To downsize? Or just get a stair lift?

If you are reaching the stage where the stairs in your home are becoming a challenge and contributing to physical strain and pain, then you may have considered some options. Of option, of course, is to move to a smaller home, a bungalow with no stairs, or a purpose build block of retirement homes where you can use a lift. Moving is always quite an undertaking, and should never be done without much care and consideration.

If people still use their home and are not really ready to downsize, moving will be quite difficult. Many elderly people still enjoy having family come to stay, as well as looking after grandchildren a well as entertaining. They still want to hold on to their family home for a few more years at least and the idea of being somewhere completely different is quite difficult.

One of the biggest reasons older couples or individuals decide to downsize is not so much the need for a smaller space as it is managing a stair case. If the stair case is the biggest deterrent to staying put, then another option in this instance is to have a stair lift installed. Stair lifts are relatively simple to install and easy to operate, and those who have had them put in their homes have nothing but good to say about them. Yet they do not come cheap. They can cost over 1500 new which may not be as much as the cost of moving, but it’s a considerable sum.

If someone is not in a position to spend that sort of money outright, they can find second hand stairlifts that come at a fraction of the cost and still work and operate beautifully. Second hand stair lifts have been refurbished by the factory, and have a new seat, and a refurbished motor, so as long as someone comes to service it once a year, they can be used for several years.

Hiring stairlifts is an option, but one that will only be cost effective if it is certain that the stairlift will only be used for a short amount of time, such as if a relative is coming to stay for the summer, or a couple has definite plans to downsize in a year’s time but wants something to hold them over.

For advice and support if you are looking for Stairlifts contact the experts at the www.multicare.co.uk website.


April 27, 2012 · Filed Under stair lifts

Comment 

What Stair Lifts Can Do For You

For those elderly, disabled, or handicapped people stair lifts have been a great invention for increasing their feelings of mobility and independence. With an aging baby boomer generation, more and more properties and homes, are being built on one level. That is, without stairs for their occupants to traverse. That being said, not all aging baby boomers are moving into these types of domiciles. Many prefer to stay in the homes have lived in for years, and raised their families in. The majority of these homes, have at least one, or multiple levels of stairs. For these folks, stair lifts our a godsend.

Additionally, they also limit the demands placed on caregivers. Given the short supply of caregivers these days, that can be a very financial advantage. Stair lifts also give those unable to climb stairs, an increased sense of independence. They don’t need to rely on someone else to help get them around their own home. Not to mention, stair lifts are available whenever needed, whether it be the middle of the afternoon, or the middle of the night.

Stair lifts are made up of several essential components. A seat, obviously, and some sort of steel guide or rail for moving the seat up or down the steps. There are several different types available, depending on your stair configurations. Curved staircases, will obviously need a mechanism differently, then that of a straight up and down staircase. Earlier versions of stair lifts, only ran out of AC motor. This means, that if the power goes out, stair lifts becomes inoperable. In the case of an emergency, this can be a real hazard. With technological improvments in batter technology, newer stair lifts run on both AC or DC power.

The latest models of stair lifts come equipped with various safety features and several custom options. Some come with sensors, to protect both the equipment, and the rider. If there is more than one person in the house, then it’s quite simple to see where there could be problems sharing a stair lifts. If one person takes a chair up, while the other person is still on the lower floor, the person on the lower floor becomes stranded. Newer models of stair lifts, have remote mechanisms. A couple of remotes left on each floor, resolve this dilemma.

When purchasing a stair lift, it’s important not just to satisfy your own sense of safety, but to also adhere to the regulations for the area in which you live. Safety regulations for stair lifts vary by state to state. Stair lifts can be a rather complicated installation. Not necessarily for the amateur do-it-yourselfer. Therefore, it’s good to ask around, and check up on many installers you may be considering.


December 18, 2008 · Filed Under stair chair lift, stair lifts

Comment