Tuesday 10 March 2009

Handicap Stair Lifts for Homes: Stair Lifts for Handicapped

Handicap stair lifts are really a blessing for people who find it difficult to move up and down the stairway in their homes. Physically handicapped persons can access rooms on different floors with the aid of this mobility enhancement equipment. These devices can impart a certain amount of independence to disabled individuals.


The advantages of having handicap stair lifts at homes are: they can reduce the number of falls, lessen the wear and tear on knees, hip joints and ankles, and they can give freedom of movement to a certain extent. Nowadays, handicap stair chair lifts for homes are provided by a number of manufacturers. So, you can deal with your mobility disorders by installing a handicap stair lift without making home modifications.


While purchasing handicap stair chair lifts, one should consider several factors such as the amount of disability of the individual, ability to hold control buttons and so on. The person opting for these lifts must have the ability to rise on her own from the wheelchair to sit on the stair lift. If one cannot transfer oneself independently, she should consider other accessibility equipment instead. Most of the chair lifts are switched on and off using a button situated on the arm rest, so the person using them should be capable of performing this function. Moreover, the handicapped individual should have control over the upper portion of her body, or else she may slide or slip when the lift starts moving.


Depending on the shape of the staircase, one can opt for straight stair lifts or curved stair lifts. The power used for operating this device can be either AC or DC. Though the battery powered handicap stair chair lifts need to be recharged often, they can be operated even when there is a power failure in your home. These lifts can be mounted on either side of the stairs. Most of them offer a smooth and quiet ride. Some of them feature a sensor that can sense obstacles. Hence, the lift stops by itself on finding an obstruction, thus preventing damages to the equipment and the user. Almost all stair chair lifts will be equipped with safety belts. These lifts can be folded when not it use, allowing more space for others to walk by. Considering the expense involved in shifting the house and hiring a nurse, buying a chair lift is a better option. Installing handicap stair lifts in your home is often beneficial if there is an elderly or disabled person residing there.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/handicap-stair-lifts-for-homes-stair-lifts-for-handicapped-536301.html