Straight Stair Lifts
One of the most important things to a person who is dealing with a type of disability is the ability to stay as mobile as possible. Often times the stairs are the first thing that many people who are dealing with a disability have difficulty with. This can be extremely frustrating for them, especially if their bedroom and bathroom are located on the second floor of their home. To help them become more mobile so they can easily move from the first to the second floor, many people decide to have a stair lift installed in their home. This can eliminate the chance of them falling while trying to climb up and down the stairs. Either straight stair lifts or curved stair lifts can be installed depending on the type of staircase you have.
The cost of installing straight stair lifts can be more than most families feel they can afford but there are a couple of things that you can do to help you save money. Before having the stair lift installed, you will want to check with your local authority and see if you qualify for a special grant to help cover some or all of the costs of having the straight stair lift installed. You can also consider purchasing a reconditioned stair lift which will substantially reduce the cost of straight stair lifts. Before purchasing a reconditioned stair lift you will want to be sure that it works properly and that it will fit your specific staircase.
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Straight Stair Lifts
Straight stair lifts are both easier and cheaper to install than a curved stair lift. Straight stair lifts can be installed right on top of your regular stairway and one can even be purchased that will fold when not in use giving you greater access to the stairs. A stair lift should fit perfectly on your stairs and should not be too short. The person should not have to climb any stair in order to use the stair lift, this will prevent any accidents. You will be able to decide how you want the rider to be when the lift takes them up their stairs. A straight stair lift offers a platform where the rider can stand, sit or perch while they ride the lift up or down the stairs. You can also purchase a stair lift that will allow the entire wheelchair to fit on the platform.The cost of installing straight stair lifts can be more than most families feel they can afford but there are a couple of things that you can do to help you save money. Before having the stair lift installed, you will want to check with your local authority and see if you qualify for a special grant to help cover some or all of the costs of having the straight stair lift installed. You can also consider purchasing a reconditioned stair lift which will substantially reduce the cost of straight stair lifts. Before purchasing a reconditioned stair lift you will want to be sure that it works properly and that it will fit your specific staircase.
Straight Stair Lift Safety Options
When you are having straight stair lifts installed, you will want to consider adding some safety features that will make the lift safer to use. You will want to consider having stair gates installed at the top and the bottom of the stairs. A person who uses a walker or wheelchair may not notice how close they are to the edge of the stairs and a gate will prevent them from accidentally falling down the stairs. You will also want to be sure to install a handrail that extends the entire length of the stairway. Many stairways already have handrails installed but they may not reach the whole length of the stairway. This could leave the top or bottom of the stairs without the needed support. These can either be installed yourself or by your contractor.Back to Top
