Frequently Asked Questions about Stair lifts

Is it difficult for your loved ones to get up and down the stairs inside or outside your home? Making small modifications in your home such as installing a stair chair lift can make it easier for mobility challenged people to move around safely and conveniently. A stair lift is a great investment for home safety and accessibility. However, for many people making the decision to install a stair lift could be daunting. Below discussed are some of the common questions and answers that help people make an informed decision.

· What is a stair lift and how does it work?

A stair chair lift is a motorized chair on a track that is attached to the steps of your staircase or to the wall alongside the stairway. Once seated, the device works at the push of a button and takes the user gently over the stairs. When not in use, the seat of the lift folds compactly against the wall. The chair can be “parked” at either the top or the bottom of the stairs.

· How to use the lift?

Users can operate the device by simply pressing the paddle switch (located on the arm of the chair) in the direction of travel.

· Will it be possible to use the stairs as normal?

It is possible to use the stairs in a normal way even after installing a stair lift. Modern devices feature a compact and slim-line foldaway design that allows the seat, armrests and footrests to be folded and kept out of the way allowing regular stair traffic.

· Is it difficult to get on and off the lift?

Most lift models, whether curved or straight stair lifts, feature swivel seats that allow users to safely get on and off the lift at the top and bottom of the stairs. This enables people to dismount straight on to the landing, without twisting their body.

· Which stairlift is suitable for my staircase?

Stair chair lifts can be installed either indoors or outdoors, on a single-flight staircase (straight or curved) or on a stair with landings. Factory-trained technicians evaluate your stair case type and choose the right option that perfectly suits your convenience and adds more value to your home.

· How complicated is it to install a stair lift?

The type of stair lift chosen will determine exactly how much time it will take to install the device. Curved stairlifts are custom applications and require a longer time frame. On-site evaluation is typically done within 2 days of your request. Reliable dealers offer the services of factory-trained technicians who take measurements and fit the device as quickly and efficiently as possible. In most cases, they can have your lift installed in as little as 48 hours from the time technicians visit your home.

· How much space does a stairlift use?

The space factor varies according to the specific model chosen. When not in use, the device can be easily folded up, maximizing space on the stairway for others. Typically, a stairlift takes up about 35 cm when folded. When in use, the device opens to about 60 cm.

· Will the walls be strong enough to support a stairlift?

Stairlifts are mounted on the steps themselves. There is no impact on the walls.

· What if my house has narrow stairs?

Reliable dealers offer stair lift options for narrow stairs from top manufacturers such as Handicare and Bruno. These devices feature a slim rail and a compact carriage. Folding arms, seat and footrest features allow the lift to be folded away easily when not in use. Seat belt option improves safety. Reliable dealers offer free home accessibility analysis wherein the certified technicians visit your home to personally measure for your straight stair lift and evaluate your individual needs.

· What happens if the lift has been left upstairs, and the person is downstairs?

This is a common occurrence, when two or more elder members of a household use the same stair lift. In most cases, the lift is integrated with standard 2 remote wireless call/send controls. By simply pressing the remote control button, the lift will be brought upstairs or downstairs as required.

· What happens if something is left on the stairs and gets in the way of the stair lift?

Stair chair lifts are extremely sensitive to objects or any other obstructions left on the stairs. Top models are fitted with obstruction sensors that will automatically stop the device from moving in case any object is in the way. Once the object is removed, the device can be operated as normal.

· What happens if there is a power cut?

As the device is battery powered, it will continue to work for a limited number of trips even if the power supply is interrupted. The batteries allow the users to make many trips up and down the stairs on a single charge. However, if the power failure lasts long, trips on the lift should be kept to a minimum.

· What about the safety features?

Stair chair lifts from leading manufacturers are integrated with excellent safety features such as retractable seatbelt for added security, lockable on/off switch; limit sensors, swivel seats, obstruction sensors, footrest and carriage safety sensors.