Handicap stair lift

Handicap stair lift is another form of stair lift but they are not exactly the same. A stair lift can serve as a multipurpose equipment that can carry wheelchairs and transportation carts. On the other hand handicap stair lift are used solely for users with disability and unable to ascend a flight of stairs. Handicap stair lifts are manufactured in different models to suit the different stairs it will be installed in. There are the straight handicap stair lifts and curved handicap stair lifts that are for curved staircases. Whatever the kinds of rails used, the stair lifts can be used to transport heavy stuffs between floors. Standard stair lifts measure about 25 inches and the rails weigh 30kg. Stair lift can be folded compactly against the wall when it is not required. The platforms are pulled by cable or chain along the rail track. The seats on the handicap stair lifts are comfortable with footrests and armrests. The seat heights are adjustable too.

Handicap stair lifts are simple to operate and can function at the touch of an on and off button. Curved handicap stair lifts are more expensive as they require the manufacturers to send engineers to the house to measure the curved stairs and build according to the dimensions. Handicap wheelchair stair lift are well fitted with safety features to ensure the well being of the users on top. However, one should still be caution when buying used stair lifts. For a start, when checking the used handicap stair lift, always ensure it has a safety belt. Some handicap used stair lifts have been operating for years and the safety belt may have worn off. This is highly dangerous for handicap stairlift users as they may fall off the stair lift during movements.

When purchasing handicap stair lift, you should consider the models and the profile of the users before shelling out a substantial amount to buy.
While choosing the handicap stair lift, one should keep the user's disability in mind. The user of the handicap stair lift should get themselves in and out of the stair lift seat comfortably with little or no assistance. They should also be able to stand on their own two feet for a short amount of time. Handicap stair lift still require a fair amount of user effort to fulfill its potential. If the user is unable to transfer out of the wheelchair comfortably and has problems standing, chances are the handicap stair lift does not meet the need. If the user is able to stand on his own, we can use a perched stair lift.
They should also have the strength to manually push the buttons on the handicap stair lift. I can understand some users may experience problems exerting strengths with their fingers. Users with these problems should choose handicap stair lifts which are operated by sensors or maybe voice commands. These special handicap stair lifts will cost more due to the additional technology built in. Users must be able to keep their upper body upright on their own without a back support. Because if they do not maintain their posture on the handicap stair lift, they face the danger of slipping off the stair lift and further injuring themselves. Last but not least, the safety belt should be in working condition and secure the user firmly in place.

Handicap stair lift that intends to carry wheelchairs up and down the staircase have to be assessed separately as the different wheelchairs have to be taken into consideration. The size and weight of the wheelchair should be taken into consideration. The stair lift chair will also be considered as users of all age range might be using the handicap stair lifts. User issues such as stiff knee can be addressed by have a handicap stair lift that leans forward and wider stair chairs. Fear of heights can be reduced by installing handrails for users to hold on while on the handicap stair lift. Guardrails have the ability to provide additional assurance and safety to the users, hence, lessening their fear and anxiety.
As handicap stair lift users may have different disabilities, there are a variety of controls that suit different users comfortably. For example, users with bad eyesight can respond the the audio signals given out by the stair lift when it is moving or terminating. There are handicap stair lifts which have sensors built in across its platform. These stair lift sensors pick out obstacles in the path of the handicap stair lift and stop moving upon detecting danger. Sensors can also double as speed delimiters to check the speed of the moving handicap stair lift. A safe travel speed is around 0.15 meters per second for straight rails handicap stairlifts and much slower for curved rails stairlifts.

For buyers of handicap stair lift, you should be clear on where the stair lift will be installed because user requirements can change the price of the stair lift substantially. For handicap stair lift for the home where there is only one user, a simple customized handicap stair lift is sufficient to serve his need to go to the next level. However, handicap stair lift in public places will require more considerations and also include as many features as possible because we do not know the profile of the next user.
Handicap Stair lifts are driven by electricity and should function with the normal wall outlets. In recent times, handicap wheelchair stair lifts are fitted with battery rechargeable packs. This gives the handicapped stair lift the flexibility to operate even when power from the building is shut off. This feature will come in useful when users with disabilities need to evacuate the building during blackouts or fire alarms. Moreover, there are many ways power can be shut down to the handicap stair lift, a battery pack will make the handicap wheelchair lift more independent. Stair lifts use either direct or alternate current.Most stair lifts have a power rating of 250 watts but majority of the power requirements depend on weight it has to carry, gradient of ascend and strength of materials used.

When installing the handicap stair lift, it is important to check the whether there is a sub landing at the top of the stairs. Manufacturers are able to custom build a platform that can bridge the gap between the stair lift and the landing. Users should be able to walk between the stair lift and landing with ease and not required to take big steps. Most of the time, the track of the handicap stair lift will stop short of the top landing because of doors upstairs. In these cases, there are rails which can be folded and hinged to the end of the rail. It acts to extend the rail when required and retracted when not in use. This useful extension will help the handicap stair lift user reach the top level and yet will not obstruct any other home designs.

Handicap stair lift can break down at times hence it is important to have technical support available 24/7. We do not want the users to be stranded for too long as a result of the stair lift breakdown. Usually, manufacturers will provide guarantee for their stair lifts for a year. But you can request for inspection and maintenance every half yearly or 6 months. Well trained engineers will visit your locations and check thoroughly from the battery to the inner mechanical parts. Extension of the stair lift warranty is possible but charges vary between manufacturers. When maintained properly, a handicap stairlift can operate up to twenty years and still as smooth as new. Because of the long life span of the handicap stairlift, units are often refurbished and sold as used handicap stair lift.
When handicapped stairlifts are old and have no resale value, it is advisable to dismantle with the assistance of trained professionals because there are hazardous materials inside. Precious metals and scrap metals can be salvaged and sold to be recycled into other hardware.