Handicap Stair Lifts - How They Can Improve Lives

Handicap stair lifts are a great aid to individuals who have mobility issues. It doesn't matter if someone needs help getting to the second story of their home, reaching their basement workshop or garage, or making their way down the steps to their backyard to their garden, a stair lift can be the perfect solution. But, what are they and who really needs to use them?

A handicap stair lift is a track that runs along the side of a staircase. On this track, there is a seat on which a handicapped person will sit while they operate the machine. Sturdy cables will lift the seat from the bottom of the track to the top. Most of the time, these seats can be folded in half so they are out of the way any time that the staircase is in use by others. This means that a stair lift can be used in a busy household of a large family without getting in the way.

Most stair chair lifts measure about 15 to 23 inches in width and can fit on most standard staircases. They are bolted directly to the staircase and not to the wall. For longer staircases, they are often the only way that a handicapped person can reach the top. For shorter staircases, they tend to be a more simple and cost effective solution than installing a handicap ramp.

They may be powered through an electrical power outlet or by a battery. These batteries are can be rechargeable and last through several uses. Outdoor stair lifts are more likely to be powered by batteries since this is a more practical option.

These machines are not meant to help only handicapped individuals. They may also help the elderly or someone who is recovering from an injury or a surgery. Stair lifts are often installed in homes of private residents who use them daily. However, they are also installed in commercial businesses that offer services to the elderly and handicapped individuals. Once again, this is because it is less expensive than installing a handicap ramp.

Home stair lifts can be quite an investment, ranging in price from $1000 to around $4000. Of course, prices will range greatly depending on your specific situation. For instance, longer staircases require longer lift tracks - this translates into higher costs. Lifts designed for outdoor use are constructed with different materials that may raise the cost. Likewise, curved or oddly shaped staircases must be individually designed to fit. This will also raise the cost.

Some companies require that a professional team install a lift, while others allow you to install it yourself. There are many companies that offer professional installation. This is a great option for someone who is not comfortable installing a stair lift machine on their own. Professional installation can range in price from $100 up to around $800. Once again, installation costs will fluctuate depending on your specific situation.

A stair lift may be the answer for someone who is close to moving out of their house and into an assisted living residence. The ability to move from one floor to another gives a person a great amount of freedom and can really enhance their life.