Immobility can come upon anyone, anytime. Though people with old age can tend to face this problem more, there are people who can face the problem of moving around freely due to some surgery or accident. Situations like these cripple an otherwise fit person. For some, it is hard to accept. Their house becomes hostile to them and senior adults are often forced to move out to assisted living facilities because they no longer can move freely in their house. Things don’t have to look so grim as there is always some solution around. Just by installing a stairlift, one can easily access the other areas of the house. People with mobility issues can go up and down the stairs without the fear of a fall, any injury or any other life threatening condition. Installing chair lifts or stairlifts is easy and they are a complete fit to any modern house. Though there are companies that offer a wide range of stairlifts and whose professional installers will always be around for assistance, there are certain things that one needs to keep in mind before buying one and installing the same.
The first thing that one needs to consider is the type of stairlift that they want. For example, installers need to know whether the stairway is straight or curved? If the stairway is straight, then one should go for straight stair lifts. On the other hand, if the stair curves at the top or the bottom, then a curved stair lift will be an ideal choice.
Another consideration while picking a curved or straight stair lift is whether it should come with a swivel seat or not. Swivel seats are designed in a way that it becomes easier for one to get off the stairlift. The seat swivels at the top of the stairs so that one can comfortably get off facing the landing. The stairlifts come with armrests for one to grip most of them are battery operated which means even during a power cut, one will have the freedom to use it.
The next consideration is whether installing the stairlift become a concern for others in the house. Other family members should not face any hindrance when they are moving up and down the stairs. So, one needs to consider whether the chair can e folded or not. If the footplate, armrests and the seat can be folded when not in use, then that would enable others to move around freely.
It is not just the features of the stairlift that one needs to consider. Sometimes, one needs to consider the physical issues too while buying the stairlift. Not all stairlifts are suitable for everyone. Those with wrist pain or other hand problems will find it difficult to keep the drive button pressed for a long time. Using a joystick for that matter is easier. Those with knee or back problems might need to check the height of the stairlift seat before they buy one. Comfort and safety are also major factors. Seats with sturdy armrests are a favorite for some while others look for a swivel seat to make getting off comfortable. Also, those who have curved stairs, need to pick the stairlift accordingly so that the knees don’t brush against the staircase post.
These are just a few helpful pointers for buying a stairlift. Though one can find out about their features and functionalities online, it is better to get in touch with a company that has the experience of installing both straight and curved stair lifts.
