A stair lift is a device connected to rails along a staircase to aid movement to the end of the stairs. A stair lift can be viewed as a chair on rails that runs along the stairs as it moves while having a lifting platform, typically a seat, as its train. It is also called a stair glider and a chair lift. It dates back as early as the 1930s when caregivers used it for moving polio victims across stairs.
Presently, a stair lift is used primarily for moving people with disabilities, physical conditions, and the elderly. After the first prototyping of C.C Crispen in the 1920s, which he called an inclinator, the stair lift has been optimized by adding new features such as call stations, folding steps, seat belts, adjustable heights, soft start, and soft stop.
Types of Stair Lifts
Over the years, stair lifts have been continually improved and remodeled to fit into their usage’s most common particular situations. Generally, stair lifts can be classified into five major types.
Straight stair lifts
These are the most straightforward and most commonly available of all stair lifts. They are installed along the sides of a completely straight staircase. Most models have either drop-down seats or fixed seats attached. One advantage of this type of stair lift is that workers or buyers can install it to the two sides of the stairs comfortably; the only installation problem occurs when the stair is very narrow. It is also the least expensive to set up.
Curved stair lifts
This type is required for scenarios where the staircase is not a completely straight line. They are modeled to meet the specific requirement of the specific staircase, such as stairs with landings between floors and complex spiral staircases. They require more expertise to install; thereby increasing installation costs. They generally come with foldable or fixed seats, an armrest, and a footrest. One advantage is that workers or owners can install it on any kind of staircase regardless of the sophistication of the design.
Platform stair lifts
These stair lifts are designed for the specific need of moving somebody on a mobility device such as a wheelchair or walker up a staircase. One can incorporate the platform into a straight or curved stair lift. It is designed either as an open platform or a closed platform. The open platform has guardrails and doors, while the closed platform is built like a home elevator. They are generally designed to accommodate two people at once.
Standing stair lifts
This type is designed to aid people who have difficulty sitting either due to age or a medical condition. It is typically designed to help them go up the stairs in a standing or semi-seated position while going up the stairs. Homeowners or workers can easily incorporate it into straight or curved stair lifts
Outdoor stair lifts
This is designed for outdoor usage. It is installed to transport up and down a porch, deck, driveway, or detached garage or shed. One can also install it on a set of stairs leading to the front deck. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and temperature extremes. They can either be curved or straight stair lifts depending on the nature of the staircase.
Features of a Stair Lift
The essential features of any stair lift include the following.
Folded seats and footrest
Folded seats ensure that the stair lift, when not in use, takes up less room. It allows other family members to utilize the stairway without being obstructed. The stair lift’s folding seat helps users who are unable to bend their knees to use it.
DC battery
The battery supplies the power needed to drive the motor of the stair lift. Battery-operated stair lifts operate quietly and without any risk of electric shock due to tangled wires. They also will continue to function during power failures.
Seat belts
Like in cars, seat belts are used to ensure that you are strapped to the seat of the stair lift. They prevent you from falling off during the motion of the stair lift.
Remote controls
They can be used to control the stair lift automatically. These can be used to “call or send” the stair lift up and down the steps, much like an elevator, allowing different people to operate it.
Benefits of Using Stair Lift
A few benefits that come with owning a stair lift are:
Safety
The most obvious advantage is that it makes using the stairs at home safer. The stairs are one of the most common places where people fall; therefore, using a motorized chair to travel from floor to floor decreases the risk of injury at home.
Freedom
You may feel as if you’ve lost your freedom if the stairs restrict you from accessing the basement or upper level of your two-story home. Getting up and down the stairs will almost certainly necessitate the assistance of a friend or family member. You may recover your independence and freedom by installing a stair lift, which will provide a safe and easy means to enter the basement or upper level of your home. It cancels out every limitation in terms of mobility.
Short-term remedy for injured people
While seniors purchase the majority of stair lifts with restricted mobility, they can also help individuals who are recovering from an injury. During the recovery of a lower-body injury, a lift will allow access to all levels of the house.
Some Maintenance Tips
To ensure optimal performance of your stair lift, below are some maintenance tips to carry out.
- Lubricate the track: Ensure that the lubrication of the tracks is done every three months. Your stair lift will run more smoothly if the track is well greased. The lubricant must be as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ensure continuous usage: Even if your stair lift is not currently in use, run it up and down the stairs a few times every week to keep it in good operating order. Ensure it’s appropriately parked at the top or bottom of the steps to avoid putting undue strain on the unit.
- Plan for an annual inspection: Put a plan in place to ensure that a maintenance specialist inspects your stair lift at least once annually to confirm that all parts are in good working order.
Final Thoughts
The advent of stair lifts has helped reduce the number of injuries due to slipping on stairs among seniors and allowed more freedom for wheelchairs to access locations via stairs.