Stair Lifts
Comfortable Chair Ensures a Safe Transport to the Next Level
Stair Lifts are probably the most well-known form of home equipment to help someone get from one level to the next. Whether the act of climbing the stairs is too exhausting, virtually impossible, or just unreliable, riding in a comfortable chair ensures a safe transport to the next level. There are even seatbelts and, for clients who have little control of their torso, a harness system (on some models) that helps hold a person in place. There are indoor and outdoor versions, too, ensuring that all environments are considered. The biggest difference is a straight rail and a custom curve.
A custom curve sounds fancy, but it’s the term used for the rail solution any time a staircase is not completely straight. Even a platform landing at the top or bottom of the stairs that requires any kind of turn (90° is most common) necessitates a custom curve solution. This is the only seamless way to ensure making a complete transfer from top to bottom without a transfer somewhere along the way.
It is possible, for example, to use two straight stairlifts to address a mid-level landing, but that forces the rider to make a transfer and that can be very dangerous. The only reason to consider this is cost: a straight stair lift is about 1/3 the cost of a curved solution. Pretty quickly it makes a lot more sense, both financially and from a safety perspective, to get the continuous curve rail.
HomeBase Solutions has evaluated many of the stair lifts on the market and focused on those that are the highest quality for the best value. A rack and pinion drive, for example, tends to be safer, quieter, and provides a better ride than a belt- or chain-drive solution.
We also only use lifts that have a built-in battery so that the lift will continue to work in the event of a power outage. And, like everything else, we watch out for products that are oversold. We really strive to ensure that you get the most appropriate solution at an affordable price.
We feature a beautiful custom curved stair lift we did for one of our wonderful clients at the top of this page. The picture to the left shows the same lift but with its automatic power hinge in the up position. This is a great feature for gaining access to doors and hallways without the tripping hazard that would otherwise exist.
When the chair has descended to the predetermined point, as seen below, the rail will automatically lower to allow the chair to continue its path. Once the chair is passed the need for the hinged rail, it retracts into its stored position, making unimpeded access for others, as shown in this final picture of this project.
In this last picture, you will see a straight stair lift we installed for a young man with Cerebral Palsy. Now he is able to have a safe way of getting upstairs to his bedroom and bathroom on his own.
What’s more, his parents no longer have to carry him up and down, all of which is at great risk to all of them for a fall or hurt back. This is really a whole other topic: How to Care for the Caregiver. Look for this and other tips in our future blogs.
We will always strive to find the most appropriate solution for our client. Your input, along with that of an occupational therapist and/or medical professional involved with you, and our own extensive experience, training, and personal experience will be of great benefit to you in your journey for a safe and accessible home.