp. One draw back is that most homes don’t have back up power sources, so in the event of a power outage, the home stair lifts aren’t usable. The majority of them come with a very good warranty and can be used for individuals who weigh up to 300 pounds.


Used home stair lifts can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost from a home owner that no longer requires it. However, they do not come installed or with a warranty. Some companies that market home stair lifts are starting to offer reconditioned used stair lifts at a lower cost. Purchasing a used stair lift from a company may offer you a short term warranty as well as installation assistance.


Stair lifts are a great invention that allow those who are not able to go up and down the stairs the ability to lead a very normal life. Most businesses and public facilities offer them to be in compliance with ADA requirements. A home stair lift is a great option for someone in a wheel chair or the elderly who want to remain in the home they love and enjoy. It gives them the ability to do so.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stair-lifts-the-ups-and-downs-109544.html

Monday 16 February 2009

The Benefits of a Swivel Seat Stair Lift

A stair lift is a very helpful mechanism that allows the elderly or disabled to move about the stairs. It moves a small platform along a set of tracks that is attached to the stairwell, thus allowing it to transport an individual whenever they feel the need to travel up or downstairs. There are many different types of stair lifts available and there are also a number of options that can make using a stair lift a lot easier. One option that is widely known is the option of having a swivel seat stair lift.


Swivel seats are primarily a standard option amongst most stair lifts. They are very common. What makes this option very helpful is that the individual doesn't have to remain in a stationary position when the stair lift comes to a stop. You can easily face the chair away from the stairs when you reach the top or bottom of the stairs. This is makes things much easier as far as getting on or off the stair lift. There are usually two different types of swivel seats: powered swivel seats and two-way powered swivel seats.


A powered swivel seat is used for people who are unable to turn the seat themselves. This option automatically turns the seat for effortless entry and exit. Although this is a very beneficial option, this will add on a bit to the overall price of your stair lift. It is always best to compare and contrast prices from different manufacturers.


A two-way powered swivel seat allows the user to get off the seat in a very convenient position at the top or bottom of the stair well. This option is more of a luxury item compared to the others and really isn't required. Just like the powered swivel seat option, this too will add on to the overall price and can be quite costly.


Regardless of what type of seat that you purchase for your stair lift, they all provide comfort and are very beneficial for people who are in need of the. In the end, that is all that counts.

About the Author

Dan Brathers has shown great interest in stair lifts and has written many articles about them. To view more information about stair lifts, please visit, A1 Medical Supplies.

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Tuesday 10 February 2009

New Stair Lifts versus Old Stair Lifts

While purchasing the need for the old stair lifts is on the rise. Plausible reasons are viability and cost-effectiveness of an old stair lift over the brand new ones.


On the contrary still some people are buying the brand new stair lifts. They firmly believe that buying a new stair lift is recommendable as they say after a considerable period of time the stair lift companies will not make the parts. Then it would be impossible to get the parts, if needed.


So, from these two different views we can easily fathom out there exist certain pros and cons of both the stair lifts: new and old. The following comparative study will surely help you in determining which one to buy for.


New stair lifts offer certain facilities. Depending on the needs you can customize the stair lift and all of these have been possible due to the options that are available with a new stair lift. An approved dealer always gives a manufacturer guarantee with each new stair lift; the parts are instantly available in the market. New stair lifts can be available in the curved shapes. And you can enjoy post-installation services by the dealers at the convenient time.


Still they are also not without the shortfalls. New stair glide is obviously costlier than that is used in the old one. In case of a new model, the kinks are really the problematic ones. You have to wait possibly three to ten weeks to get the new curved stair lifts from the manufacturer; all the time the curved stair lifts may not come out to be the best as compared to the straight ones in respect of the service time required.


While a good branded second hand stair lift does not impose that much problems. It is less expensive than the new one. The old stair lift is available at $300 to $1500. But still it faces some difficulties: less warranty period, rarity in getting the crucial parts, more-service-calls phenomenon, unmatched curved parts, less manufacturer support and specific usage nature (Sides of the stairs, track length and users’ physical sizes).


Insurance companies and the state regulations have been very specific in case of the new stair lifts installation after 9/11, affecting the products given by the manufacturers. Though, track can be modified and some of the parts can be changed like the length and lift positions from right to the left in case of a second hand stair lift.


The population, another determinant, is proportionally related to the usages of the stair lifts, both the old and the new ones. In a populated area so many stair lifts are available than in case of an unpopulated zone.

About the Author

Jason Uvios writes about on New Stair Lifts versus Old Stair Lifts to visit :- ski chair lifts, chair lifts stairs and braun wheel chair lifts

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Monday 9 February 2009

Things To Consider When Buying A Curved Stair Lift

A curved stair lift is your only option if your stairs have a curve, intermediate landing or have some sort of obstruction. If you are going to buy one you need to be aware of some of the issues with price, length of installation, operating costs and more.


Installing a stair chair lift can greatly improve quality of life. Even if you're not technically disabled, walking up and down stairs can be demanding, frustrating or downright intimidating. Mobility and access to all areas of a home can greatly restore a person's independence and peace of mind.


If you are considering the installation a curved stair lift you should be aware of a few things before you buy.


The purchase and installation price is expensive. The reason for the high price is because it's custom built on site and the materials used are more expensive than for a straight stair lift. The track on a straight stair lift is usually made from aluminum. Aluminum is used because of its interchangeability and it's cheap. Tracks used on curved stair lifts are usually made using both steel and aluminum. Steel is used to provide strength and because it is malleable. Installation of a curved model accounts for the largest proportion of cost and installation can take anything from 3 weeks to 3 months.


Buying a used curved stair lift is really to be avoided unless you buy one from a reputable dealer who will install it for you. Make sure the track being provided is new and not re-conditioned track. This is not considered to be safe and a reconditioned track will not conform to International Safety Standards.


Should you decide at a later date to replace or get rid of your lift and want to sell it, you may find this difficult. Because it is custom made, the stairlift made for your home isn't going to fit someone else's. At best you probably will only be able to sell the chair, motor and controls; the track, which constitutes the majority of cost, will be useless to someone else.


Curved stair lifts usually require more servicing than any straight stair lift. Additional stress is caused by the chair having to move along the track around corners. You may find that the ongoing maintenance costs will be higher than those for a straight one.


Not all manufacturers make curved stair lifts. The companies that do are market leaders who make stair lifts of excellent quality. You'll pay for this excellence though. Companies that do make curved stair lifts include Stannah Stair Lifts (the Stannah 260 stair lift) and Bruno Stair Lifts (Electra-Ride III Custom Curved Rail Stairlift).


Finally, before buying, discuss warranties and after sales service with the retailer. As mentioned these lifts do require maintenance and you'll need to budget costs for this.


Don't let the above stop you from buying a curved stair lift. The benefits of installing one lift can't be understated but you should be aware of the issues before you buy one so you can discuss them with your dealer.


About The Author:
Following the links for curved stair lifts and get stair lift reviews on leading brands like the Stannah stair lift.


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Thursday 5 February 2009

Ameriglide vs. Acorn Stair Lift

Ameriglide stair lifts - also known as Summit stair lifts (they are the same company) - are cheaper than Acorn stair lifts. Ameriglide claim that, although it offers a cheap machine its product is as good as that of the Acorn. But does a comparison between the Ameriglide and Acorn stair lift prove this claim?


First off, the Ameriglide is cheaper than that of the Acorn Superglide machine. If the customer's sole consideration is a low cost stair lift then the Ameriglide is the first choice. But the price of a chair lift is determined by the quality and features that come with it.


What follows is a review and comparison of the Ameriglide and the Acorn on a component by component basis.


DC Battery or AC Power?

When chair lifts were first manufactured they were mains powered but today Acorn, and most other leading brands, are powered by a 24 volt battery pack. However, Ameriglide/Summit chair lifts are still mains powered. So, what's the issue with using mains power? Well, batteries present no risk of electric shock. Also, many stair lift can be self-installed but many states will only allow a qualified electrician to install a main powered appliance.


A mains powered unit like Ameriglide has a trailing cable. The cable is constantly reeled in and out as the chair travels up and down the stairs. This will produce wear and tear - over a relatively short period - and will require maintenance and/or replacement of the cable. In some situations the cable can fail when the lift is in use leaving the user stranded mid way up or down the stairs.


DC batteries have proved so popular because of the smoother ride, especially when starting or stopping. The Acorn machine gives a very smooth ride. DC battery operated units like the Acorn are also quieter than those that are mains powered.


Power outages also make batteries a clear winner. You can continue to use the Acorn stair lift during these outages. Ameriglide, do suggest a solution to this problem - go out and buy a universal power supply - which contains a stair lift battery.


A final note about batteries; all batteries used in new stair lifts like the Acorn can be easily purchased from a local hardware store. The cost of replacing them is very cheap too – the company charge around only $15.00 for each battery.


The drive systems.

Ameriglide use a cable system. This is considered old technology by just about every other manufacturer. Acorn, like nearly all modern designs, use a rack and pinion system. The problem with cable systems is that the track is very wide and trough shaped - which creates a problematic dirt-trap. It's claimed that rack and pinion tracks need regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent damage. However, with Acorn machines this is not so; the system is maintenance free.


Safety controls and devices.

The easiest type of control for anybody to use is the joystick, which is why the Acorn chair is fitted with one on the arm rest. The control used on the Ameriglide is a rocker switch, which is not as easy to use, especially by those with severe arthritis. The remote controls supplied with the Acorn are modern, wireless infra-red devices, rather than old-fashioned, hard-wired controls that must be fixed to the wall as is the case with Ameriglide.


The Acorn has an electro-magnetic braking system with a self-locking gearbox. The self-locking gearbox alone, as installed in Ameriglide is not really a braking system.


The Acorn has sensors mounted on each side of the footrest and on the carriage itself to stop it immediately if any obstacle gets in the way. The Ameriglide is fitted with a sensor only on the footrest, so an obstacle found on the track will not stop the stair lift.


There are other items found on the Acorn machine that are superior or not even present on the Ameriglide version.


In conclusion, there's nothing wrong with the Ameriglide. It's cheap and does its job and there are many satisfied customers who use it everyday. In fact, many consumer reviews like its no-frills functionality and cheap price. But there's no doubt that the Acorn stair lift is a superior product. The price of the Acorn machine may be higher than the Ameriglide, but you get what you pay for.


Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Monday 2 February 2009

Stair Lift Rental - 3 Tips Before Deciding

A stair lift rental is a great option when you are confined to one floor of your home. However, there are features of this option one must consider. How you respond to these questions can help you further determine if renting is for you.


  • Are you planning for short term usage?
  • Are you using renting as a financing option?
  • Is your stairway suitable for renting?

Stair lift rentals are intended for short term use.

There really are only a couple of times that a rental makes sense. First is if you or a loved one are confined to a wheelchair or to not using stairs for a limited time. Examples of this might be that you have a broken leg or have had hip replacement surgery. The other is if a relative or friend is coming to visit for more than a couple of days or weeks. Both are short term and ideal for renting the proper equipment.


Rent payments may add up more than financing.

If you believe that you may need the stairlift for longer than a few months then you may need to work with the sales department of your chosen lift company for other financing options. Typical payments on renting are around $100 or greater plus additional up front fees. With that payment you could have a $3000 lift paid off in slightly over 2 years at 5% interest. Rentals are not meant to be paid off so why continue paying on something you won't return for some time? Also loans, credit cards, and other forms of funding may bring a lower payment therefore helping with your budget.


Rentals are primarily for straight stairwells.

Due to the complexity and variety of stairwells straight stairlifts are the easiest for companies to rent. If your staircase is curved, meaning a straight run with no landings or curvature, you may have difficulty finding a rental stair lift. Renting two lifts is a possibility if your stairs are straight with a landing in between but then you may be looking at higher payments.


Another item to consider is that most rented stair lifts are used. These should be checked out by the company you have hired prior to and after installation.


These are great devices to have in your home for lifting you or your loved one from floor to floor. As long as you are planning for short term usage and have straight stairs then renting could be a very attractive option for you.


Stone Dupree has been active in repairing and maintaining medical devices in the hospital and clinical environment for nearly twenty years. He loves to share tips from his experiences with others through his websites. Visit http://www.stairliftinfo.info to learn more about if a curved stair lift is for you. You'll find many other tips and advice on finding and purchasing a stair lift for your home too.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stone_Dupree

Sunday 1 February 2009

Improving Your Staircase Through Quality Stair Parts

If you want to improve the look of your home, you should remember to prioritize the things that you need. You should know which things are important and which are not. This is because you have to avoid forgetting the important things. You should remember that there are different parts in your home that should be cared for. There are small things that constitute your home and there is a tendency for you to forget about them. However, these things are still important.


You may think that your staircase is an important part of your home. If you want to get this part of your home improved, then you will most probably start with the design that you want from it. However, you should still consider that the stair parts are also important and it will generally affect the look of your staircase.


There are many kinds of stairs and you would have to know the possibilities so that you can carefully select the kind that you will use in your home. There are also many stair parts available in the market and you should also check them out so that you will know which combinations would work for you. These options that are open for you would be a great help especially because you will be able to improve the look of your home. However, you should not forget to consider the quality of the stair parts that you will choose to buy. You have to be careful because these parts would also affect the durability and stability of your staircase.


When it comes to the style of your staircase, it would mostly depend on your design needs. You should remember that you have to find a suitable design for your home. You may know that you have to select the design based from the theme of your house. This is important when you want to achieve a certain level of aesthetics. However, you should still be practical with your choices especially when the space for the staircase is limited. Thus, the design would still have to depend on your taste as well as the practical considerations such as space and budget.


The stair parts that you will need would depend on the design that you want. Thus, you have to set your decision so that you will still have enough time to search for the parts that you will need. You should think about the long term effects of your choices since it would not be practical to change your stairs every year. Thus, you have to ensure that you are able to consider most of your options and weigh them. This will lead you to a good decision and a sturdy staircase that is economical and stable


Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top - SEO Company