Stair lifts are a type of medical equipment that has been used for almost a hundred years, but the lifts of today are much different from earlier models. In part as a result of some manufacturing techniques and improvements upon their design, there are many lifts available that are inexpensive and can be installed in a straight forward manner. Due to these changes in production, they are more popular than ever today.
Modern stairway lifts are designed and tested with durability in mind. Several of the more popular manufacturers rigorously test their units, simulating over 15 years of everyday use. Most consumer products, from cars to computers could not hope to provide this much service, but many of the lifts available will still remain strong after even this much use.
On of the largest groups of people that use and benefit from these devices is the over sixty-five. These people are more likely to fall down the stairs and quite often these accidents end up resulting in hospitalization and serious injury. This is one of the reasons that preventing falls is so important.
While these devices are generally fairly easy to use and operate independently, there are many caretakers that rely on stair lifts to help them take care of their ward. Caretakers who use these devices will want to ensure that the lift comes with at least one wireless remote and has chest and possibly shoulder restraints. Most, but not all, lifts come with two wireless remotes and others can be purchased if necessary.
Most of these lifts use a tracked system that mounts directly onto the stairs. The rider then moves up and down the track, most frequently while sitting in a chair. The chair lift is the safest, because the user does not need to worry about maintaining balance and can just sit back and enjoy the ride. A few types of lifts use a very small platform instead of a chair, but these are usually only used when required medically. Most people will be better off avoiding the types of lifts that use platforms, because they are not as safe as a chair lift is.
Most often a stairway lift is installed indoors, but some are available for outdoor use. The outdoor lifts though, must be of a special type that is constructed using weather proof materials. Usually these lifts are more costly, but are built to be resistant to the elements. When installing one of these lifts, despite being very resistant to the elements, you will want to position it in a place to reduce its exposure, For instance if it is placed beneath an overhand, it is a good idea to make certain that gutters are installed. This will help protect the unit, but also allows it to be used in a safer manner, by preventing slipping accidents and keeping the area from becoming muddy.
Individuals who use these types of lifts are able to prevent accidents and also are able to generally retain complete independent usage of the stairs.