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Stair lift for the
disabled
Disability affects people in
many ways - so choosing the appropriate stair lift involves
a certain amount of research. The features, design and
operation of the product will all need to be taken in to
consideration.
Most people's view of a
stair lift is of a seated lift that the passenger sits on as
they ride up and down a rail to the top of a set of
stairs.
This kind of stair lift can
be suitable for someone with enough mobility to reach the
chair either unaided or with some help and then be able to
sit alone as they or someone else operates the
lift.
People who have difficulty
bending their knees but can stand upright may, on the other
hand, benefit from using a perch stair lift. In this case
the person using the stair lift stands on a footplate. They
can be strapped in with a safety belt to avoid falling and
the stair lift should have handles to hold on to during the
journey. There will also be a back rest to lean
on.
Disabled people who use a
wheelchair will often require some sort of platform
lift.
The name implies the way
this type of stair lift operates: the user's wheelchair
stands on a metal platform and then the lift moves this and
the user, still sitting in their wheelchair, up the flight
of stairs. In domestic homes with narrow stairs this can
sometimes be difficult or impossible to install.
Some platform lifts can be
installed alongside flights of stairs - so they do not
obstruct the stairs for other users.
Another option is to install
an elevator. There are many types of elevator for domestic
and public buildings. Here, a wheelchair user or someone
with restricted movement can enter the elevator, close the
door behind them and be taken to the next floor in the
building.
Cost can be a big issue. A
traditional rail stair lift is cheaper than a platform lift
which, in turn, is usually less expensive than an
elevator.
Controls may also need to be
looked at. Your stair lift supplier will be able to direct
you to the form of control that best meets your needs. Some
stair lifts are supplied with a remote control. This can
help you summon the lift from a different floor. It can also
be used by a family member or support worker to operate the
stair lift on your behalf.
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