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Safety and Stair Lifts July 18, 2008

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If you are at all unsteady while using the stairs, then you might be at a much greater risk of falling and injuring yourself. Often due to osteoarthritis or neuromuscular diseases those over 65 find that it is not possible to safely use the stairs. This presents a very real problem though and for many creates a barrier between the upstairs and downstairs portion of their home.

In order to help break down this border, many people install a stair lift. A stair lift is a device that literally carries a person up and down the stairs. A track is installed to the stairs and a car is sent up and down the track. The car contains the electric motor, a chair or small platform, and in some cases the stair lifts batteries.

In instances where the staircase is straight it is possible to have the stair lift installed quickly and relatively inexpensively. If your staircase is curved however it will be much more expensive. This is because a curved stair lift must be custom built to fit the curve of the staircase. It also will have to be professionally installed. Usually in addition to being much more expensive, a curved stair lift takes around 6 – 8 weeks to be built and installed.

Some people that have a stair case that is ‘L’ shaped can install two straight stair lifts instead of a curved stair lift. This can easily save over $10,000 and also means you will be able to have your lift set up in less than a week. It is possible because really an ‘L’ shaped staircase is actually 2 straight staircases that are put together. It must have a landing in between the stair cases though.

Getting Ready for Your Stair Lift July 11, 2008

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Stair lifts are used in homes and businesses across the country. A stair lift is a lifting aid that is used to help people climb the stairs. Whether due to injury, disease, or simply age, the stairs present a very real danger to many individuals and a fall can easily result in hospitalization.

To reduce the risk of falls and injury, stair lifts can usually be installed to most homes. In the past many companies have tried to make the installation process seem daunting and extremely complicated. In the past 20 years though, several companies have emerged that offer easy to install units that are of very high quality. Of course this is only true of straight stair lifts, because curved stair lifts are still very expensive and require a professional installation.

The first step to installing a stair lift is to measure the stairs. You will need to measure the total distance of the stairs as well as the width and length. Most companies can provide step by step instructions for the measurements. It is important that you get an accurate measurement though, because the track will be cut to fit your stairs.

After you have made the measurements and the stair lift has been shipped to your home, you are ready to get installing. The track will need to be secured to the stairs first, and then the car will be attached to the track. The car is what actually moves up and down the track and is responsible for carrying the rider. It most frequently consists of a chair and electric motor. If it is a battery operated lift, then the car will also contain the batteries. You will probably want to have someone help you with the car as well, because it can be pretty heavy.

A stair lift can be a great way to keep you or someone you love safe while using the stairs.

Stair Lifts and Your Diet June 27, 2008

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The stair lift is a very interesting innovation. With stair lift, older men and women (usually above 60 or 70) do not need to spend extra effort when they want to climb staircases. Even the curved staircases will be easily traversed and will not bother you much if you use a stair lift. Many are even battery powered, so will stay on and provide you adequate service even if the power goes out.

It should be noted though that in some cases, people who own stair lifts, whether curved or straight, will not be doing as much exercise as they once were. The major advantage of a stair lift is that it carries an individual who has difficulty walking and moving up and down the stairs. This amounts to a great reduction in work though, so it might be that you are not burning as many calories when you use a stair lift.

Since you are likely not to be burning as many calories when you use a stair lift, it might be necessary to think of some ways to loose weight and stay fit. Water exercise is one low impact type of exercise that can greatly reduce the amount of stress on your joints and can keep you in shape. Eating good is also important. For many though exercise might not be possible and so you might consider it a good idea to buy diet pills. It is important that you only buy safe diet pills though and consult your doctor. Diet pills are useful to balance our appetite and in Work to control your metabolism. Since a stair lift does the work of going up the stairs for you, you might find it necessary to find some types of trusted weight loss pills, and eat right.

AmeriGlide: Your Friend on the Stairs June 20, 2008

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Using the stairs can be very difficult for individuals who are mobility challenged. Those with osteoarthritis often have difficulty bending their knees and may find climbing the stairs to be very painful. Often older individuals do not have as strong of a sense of balance either, which can also make stair climbing difficult. A stair lift can be installed in most instances to greatly reduce the risk of falls down the stairs.

Stair lifts can be quickly and inexpensively installed on most straight staircases. Usually affixed to the stairs is a track and a chair is sent up and down the track carrying the individual. Most models can support 300 pounds and travel up to 32.’ If you need something that can support more than 300 pounds then you will need a heavy duty stair lift. Some heavy duty stair lifts, like the AmeriGlide Ultra Heavy Duty Stair Lift which supports 375 pounds, can still span the standard 32.’ Others like the AmeriGlide Heavy Duty Stair Lift can support much more weight, up to 500 pounds, but can not span the same distance.

When using your stair lift it is very important that you do not attempt to get up or move unless the lift is at the stairs landing. You should never try to get up while the lift is in motion. If you frequently have children in your home, then it is important to ensure that the stair lift is not used as a toy. Some models come with keyed entry, so you can be assured that it is only used for medical reasons.

The Internet and Stair Lifts June 13, 2008

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The stairs are one of the most dangerous places in the home to people who are over 65 and a fall down the stairs frequently results in broken bones. A stair lift is a personal lifting aid that is intended to help those who have difficulty walking up the stairs. They are usually attached directly to the stairs and use a seat or small platform to carry an individual the length of the steps.

Stair lifts are often bought new, but they can also be bought used. If you decide to go with a used stair lift, you can save money, but should take care to ensure that you receive a device that will be safe and reliable.

With most people having access to the Internet, it is very easy to find a stair lift without ever leaving the home. This is true of both new and used stair lifts. It is best to purchase a used stair lift from a reputable dealer. A reputable re-seller of used stair lifts will thoroughly clean and test the unit before they ever offer it for sale. They ensure that it is back to factory standards. A reputable re-seller of used stair lifts will also guarantee their work, which means that you the consumer are assured that you will receive a unit that is safe to use and in perfect working condition.

This guarantee can not be applied to units that are purchased from private individuals. You might find a stair lift on an auction site like eBay or on a classified site like Craigslist that costs less, but you have no real way of ensuring that the device has been taken care of and properly maintained. When you are considering a device that will be carrying a very important payload up and down the stairs, there is no reason you should take any risks. You will also likely have to purchase additional tracks or cut the existing tracks, unless you happen to find someone who has a staircase that is the exact same size as yours.

To ensure your safety or that of your loved one, you should not purchase a stair lift from a private individual. Instead find a reputable dealer and purchase a new or used stair lift from the dealer.

Stair Lifts Uses May 30, 2008

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Stair lifts are medical devices that are installed on stair cases. They make it easier for individuals who are mobility challenged to use the stairs. A metal track is attached to the stair case, or in some cases the wall, and a chair or small platform is sent up and down the track. They provide a safe way for individuals to use the stairs independently and without assistance.

The most common type of stair lift is the seated stair lift. A seated stair lift features a swivel chair and most have lift-able armrests. Some units actually feature a small platform instead of a chair. These standing stair lifts are often called perch lifts because of the way the person perches on the platform. They are primarily used by individuals with joint problems that prevent them from easily bending their knees. Often perch lifts also have a small padded rest that is about waist high and can be leaned against for added support.

Most stair lifts are designed for indoor use, but there are several outdoor stair lifts available. An outdoor stair lift has been thoroughly insulated against the elements and can withstand rain, snow, and ice.

Stair lifts are very safe to use and have many special features to ensure that you have a safe experience while using the device. This includes things like seat belts and built in footrests sensors that can detect obstructions that may hinder the movement of the stair lift.

Stair lifts are used to promote safety and independence in many homes. They are also used in businesses as a means of promoting accessibility.

Stair Lifts: Buying and Using May 23, 2008

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Climbing the stairs can become difficult with age or for those who have health related problems. A fall down the stairs can easily result in broken bones, or worse, and as we get older the risk of falling down the stairs increase. Stair lifts are a very popular type of mobility aid that can help to alleviate this risk.

Stair lifts are devices that typically attach to the stairs and send a chair or small platform up and down the stairs. Most people opt for the chair version, which is why they are frequently called stair chairs. Those that have difficulty bending their knees though may prefer a perch lift, which instead of a chair uses a perch or small platform.

One of the best places to find stair lifts is online. You frequently can find some great deals on stair lifts online and you can have them shipped to your door and installed without ever having to leave the home. It is important to first make careful measurements of your stairs though. Check out this Stair Lift Measuring Guide for information and diagrams that explain the measuring process.

You might want to consider purchasing a used stair lift, because you can save money. Always ensure, however, that you are purchasing one from a dealer instead of a private individual. Dealers will completely refurbish the device and test it. This means that even though it is used, it has been restored to its originally factory condition. You can not get this same guarantee when you purchase from a private individual.

Conquering the StairCase May 16, 2008

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There are few obstacles in the home that present as much of a challenge and are as dangerous to those that are mobility challenged as the stairs do. Broken hips and shoulders are some of the most common results of a fall down the stairs. The majority of falls down the stairs that result in hospitalization occur in individuals who are over 60 years of age. There are several mobility devices that can be used to combat this, but the stair lift is one of the easiest and least expensive methods.

A stair lift is a special mobility aid that carries an individual up and down the stairs along a track secured to the stairs or wall. First developed in the 1920’s, stair lifts are now commonly found in many homes and businesses. They can inexpensively be installed on most straight staircases. Stair lifts for curved stairs can be very pricey though.

Stair lifts can support a lot of weight, but it is important to not overload it. Most are rated at around 350 pounds, but there are models that can support much more weight than that. A quality stair lift will use only the best and most durable materials. Super strong reinforced aircraft cable is used in many stair lifts, as is reinforced steel.

When using a stair lift it is important to follow some simple safety precautions. Never attempt to stand or move while the stair lift is in motion or is not at the top of the stairs. Always wear your seatbelt, and if the unit does not have one, ask the dealer if they can outfit it with one. It is also very important to ensure that children do not play on the stair lift. It can be a great tool to restore mobility, but if used as a toy it could be very dangerous.

A stair lift will provide many years of service and dependability if used and maintained properly. Make sure you read the manual before you begin using it. The manual is packed with great instructions that will guide you through the proper ways of maintaining your unit.

Weather Proof Stair Lifts May 9, 2008

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Stair lifts are used to carry people up and down the stairs. A set of tracks is attached to the stairs, and using a remote or set of call buttons, similar to an elevator, a chair is sent up and down the stairs. Stair lifts are more frequently found indoors, but there are several models that are made to be completely weather proof. These weather proof units can be used outdoors for your front steps.

An outdoor stair lift must be designed in a manner that is resistant to the elements. This means all areas must be tightly sealed against moisture, the unit must be rust proof, and it will have to use fabric that is also weather proof. Any steel is powder coated, which fights rusts, and special plastic is used that is not affected by the harsh rays of the sun. Metals like aluminum are also used as often as possible, because it is both strong and great for outdoors.

The installation of an outdoor stair lift is slightly more complicated than the installation of an inside stair lift, but it is still fairly straight forward. Most outdoor steps are made of concrete or brick, so special fasteners will need to be used. These are provided by the dealer and are easily installed.

In some cases an outdoor stair lift is not the best choice for installation on the front steps. The stair lift must attach to the steps, which will result in a loss of space. It is common to have a narrow set of front steps, so in these cases the stair lift may take up too much room. Some people instead opt for a vertical platform lift for their front steps. A vertical platform lift is a mini elevator, which raises a platform vertically up and down the distance of the steps. One of the advantages of a vertical platform lift is that it can be used to carry an individual in a wheelchair or mobility scooter up the stairs, where a stair lift can only be used to carry a seated person. The other advantage of a vertical platform lift as opposed to a stair lift is that it generally does not take up any stair space. They are installed next to the landing and raise the individual so that they can exit onto the landing.

Safety Tips for Stair Lifts May 2, 2008

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A stair lift can greatly increase your mobility and your independence, but it is very important to be safety conscious while you use it. They are great machines, but they also can be dangerous if used improperly. Here are some tips that can ensure that you experience the safest possible experience with your stair lift:

  • When installing the stair lift, read the instructions first. If you do not feel comfortable doing it, contact your dealer to arrange professional installation.
  • Follow the installation instructions to a T, do not take short cuts.
  • Before using for the first time familiarize your self with the controls by reading the user guide.
  • When using the unit, never attempt to stand up or move while the lift is in motion.
  • A stair lift is not a toy, but it sure does look like one to a child. Ensure that children are not allowed to play on the unit. Some units have keyed locks, which can be a good investment.
  • Make sure to wear the seat belt if one is included with your unit.
  • Perform preventative maintenance as described in the user guide. It is usually not very labor intensive, but it must be done on a regular basis.
  • If you live in an area with frequent power disruptions, consider getting a unit that is battery powered.