Using a wheelchair is not a reason to stay put at home. An older adult with mobility issues or a younger person with temporary or permanent disability may feel disheartened when watching others rush. All is not lost, though! Sure, climbing stairs is not possible in such circumstances, but the concerned individual can always go ahead and install one of the superior wheelchair lifts in Fox Chapel and Pittsburgh, PA.
It helps to know that a wheelchair lift, also known as a platform elevator, is designed as an open platform that may be raised by electricity to the desired level. The absence of railings makes it easier for the wheelchair to be pushed onto the platform. A ramp is usually constructed to ensure easy ingress and egress. Such lifts are Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) compliant and conform to US regulations when installed in public and commercial buildings.
Installation
A wheelchair lift installed in a residential building is typically located inside or immediately outside the property. It has been seen that most of the lifts are installed against a raised entryway or the deck/porch. Seniors living alone may favor replacing the existing stairway with a lift to ensure enough space. Most homes retain the stairway with a landing to provide alternative access to the upper floors.
Commercial properties and public buildings have platform elevators installed to ensure ADA compliance. This is usually done to avoid installing a spacious elevator due to the enormous expense involved. Often, a building with only 2-3 floors may have the platform lift available to mobility-restricted people while others are advised to take the stairs. Commercial buildings plan their construction well in advance and install the lift during ongoing construction or renovation.
The wheelchair lift proves to be an invaluable device for people with restricted mobility. Wheelchair-bound individuals are happy to use this lift to obtain access to the upper floors as required. Some of the prime advantages of the platform elevator are:-
· Improved Mobility- A person seated in a wheelchair may be disadvantaged when moving along a ramp. This necessitates a firm hand of the assistant and may be prone to risks of slipping. On the contrary, the vertical lift carries the disabled person directly to the desired level without any inconvenience.
· Versatility- The wheelchair may be moved into the lift regardless of the area of installation. The user finds it easy to move the wheelchair into commercial buildings, homes, public offices, and religious institutions equally. The wheelchair lift can fit into every environment seamlessly without interfering with the aesthetics or functionality
· Safety- The commonly installed lifts come with non-slip surfaces that help keep the wheelchair steady as the lift ascends to the right floor. They are also fitted with safety sensors and gates to reduce the possibility of accidents.
Installation of quality residential elevators in Fox Chapel and Pittsburgh, PA, is slowly becoming the norm for multi-storied buildings. They are safe and speedy ways of accessing different floors of the residence
