Information About An Inclined Wheelchair Stair Lift

A stair lift can be the solution to getting up and down stairs and there are many on the market. However, nearly all require that the person using one lift be able to lift themselves on and off it. For the wheelchair bound this is not always viable. An inclined wheelchair stair lift might be the answer.

A chair stair lift operates by means of pulling a chair along a rack - usually by a rack and pinion system. They are two types; straight and curved. The price of a curved stair lift is much more expensive than a straight model as it is custom made for a particular staircase. The rack on which it moves is not mounted on the wall, rather it is fixed to the stair treads. This makes installation somewhat straight forward.

However, for someone who is wheelchair bound and cannot lift themselves on to a chair these types of chair lifts are inappropriate. A wheelchair lift is required. There are two types available; vertical wheelchair lifts and inclined wheelchair stair lifts.

Vertical models are really elevators to give the user access to floors. For many domestic homes this is simply not an option, due to cost and space requirements.

Inclined wheelchair stair lifts look more like conventional units, inasmuch as one travels up and down a flight of stairs. However, inclined units are much more problematic to install than a regular one.

Space is always an issue with inclined units. The width of the stairs have to be wide enough to accommodate the platform, which will be a little large than the 'footprint' of the wheelchair. Also, the landing area at both the top and bottom of the stairs has to be sufficient to allow the user to get on and off the ramp. Another installation issue is that the rack is wall mounted, therefore the stairs must be hard against a load bearing wall. Both of these limitations make the installation of this type of lift impossible in most domestic homes.

However, if your stairs are wide enough and are against a load bearing wall a wheelchair stair lift might be the answer to your mobility problems.

There are a number of suppliers of wheelchair stair lifts. National Wheel-O-Vator and Stannah Stairiser Wheelchair Stair Lift both make excellent versions for wheelchairs. Both companies products come with the following features: bi-directional safety platform sensors not only provide protection for the user but for others who might be using the stairs; safety barrier arms and access ramps are mechanically locked during travel; the platform can be accessed from both front and side - the side ramps rise to secure the wheelchair when the platform is in motion.

Also both companies' units can be mounted on straight and curved stairways with both inside (positive) and outside (negative) turns. The platform of the National Wheel-O-Vator is custom made whereas the platform of the Stairiser CR wheelchair stair lift from Stannah comes in a number of sizes that the buyer can choose. Finally, the platform folds up leaving a protrusion of only about 12 inches.

The cost of these specialized lifts is expensive and the price can only be determined after a site inspection. But, if you can afford one and the structure of your stairs can accommodate a wheelchair stair lift, the degree of independence such a stair lift gives you can't be underestimated.

Follow the links for wheelchair stair lifts and Stannah stair lifts as well as stair lift reviews

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_O'Brien

Stairlifts - Mobility Solutions That Have Revolutionized Lives

Stairlifts are the revolutionary accessibility products of the late 20th century designed for the aged and the disabled. These products were developed to address the need for an affordable equipment which could provide easy transportation from one floor to another within a building. The stairlift, since its arrival, has evolved through a lot of major and minor functional enhancements and the products available today are the best with more user friendly features, and also guaranteeing a smooth and comfortable ride for a long time.

The advantages of stairlifts over conventional elevators are that stair lifts are easier to install and maintain, and require only lesser modifications to your home or workplace. The installation is simple with only a rail required to be fitted on your stairs or stair wall, and the lift runs through this rail with a comfortable seat provided for the user. For easier operation, controls are mounted on the chair itself. Stairlifts are now available for both curved and straight types of staircases.

With advancements in technology, stair chair lift manufacturers are providing many models for both residential and commercial purposes. Commercial stairway lifts are more advanced and are intended for daily commercial use in hospitals, medical care centers, and offices, and are the best for those who are not able to afford elevators which are more expensive. These commercial stairway lifts are designed to withstand rough usage and can ultimately add to the value of the services provided by your firm.

Regarding the mode of operations, stairlifts are available as battery operated units and direct AC powered units. Battery operated stair chair lifts come with rechargeable batteries and are the ideal products for those who want to use the lift even during power outages, and are best suited for commercial establishments.

Some of the leading stair lift manufacturers include Bruno, Savaria Concord and ThyssenKrupp Access which have many authorized dealers and service centers throughout the US. Almost all major manufacturers have stair chair lifts for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Outdoor stair lifts are designed for all types of outdoor uses and are built with high quality materials which are capable of withstanding constant changes in temperatures and weather conditions.

Stairway lift models come with all safety features and have a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty for covering all maintenance and performance related issues. From the valuable services that these affordable stair chair lifts are giving to the disabled and the aged, we can see that stair lifts are the ideal mobility solutions that have revolutionized the lives of the common people.

DAY provides indoor and outdoor accessibility solutions ranging from dumbwaiters to wheelchair lifts. The straight stairlifts available at DAY Elevator & Lift are the practical solutions for individuals who have a hard time climbing stairs.

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

Wheelchair Stair Lifts For Easier Disabled Access

Wheelchair stair lifts are mainly designed to provide safe and reliable accessibility solutions for physically disabled and aged people who find it difficult to climb stairs. Wheel chair stair lifts are conceptualized for easier disabled access. They are also helpful for people with back problems to move easily to standing position. They are highly cost-effective and are available in a variety of sizes and designs.

Different models of wheelchair stair lifts are available in the market, each having unique features. With the help of vertical lifts you can overcome physical barriers in both commercial and non commercial settings. Depending on your requirement you can choose your desired color as well. Wheelchair stair lifts can be used in multi-storey buildings for emergency evacuation. You can install these stair chair lifts along the side of the stairway and there are models catering to both straight and curved staircases. They can also be customized to solve any particular challenge that you face in your home or office. This easy to use device is equipped with a number of safety features for immediate use. One of the main features is the highly sensitive sensor, which helps to prevent damages caused by obstacles in the lift's path.

Basic features:

• Emergency stop button and alarm
• Optional remote controls
• 3 non-skid platform sizes: 36"x 48", 36"x56", 36"x60"
• 3 Drive systems: A/C powered belt driven ballscrew, Battery powered belt driven ballscrew, Battery powered hydraulic
• Key lock to prevent unauthorized access
• Wheelchair stair lifts have the capacity to carry 750lbs (340 kg)

Vertical platform lifts also offer many entry/exit configurations. The door will not open until it has reached the appropriate landing. They are flexible and can be easily installed inside or outside your home or office. These stair chair lifts are designed to carry your manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or mobility scooter.

Most manufacturers provide free maintenance services. They are staffed with well experienced and trained designers and technicians, who provide installation and maintenance services at affordable cost. They offer professional and committed services for a wide range of clients including builders, architects, developers and home owners. Before purchasing a wheelchair stair lift, you should make sure that the lift fulfills ADA requirements and is one that suits your budget and requirements.

At DAY, we focus on eliminating several accessibility challenges you face at home and in your business premises, with the help of premium products such as platform lifts, stair lifts, wheelchair lifts and so on. We have an extensive range of Inclined and vertical platform lifts

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

Stair Lifts - A Buyer's Guide

As we get older, many things we've always taken for granted, like climbing the stairs, can become more of an effort. It's common for older people to find tackling their stairs a daily struggle. However, if you don't want to be forced out of the house you love because you can't manage the stairs anymore, installing a stair lift could be the answer. Stair lifts are a great solution for many people who want the independence and freedom of living in their own home, but don't want the upheaval of moving to a bungalow.

Home stair lifts are relatively expensive and buying your own stair lift will be a major investment decision for you, which shouldn't be taken lightly. The important thing is not to rush into a purchase without doing your homework. There are various different types of both straight and curved stair lifts and many companies selling them. It pays to shop around before you buy to make sure you're getting the best deal on the most suitable equipment for your needs.

Speak to any friends you have who have an electric stair lift and see what advice they can offer, or if they can recommend a particular supplier in your local area. Look for well-known stair lift companies advertising in the phone book, in national newspapers or online, and contact at least two (or more) for a quote - you may be surprised how much the prices vary.

Because each situation is different - you have your own needs and your staircase is unique to your house - a representative from the stair lift company will need to visit you in your home to assess your requirements and take measurements, in order to give you an accurate quote. Never accept a quote over the phone from a company that hasn't even seen your stairs! A sale representative from a reputable company should be able to answer your questions and should leave you with their contact details in case you want to ask anything else.

Ask for a written quotation rather than an estimate, so you'll know exactly what the installation will cost you. Also get a copy of the terms and conditions and read these carefully - get a family member or reliable friend to help you make your decision. An important consideration is the level of after sales service you can expect, such as how long your guarantee will last and whether an annual maintenance service is included in the price.

With some research you should be able to find a company that can supply you with a new stair lift at a reasonable price. Once your stair lift is installed, it should transform your daily life - and you may wonder how you ever managed without it!

Caroline Smith is a contributor to Number 1 Stair Lifts - the stair chair lift resource with information and advice on buying electric stair lifts, including straight and curved stair lifts.

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

Choosing the Right Handicap Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are really a blessing for the aged and the handicapped people. Handicap stair lifts help people with accessibility problems, to maintain an active lifestyle. Special care should be taken to purchase the right handicap stair lifts. Selecting a wrong stair lift can be uncomfortable and dangerous for the person using it.

Handicap stair lifts are available in different models - straight stair lifts and curved stair lifts - to suit straight, spiral and curved staircases. The stair lift uses a rail attached to the stairs to carry the person between floors. These lifts make use of ON and OFF buttons to move up and down the stairs. Curved stair lifts are more expensive than straight stair lifts. The handicap stair lifts come with a number of safety features such as safety sensors, seat belts with locking facility and safety breaking system.

There are some important points to be considered while buying a handicap stair lift. If you are buying a used stair lift, ensure that it has safety belt. When purchasing a handicap stair lift, the most important thing is to select a model, suiting the extent of the person’s disability. You should make sure that the persons using the lift can get themselves in or out of the seat on the lift easily. With these safety features, even aged persons can use the lift comfortably without much effort. From the different models of stair lifts available, you can choose a model fitting your budget and meeting your specific requirements.

Most models are equipped with battery backups to take on unexpected power breakdowns, thus providing reliability and safety for the person using the lift. Stair lifts come with seats that can be folded up when not in use. These lifts, if used properly following the instructions, can provide long years of safe and durable service. While buying a stair lift, take care to choose a model having a weight capacity 20 or 30 pounds more than the weight of the individual using the lift. These stair lifts are suitable only for handicapped people having some control over the upper body. Otherwise they cannot sit on the chair safely and there are greater chances of slipping or sliding from the lift as it moves.

While purchasing stair lifts, ensure that the dealer is an authorized one. One should check that the product received is fully functioning and has passed all factory tests. In order to install a stair lift, the correct measurements of the stair have to be taken. It would be better to get the service of a professional lift installer rather than installing it yourself.

Tags: Wheelchair Lifts, Lifts, Stair Lifts,Home Stair Lifts,Straight Stair Lifts, Curved Stair Lifts,Handicap Lifts

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/choosing-the-right-handicap-stair-lifts-534990.html

The Wheelchair Stair Lift From Stannah

Stannah is a market leader in the manufacture of stair lifts and is one of the few that make a genuine wheelchair stair lift. However, buying and installing one for a user is far from easy. In fact, most homes are not suitable for this type of lift. So, first you must find out if your home is suitable.

A wheelchair stair lift differs greatly from a conventional model. But first, let's get one thing clear; we're talking about inclined ones. This type travels up and down stairs - unlike vertical wheelchair lifts that resemble an elevator.

A regular stair lift consists of a chair that moves along a track. The track is always mounted on the stair tread and not on the wall. An inclined one consists of a platform that moves along a track. Because of size and weight considerations, the track is always mounted on the wall. Also, the platform of a wheelchair unit is considerably larger than the seat of a conventional model therefore the stairway must be wide.

So before even looking at a Stannah wheelchair stair lift you must first satisfy two conditions; are your stairs wide enough to accommodate the width of it and platform, and are your stairs against a load bearing wall. If the answer to either of these two questions is no then a wheelchair stair lift is not the answer to your problem.

They currently offer two stair lifts; the Stairiser SX for straight stairs and the Stairiser CR for curved or turned stairs.

Some of the key features you get with both of these models are;

1. Is easily operated using simple control by the user or companion.

2. The platform automatically folds away or in to position when required.

3. Barrier arms and platform lock down before the platform moves.

4. Sensors will immediately stop the stair lift when any obstruction is encountered.

5. The platform can be accessed either from the front or the side - the side flaps lock and secure the wheels when the platform moves.

Unlike some wheelchair stair lift companies, Stannah don't custom make the platform. This would be the best option, however you are offered a choice of four platform sizes; 750mm x 900mm, 810mm x 1050mm, 810mm x 1200mm and 810mm x 1250mm. So these platforms should accommodate just about all wheelchairs.

Installation can be surprisingly quick. A Stannah unit can be installed in as little as one day for straightforward situations; however you should expect the installation to take far longer than this if you have a curved stairway - sometimes many weeks.

The price of one from Stannah - or from any other company - is going to be expensive. An on site inspection is required before the cost can be given.

All in all, a wheelchair stair lift is not a viable for the vast majority of wheelchair users, which is a shame. However, if you're one of the lucky few then this is one model should take a look at. But, as buying anything else, shop around and get the best one for your needs.

Follow the links for wheelchair stair lifts and Stannah stair lifts as well as stair lift ratings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_O'Brien

If Using The Stairs Has Become A Daily Struggle, A Stair lift Could Change Your Life

Using stairs is an everyday nightmare for many people. As we grow older the stairs in our home can become more of a struggle due to mobility problems associated with old age, an accident or illness. Often when out shopping or in a public place an alternative can be found such as a lift or escalator, but the stairs at home can become a daily challenge. Many people who experience difficulty climbing the stairs come to dread having to use them. For people whose bathroom or toilet is upstairs it can be even more of an issue.

When faced with the challenges that limited mobility brings to the home, there are several options. An expensive and disruptive choice is to move into a bungalow, which can be very stressful, especially if the move is away from family and friends. Some people are forced simply to live downstairs. This can lead to a fall in their standard of living, from lack of space and privacy. Another option is to extend the living space downstairs, which can be costly and disruptive and may not be worth the effort when it comes to selling the house. Other people do nothing at all and continue to struggle on a daily basis, increasing their risk of injury from falling.

But there is really no need to continue to live in dread of the stairs or make drastic decisions such as to move. Having a stair lift installed has made life easier for thousands of people with limited mobility. Buying a stair lift can really improve quality of life for someone who wants to stay independent in their own home. The initial cost may be daunting but that needs to be weighed up against the alternative costs and inconvenience of moving to a bungalow or extending the downstairs.

There are many advantages of choosing a stair lift. Out of all the options mentioned above, having a stair lift installed causes the least disruption. In fact, after an initial visit from a representative of the stair lift company to take measurements of the staircase, a stairlift can be installed within a day. The color and upholstery can be chosen especially to blend in or compliment the existing décor. Stair lifts are safe and very easy to operate. And above all for a person with limited mobility a stair lift can give them some freedom and allow them to remain in their own home.

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.1-stair-lift.com the leading information resource for stair lifts online.

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

How To Measure A Straight Stair Lift

Installing a straight stair lift is easy and most people with a small amount of DIY experience can install one in only a few hours. However, many people are unsure about purchasing a straight stair lift because they don't know how to accurately measure their stairs so that they can feel confident when ordering one. However, measuring is not that difficult and can be done in about 5 minutes.

You can save a great deal of money is you buy and install a straight chair lift yourself. Even if you have the dealer install it for you, you can still sometimes save money if you give them the measurements beforehand; some agents make a charge for a pre-sales, on-site inspection.

Taking measurements is quite straight forward; there's not that much to it. The measurements are few and very easy to take. These machine are specifically designed to tolerate slight differences, meaning that things like carpet runners will not make a difference, so don't worry. Just follow the measurement instructions step by step and you'll be fine. You'll need a pen, paper and a measuring tape that can extends to the full run of your stairs.

Stand at the bottom of the stairs, look up, and decide which side of the stairs the lift will be mounted on. Most staircases run along a wall and most people prefer that the track also run on that side of the stairs: the track is actually fixed to the stair tread and never the wall. Small obstructions like handrails shouldn't be a problem as stair lifts are designed to clear these obstacles. This is the first and most important measurement.

For the next measurement, stand at the top of the stairs, and extend the measuring tape so that it lies on each of the stair treads - it should run parallel to the skirting board. You may find this easier to do if someone lends a hand. Take note of the measurement when the measuring tape touches the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

The next step is to measure from the edge of the top step to the edge of the first step - the tread. The next step is also simple enough. You just need to measure the width of the staircase. If there is a wall or door at the bottom of the stairs, measure the distance form the bottom step to the wall or door. This will tell the stair lift company how much clearance is needed.

The above measurements are the basic requirements that a stair lift company will need to supply you with the correct straight stair lift. Certain brands and models of may require more specific measurements to get a sense of space. If this is the case, the stair lift company will have instructions for any additional measurements needed. The company will usually supply you with graphs or easy to follow instructions, making measuring for your new straight stair lift an easy and simple process.

If you have any doubts you can request a survey from a reputable stair lift company. You can find these companies on the web and many will make no charge for an onsite survey regardless of whether you buy a straight stair lift or not.

Follow the links for straight stair lifts and get information on stair chair lifts on leading brands like the Ameriglide stair lift

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_O'Brien