Stairlifts

Are you or your loved one avoiding the stairs at home because it hurts too much to climb or descend them? Are you unsteady on the stairs because you feel off-balance, or is your loved one nervous on the stairs because their eyesight isn’t what it used to be? When stairs are the problem, the solution to living safely, comfortably, and independently at home, even when that home has stairs, is a stairlift. 

What is a stairlift?

A stairlift is a mechanical system that transports users up and down the stairs. The system features a set of tracks or rails that attaches to the treads of the stairs. The chair travels along those rails using electrical power. It’s a simple system that’s easy to use and makes all the difference for folks struggling with stairs. 

Stairlifts offer users a number of advantages, including the following:

• Safe, comfortable transport up and down the stairs. Stairlifts include multiple safety features to protect users while operating and riding the lift. 
• Independence of movement. Users are able to get themselves into and out of the chair without trouble and can operate the system without assistance. 
• Access to all areas of the home. No area is out of reach. Users can move upstairs and down as many times a day as needed or desired. 
• Easy installation. The stairlift system is easy to install. The rails attach securely to the treads; your stair treads are already reinforced and strong, so no additional construction is required to support the lift. And, should you ever wish to remove the lift system, the holes left behind in the treads are unobtrusive. If your stairs are carpeted, you won’t see the holes, and the holes left in other materials are small and easily filled.

What if your stairs are curved or feature multiple landings?

Stairlifts come in two basic iterations: straight and curved. The distinction refers to the shape of the rails, not the stairs. If your staircase is one single flight with top and bottom landings that are directly in line with one another, your chairlift can travel on rails that are in a straight line from top to bottom. That’s a straight stairlift. Straight lifts are manufactured in standard lengths.

If, however, your staircase is spiral-shaped or if it features landings, your chair’s rails will need to curve in order to follow the path of the stairs. Curved stairlifts are always custom-made to fit the home, and no two are alike. Because of the custom nature of these systems, curved stairlift prices are higher than straight lifts. 

Are you ready to enjoy the comfort and freedom of a stairlift? Contact your local dealer for more information today.