If you're starting to worry about your safety when you use the stairs in your home, it's time to think about getting a stair lift. If you're weak or have problems with your balance, it's not worth risking a fall by walking up and down stairs when it isn't safe. Instead, you can ride up the stairs while you're seated in a chair lift so you're not at risk of injury. Here are details to know about these mobility aids.
Lifts Fit Most Stair Designs
Lifts are versatile and can fit straight stairs, curved stairs, stairs with landings, and outdoor stairs. They can even work on fairly narrow stairs as long as you have enough legroom to stay safe and comfortable.
Whether your staircase has an odd design or not, start by having a consultation in your home. A representative will check your staircase and your size to determine how much room you need to operate and ride the chair up and down your stairs.
They Operate On Batteries
Your stair lift comes with a battery that powers it while on the stairs. When the lift gets to the top or bottom, it starts charging up so the battery is always charged. If there's a power outage, you'll still be able to use your chair for a few trips on the stairs until the battery wears down.
In order to charge the battery, you'll need to plug the charger into a wall outlet. The outlet shouldn't be operated with a wall switch so you don't have to worry about accidentally turning the charger off. If you don't have an outlet near the stairs that's suitable, you'll want an electrician to put one in before the installers arrive to put in your stair lift.
Stair Lifts Attach To The Stairs
A stair lift doesn't attach to the wall, so it won't harm your home. It attaches to the side opposite the wall on the stairs. This means your stairs will have holes, but otherwise, they won't be damaged by the lift.
Installing a stair lift is fairly quick and easy. The installer should get the job done in a day, but the length of time depends on the length of your stairs and the type of lift you buy.
The Lifts Have Safety Features
Stair lifts are safe to use. You can lock yours when it's parked so you don't have to worry about kids getting hurt or trying to ride it up the stairs. You'll need to be properly in your seat for the lift to operate. You'll buckle in with a seat belt and have the arms in place. Plus, you can choose a seat height and width that fits you so you feel comfortable during your ride.
The lifts usually have sensors that stop them before they run into something on the stairs, so you don't have to worry about hitting a pet or shoe while the lift is moving. The lifts come with a remote so you can call your lift up to you if you're upstairs and the lift is at the bottom.
Contact a local stair lift company, such as Vertical Options Elevator Services, to learn more.