For the elderly and infirm, nothing is taken for granted. Actions and movements that were once easy become difficult or downright impossible as we get older. For example, climbing a flight of stairs can be a cumbersome or painful task for many older citizens, especially if they require assistance to move around, such as a wheelchair. Fortunately, however, there are options to enable anyone to live and move freely within their home, even if stairs have become more of a hassle. Stair Lifts are designed to carry a person up and down a flight of stairs comfortably and safely. However, not all lifts are built the same; so how do you choose which one is right for you? What is usually comes down to is size, power needs, and installation requirements. Below we’ll outline what options are available and how to make the right choice.

Size

When it comes to size, there is a range of factors that you have to take into account. First, is your personal size. Most lifts are rated for 150-250 pounds, so if your body type exceeds this range, you’ll need to opt for a larger lift. Size also refers to the lift itself. Most are designed to carry only one person, without any heavy additions, such as a wheelchair. As a result, most lifts are relatively small, and many fold up so as not to block the stairway. When considering a lift, make sure to take into account the size of both the lift and of yourself to ensure that everything works, and fits, properly.

Power Needs

There are two types of stair lifts, those that run on your home’s electrical grid, and those that operate on a battery. The benefit of an AC lift that is powered from your home is that it requires less maintenance and costs less in the long run. The only downside is that if the power goes out, your lift will be stuck wherever it is. Battery operated lifts can work without a source of electricity, but typically the batteries need to be changed on a yearly basis.

Installation

It’s important that, before you decide on a lift, you get an appraisal from a certified manufacturer. Usually, they will send someone out to measure your staircase and figure out what options you have based on your home’s layout. Fortunately, as technology improves, lifts are becoming more widely available, as well as cheaper to install. However, it’s imperative that you get a professional to determine what size lift you can get, as well as how invasive the installation process will be. Some lifts require a track to be installed within the wall, but some only require a track be mounted, not embedded.

If you have any questions regarding stair lifts and what type will be right for you, contact us today, and we can help you through the process.