Tuesday 7 April 2009

Going Up and Down the Stairs Made Easier

There are several ways to provide access between residential floor levels for both the elderly and the handicapped. There are wheelchair lifts, residential elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stair lifts, etc. So far, the commonly and widely used method is the stair lift.


A stair lift can be installed in any home, normally at the edge of your already existing staircase. This transportation system includes a chair (with a footrest and armrests) and a motor. The person can simply sit on the chair while the stair lift gently takes both the chair and the one who occupies it up and down the floor levels. This is a convenient and safe alternative for the tiresome ascending and descending using the typical stairways.


Stair lifts come in a variety of lengths to suit different staircases. However, it must be remembered that a qualified and reliable technician must personally get the necessary measurements (angle and length) of your stairs at home. This “examination” process may involve asking the user some relevant questions such as the individual’s mobility limitations, whether the eventual user is right or left handed, and the like.


Stair lifts today are reliable, quiet and easily controlled with a joystick. Such joystick may be set on the armrest, depending on the individual needs and on the model and make of the stair lift. A stair lift can also be controlled with a remote control. This is helpful especially when more than one user is present in the home. By using the remote, the lift can be summoned from either bottom or top of the stairways.


In a stair lift, there is a park point where the stair lift gets to be recharged. The device also starts or stops gently, eradicating the possibility of bumping or jerking. The footrest is also well appointed, as well as the swiveling seat of the lift.


When electrical power supply is not available, the battery takes over which will ensure uninterrupted movement downwards or upwards of the stairs. Also, it has a troubleshooting display so the engineer can easily and rapidly resolve a malfunction.


A more sophisticated stair lift ensure safety by not operating whenever the carriage bumps into any barrier, or whenever the armrests, footrest, and seat are not in their right position. This system has also a switch to lock it up when necessary, particularly to keep the kids from unattended use of the stair lift.


Stair lifts intended for outdoor uses are made available to surmount the steps towards the garden or the door in front of the house. This can provide an easy ride for some sun exposure in the early morning. The outdoor stair lifts are as comfortable and quiet as those used indoors and can provide the same convenience and safety measures too.


If you are one of those individuals who have trouble going up and moving down the staircase, you will eventually think of constructing a bathroom or bedroom downstairs just to avoid the stairs. But you don’t need to make this home refurbishing if you have a stair lift installed in your home. GP


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/going-up-and-down-the-stairs-made-easier-345286.html