Why People Use Stair Lifts

To most people, the staircase represents the most dangerous part of the home. Every year, more accidents happen on the stairs then anywhere else, with the majority of accidental deaths and serious falls occurring on the stairs. The senior age group is typically most at risk for a fall, so it is imperative to help reduce the risk of a fall whenever possible. This is one of the reasons that stair lifts have been used for over eighty years.

The first stair lift was developed in the early part of the twentieth century, by a man who saw how his neighbor struggled with the stairs. It was a simple device that used a chair and track to lift a person up the stairs. Since this early model, the basic design has remained the same, but there have been many improvements to the quality, durability, and safety of the lift.

The most common type of stair lift used today is the straight stair lift. These are installed onto a straight or 'L' shaped staircase and are one of the most cost effective ways to increase safety, without requiring a major home renovation or lifestyle change. It is also one of the quickest ways to increase accessibility, with lifts often arriving in less than a week after being ordered. For curved staircases, a stair lift is a much more expensive option, which can also take months to be built and installed. A straight stair lift, on the other hand, can often be installed by the homeowner or a handyman, saving on installation costs.

Stair lifts are typically either battery powered or powered directly from an electrical outlet. The lifts that are powered directly from an electrical outlet are usually called AC Stair Lifts and cost a little bit less. Since these lifts are getting their power directly from the home, they will only work while the power is on. If there is a power outage, such as during a severe thunderstorm, the lift will stop working.

The battery powered lifts are called DC Powered Lifts and while they will still require access to an electrical outlet, the lift itself is actually powered by one, and sometimes two, rechargeable batteries. This way, if the power goes out, the lift will still continue working. The upfront cost is a little greater and there is a higher maintenance cost, because the batteries need replacing every twelve to eighteen months. The cost of batteries is usually between $35 and $85 dollars, but the added advantage of always being able to use the lift, even in the event of an emergency, usually outweighs these costs.

Usually the chair lift model is used. This is the kind that is loosely based off of the original stair lift and allows its occupant to sit in the chair as they move between floors. For some, however, it is not medically possible to sit done on the chair, nor is it safe for them to do so. This is true of individuals who have had a major surgery, such as knee replacement surgery. For these individuals a standing stair lift, called a perch lift, is available as an option. Due to the fact that the individual must stay standing while the lift moves, it is not as safe as the traditional chaired stair lift.

People use and rely upon stair lifts to safely carry them up the stairs every day. They have a rich history and are today packed with safety features.