What Should You Look For in a Stair Lift?

Featured

Posted on June 23, 2009 by ztairlift27

When you are purchasing a stair lift, there are many different options and choices available. Stairlifts can greatly help improve your mobility and comfort in your home and can be an affordable solution for making simple modifications to your living space.

Here are just a few of the things you should consider when shopping around and looking for a good seat lift to help you move from one level of the house to the next level:

Size: There are many different sizes available depending on the brand and the series of the product. The first thing you will want to consider is the size of your stairway. Narrow steps and halls can make it difficult to have a large bulky chair mounted to the steps for those who are not using the lift. If you have a narrow area you may want to consider one that can be folded and does not take up too much space.

Weight: Most lifts have different weight limits. Most can safely accommodate a person weighing up to 300 pounds. Heavier duty models and some of the ones used in commercial applications can be found with weight limits upward of 500 pounds.

Safety Features: Different manufacturers and models come equipped with different safety features. Safety features are an important quality to consider and is one area where you should not compromise. Most models provide either seat belts, or the ability to purchase a seat belt, as well as different sensors or systems to ensure the seat is locked in proper position before operating or to make sure it brakes properly.

Comfort: You should feel comfortable when seated in the chair, even if you will only be using it when traveling up and down the steps. Many offer supportive cushions, footrests, arm rests, and contoured seats, and other features that are designed to maximize your comfort.

Installation: It is recommended to have the lift professionally installed when possible to maximize safety and protect the warranty of the device. While some are available to purchase and install on your own with instructions, the peace of mind in knowing it is done safely and accurately by a reliable and licensed contractor may be of benefit for some.

Power Supply: Most stair lifts are either battery powered or electric powered. A battery powered lift offers many benefits, such as no need for wiring or cables to run the device. It can also work during power outages. However, some may prefer an electric powered one as it would not require battery changes.

Warranty and Service: Hopefully you will never have problems with your stair lifts once they are installed. However, from time to time there will be things that happen from normal wear and tear that can cause the device to have the need to be repaired. Check with the dealer or distributor you are working with what the warranty is, the process for getting the chair fixed or serviced, and other information regarding the regular required maintenance.

With so many choices and options, it can be an overwhelming decision. By following these guidelines above, you will hopefully be able to choose on which type of stair lifts are right for you.

12 and 24 Volt Battery Chargers for Stair Lifts

Posted on December 12, 2011 by ztairlift27

Many people with battery operated stair chair lifts may be wondering where they can find either a 12 volt or a 24 volt battery charger for their stairlift, or what features they should look for when deciding in purchasing one. Since they are not something you can just pick up at your local hardware store or big box chain retailer, it definitely helps if you know the right places to look!

While many battery operated stairlifts include a battery charger, having an extra one handy can provide additional piece of mind. This way you can ensure you never have an uncharged battery. You can also keep one on the top level or the bottom level of the stairs.

In *Most Cases* Any type of battery charger with the proper voltage and specs should work properly for your stair lift. However, we did not personally test every possible scenario here to say for sure, so it may or may not work with your specific model/manufacturer. Also, be sure to check if certain types of uses are allowed – if not properly done, it could void your warranty for either the battery or the charger.

So where do you get a stairlift battery charger? How do you choose the right type? Here is everything you need to know:

1. Contact the Manufacturer: The manufacturer is the best place to start when you are in need of a battery charger. You can contact the stair lift manufacturer, or if you note the model and manufacturer name on the battery itself, that could be an additional place to consider. These places should certainly have it available, or at least be able to tell you if there is a place locally for you to purchase it.

2. Contact the Distributor: Where did you purchase your chair lift? If it was at a dealership/distributor, they too should know where you should be able to buy one, and they may even have it in stock.

3. Read the Battery Specs: If all else fails, read what it says on your battery. All batteries should have basic information like voltage. While 24 volt batteries are common, so are some 12 volt ones. Some chargers can be switched between 12 and 24 volt, others may only be able to support one or another. Read you battery. You might be surprised to learn it could possibly list exactly what type of charger you need right on it!

4. Visit ATV/Small Motor Shop/Boat/Auto Part Store: Is there a motorized bike shop near you or other type of place that specializes in batteries or small motors? Chances are they have a number of different battery chargers, and if they are nice people, they will help you find out exactly what type will work for your battery if you bring the battery in with you. Marine shops may even have a charger that could potentially work for you!

Do you have any experiences in purchasing a stairlift battery charger? Do you know of what resources to look at when replacing or buying one? Your comments below can help our future visitors to know what to look for or how to find the parts they need!

Stairlifts for Seniors

Posted on July 25, 2011 by ztairlift27

Choosing a stair lift greatly depends on what the needs of the individual who will be using it are. There are many different brands and types out there, so that is why we decided to list some of the important things to consider when shopping for stairlifts for seniors and the elderly.

While most would think that stair lifts would only be suitable for someone with a chronic health condition, even the healthiest and most active of seniors can be prone to getting injured on the stairs. Often times carrying bulky items such as a laundry basket can increase the likelihood of a staircase related accident.

If you are a senior citizen considering purchasing a stair chair lift, or if you are researching stair lifts for an elderly family member, it is very important that you take some of these factors into consideration:

How Will it Be Used? Seniors are often able to go up and down the stairs without assistance, however a stair chair lift is a nice thing to have for transporting bulky items like clothing, boxes, shopping bags or even grocery items. If you intend to use the stair lift for things like this, it is useful to have one that can be remote controlled or has storage space.

How Comfortable Are You With Technology? Some lifts have many different options, but with these options come more buttons and learning how to use these features. While many seniors are very good with these things, some may prefer something very simple to use where you simply just push one button to make the chair go up and down. Often times when talking to the elderly where their tech savvy children did the shopping they will say “this is too complicated” or “I don’t need all that!” Make sure whatever you choose will be something they find easy to use.

What Safety Features Are Necessary? If a senior lives alone, then chances are that most standard safety features will be fine. However, if they live with others or have frequent guests, especially children, then you will want to make sure that the chair can not be misused or accidentally set to go on and off.

Electric or Battery Operated?: Choosing between battery and electric options is often a matter of personal choice. One may like electric lifts because they do not need to charge the battery. However, it will not work in the event of a power outage which could cause problems for some. Battery operated lifts can usually work just fine should the power go out, but you will need to remember to charge it! Some units make it very easy to charge the batteries – others can be complicated. If choosing a battery operated model, make sure you understand how the battery will be charged and ensure that the person who is using it will be able to easily do it themselves.

Taking these things into consideration can help ensure that the mobility device you choose is right for your individual needs. For more information on choosing a stairlift, some of these articles on our site may be useful for you:

What to Look for in a StairLift

Popular Stairlift Brands

Stannah Stair Lifts

Posted on June 9, 2011 by ztairlift27

Stannah is a popular choice for stairlifts, not only in Britain, where the company is based, but worldwide. They provide a number of different products to meet the needs of their customers.

Shown Here is the Sofia Model on their website, photo used with permission.

As a family owned business since 1867, the company specializes not only in stair chair lifts, but also a number of other types of lifts for both home and commercial use. The company began when founder Joseph Stannah began with lifts designed for easily transporting cargo on large ships. Designing stair lifts for better accessibility in homes since 1975, they have become one of the most trusted brands in the UK. In 1992 they expanded the company to service North America including the United States and Canada.

They have a large selection of different lifts available, ranging from straight to curved stair lifts with a number of different seat options. They also have lifts for outdoor use and one model available for children as well. All of their designs are sleek and modern with many different fabric and upholstery designs to choose from.

Shown here is their Sofia model, which is installed directly on the stairs (as opposed to others which mount to the wall) and offers a number of safety features such as an easy to fasten safety belt and can be controlled whether one is sitting in the stairlift or not.

In addition to the Sofia, the Solus, Starla, and Saxom are other models to consider. They all boast of sleek and modern designs, the main difference between them are how they are folded up and whether the offer additional features such as multiple control options and weight limits. (All are battery operated and support at least 250 pounds, with some supporting up to 320 pounds).

Some of the other products the company offers:

Passenger Lifts
Platform Lifts
Commercial Moving Walkways
Commercial Escalators
Goods & Services Lifts
Moving Walkways

If you are looking into Stairlifts, Stannah may just be one of the ones to research for your needs due to the number of different options they have available. They also offer a number of used and reconditioned models to make getting a lift possible for any budget. To learn more about Stannah, visit their website to view all of the stairlifts they have to offer.

Handicapped Corner Stair Lifts

Posted on July 5, 2010 by ztairlift27

There are many different options available to those who are handicapped and looking for a way to safely and comfortably get up the stairs. Depending on the type of steps you have you may decide to use a number of different things that can make everything much easier. Those with corner stairs can sometimes find it challenging to find a good solution, so we’ve decided to share a few different popular alternatives to consider depending on your needs.

Option 1: Vertical Platform Lift

Click the Photo to Learn More About This Type of Lift

The above picture is an example of a Vertical Platform Lift which is an ideal solution if you do not have to go up more than 4-5 stairs. You can order them online here or check with many of the major stair lift suppliers and dealers as it is likely they will carry them as well. While a platform lift for stairs is often more expensive than a traditional stairlift, there are some advantages, with the main one being the person does not have to be able to get out of his or her wheel chair in order to use it. Another bonus is that it makes it easy for carrying and maneuvering larger bulky objects. For example, moving a few shopping bags of groceries with a vertical platform lift would be much easier than it would be with a traditional wall mounted stair lift.

Option 2: Curved Stair Lifts

Curved stairlifts can often be more expensive, but if you have a large staircase which turns the corner, this is often one of the best options. Sterling makes a curved stairlift especially for stairs that have 2-3 steps, then turn the corner, and then are straight the rest of the way up. Others are designed more for traditional curved staircases.

Option 3: Custom Build

If neither of those options seem like they will work for your needs, the other thing you can do is see if you can get a stairlift which is custom built for your home. One method that is commonly used is to actually affix two different rails and chairs to the stairs as pictured below.

The disadvantage to doing this method of course is that you will need two chairs, and it will likely also be very expensive. If the person needs assistance moving from one chair to another this could also cause some issues making it no better.

Option 4: Explore Other Living Arrangements

Sadly this is sometimes the only feasible option for some people, though of course purchasing a new home is very expensive. Some may find that moving into an apartment complex with one level handicapped accessible rooms and an elevator or a first floor room remains to be the best choice. If you are disabled, you may qualify for special loans or housing assistance.

Have you found a suitable solution for a handicapped corner stair lift? Share it in the comments below.

Choosing The Best Stair Lift

Posted on May 13, 2010 by ztairlift27

Everyone always wants to know which is the best stair lift. After all, a stairlift is a big investment for many people, and something you will be using likely every single day. While it would be nice if there was a simple hands down answer such as “Buy this brand and model, they are the best”, like most things in life it is not that easy.

The first thing to think about is which features are important to you. This is often different for everyone. Obviously, the more features a stair lift has, the more comfortable and convenient to use it will be.

Here are some of the features you will want to look for:

Safety Belts: Seat belts to some are very important, to others not so much. Most chair lift manufacturers today will include one free of charge, but for others it may be an added accessory and additional expense.

Battery Vs. Electric Operated: There is much debate whether a battery operated or hard wired electric chair is better. Batteries need recharging and can sometimes be cumbersome to handle; however you do not need to worry about power outages as much.

Speed: Some stairlifts move very quickly, others go at a slower pace. Whether you want a fast one or a slower one is completely up to you! If you are concerned about speed, our article on Fast Stair Lifts may be helpful. Remember that motor size and power can affect overall performance with speed.

Design: Another option to consider is the styles available. Many designs exist that can look very nice to match just about any home’s decor, but with some manufacturers these options are pretty limited. Make sure while shopping you ask about the different fabric patterns available.

Adjustable Seats: Some stairlifts have various options on the types of seats available. Some seats swivel, which can make it easier and safer to get in and out of, especially at the top of the stairs. There are also models which can allow someone to use it while standing, which can be a good feature if the person has difficulty going from standing to sitting.

Warranty and Installation: It’s important to know what the warranty is on the stair lift and how it will be installed. Some brands you have to install yourself or hire someone to install, others are installed all by in house companies. This all varies between manufacturers and distributors, so do your homework very carefully.

Price: Price is another factor. Some would say the best stair lift must be the one that is the most expensive, but this is not usually the case. Many good quality brands out there exist that are of good quality and are not too expensive.

Because this site tries to be objective and unbiased, we cannot really tell you which one is the “best”…however, we can give you links of the most popular stair chair lift manufacturers so you can do your research to see which one will meet all of your needs and keep you the happiest for many years to come!

Used Stair Lifts on eBay

Ameriglide Stairlifts

By looking over all of these articles and reviews, you’ll be able to decide which type is the right type for you!

Rubber & Carpet Non Slip Stair Treads: What You Need to Know

Posted on May 13, 2010 by ztairlift27

If you are worried about you or someone you love falling down slippery steps, non slip stair treads are a great safety feature to have. This isn’t something just for those with special needs or have a hard time walking up and down the steps – I believe rubber stair treads are for everyone! As a website dedicated to helping people go up and down the stairs safely, it seems fitting to discuss carpet stair treads and everything you need to know about choosing the right kind.

Falling on the steps can result in a serious injury, regardless of your age. And when your outdoor steps are wet from the rain, it can be very dangerous walking conditions. Hardwood stairs inside are also a concern for a lot of people, especially if you are not wearing shoes, since the surface can be slippery to walk on when you are in your bare socks. Making steps less slippery makes it a lot easier to get up and down and reduces your risk of falling or getting hurt.

So, while stair treads may not be the most exciting thing to discuss or write about, SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE #1. It’s important that if you have stairs that could potentially be slippery you take the precautions to keep your home safe and to prevent you or the people you live with getting hurt.

Since the average person probably doesn’t know everything there is to know about buying, selecting, and installing stair treads on your steps, we’ve decided to talk about the different types here so you can decide which type are the best kind for you. Some do not help at all, even if they do claim to be safety stair treads, so it’s important to do your research and consider the different features available.

Carpet Stair Treads: Carpet stair treads are popular because they look nice and actually add a decorative touch to any indoor step. They are usually made of some type of fabric or woven material and are soft to the touch. These can often be found in home improvement stores, but they are sometimes lacking in features and the available designs are minimal. When installing carpet stair treads, you need to be absolutely certain that the treads are safely attached to the steps and do not get loose or have any possibility of being tripped on, or else they could actually make it more dangerous to go from one level to the next! You should also measure the steps to make sure that it is wide enough of a step to walk on.

Rubber Stair Treads: Rubber stair treads are typically used only for outdoor use, and can be applied to either wooden or concrete stairs. They can sometimes also be used on basement steps. They can be installed indoors or in commercial settings as well, though they are not the most attractive of options. Beauty should only be a secondary concern when choosing rubber stair treads however, as safety should always be the number one priority in your home. This type is the preferred type in any kind of setting where the stairs are exposed to rain, ice, snow, or other wet weather conditions.

Braided Stair Treads: These are much like the carpet stair treads, but resemble a braided rug. This type often looks nice, but does not always provide you with the best anti-slip surface for your home. Be sure that any type you get comes with a anti-skid rubber backing to it.

Now that you know a little bit about the different types of stair treads out there, you’re ready to make your home – and your stairs – a safer place for everyone!

eBay Used Stair Lifts

Posted on April 30, 2010 by ztairlift27

Many people looking for used stair lifts will try to find one online at sites like eBay. However, it can sometimes be tricky even then to just go and type and search – so for that reason we’ve decided to help our website visitors by displaying all of the eBay used stair lifts here – if there are any models you like below, simply click on it and it will take you to the ebay listing directly.

As you can see, the cost of a used stair lift on eBay is considerably less than what you would pay for one brand new. This is excellent for anyone who is struggling to afford one and would benefit from greater independence in their home. Here’s some tips when buying off of ebay:

Research the Make and Model: When purchasing a used stair lift, it’s always a very good idea to research the make and model you are getting. You should also make sure there are no safety concerns or recalls, since the seller may not be aware they exist.

Watch for Shipping: Stairlifts are extremely heavy, so the shipping costs can be quite significant if you are not careful (and sometimes even more than the cost of the item if you find a really good bargain!) While shipping may cost a lot, it sometimes is still cheaper to pay for one shipped. Look for vendors near you that have free local pick up or offer free and included shopping when possible.

Don’t Forget Installation: It is also important to consider how you will install it. While installing them is not very difficult, most people prefer professional installation to be assured of safety and sturdiness. This may be an additional cost if you need to hire someone. You can also see if there is a friend, family member, or local charity organization that can help you with the installation process.

Check Seller Feedback: On eBay you will be able to get some information about the seller to help you decide if the seller is a trustworthy source or not. You should check the feedback of the seller and read the ratings to make sure they are legitimate and easy to deal with. Ideally the seller should want good rating and positive feedback so will be very helpful. Don’t forget you can also contact the seller directly before making a bid.

Watch the Auction Carefully: There are two ways to buy on eBay – you can either make a bid and hopefully have the highest bid, or some items feature a “Buy it Now” button which allows you to order it right away without worrying about the bidding process. There are many different options for used stair lifts on ebay – so it can be very worthwhile to check there if you are struggling to find the financing for a new unit.

Fast Stair Chair Lifts

Posted on April 30, 2010 by ztairlift27

While there are plenty of different types of stair chair lifts available out there, not all are created equal. When you want to be able to go from one floor to the next you don’t want it to take all day, which is why finding a fast stair chair lift is an important part of the decision making process. You also want to make sure the speed it goes is one you are comfortable with – if it goes too fast you may feel like you are riding a roller coaster or a ride at an amusement park!

You may be wondering how fast do stairlifts go? The answer to that greatly depends on the make and model. Most stairlifts have a speed between 13 feet per minute and 30 feet per minute. Obviously the lifts which go 13 feet per minute are much faster than those which travel at 30 feet per minute. Some people find that those which are electrically operated are sometimes faster than those running on a battery, but that is not always the case – and of course battery operated models do have the added benefit of being able to work in the case of a power outage.

Unfortunately, there haven’t been any studies we are aware of that announce which is the fastest stair lift – nor do any manufacturers claim that their models have the top speeds. So the answer to the question of which stair lifts are the fastest may be one that remains unanswered for quite some time. However, there are some things to do to make sure you don’t get stuck with one that is slow and takes too long to move from one level to the next up and down the stairs.

Research, Research, Research: You shouldn’t buy the first stairlift you see. While it may be a good one, it helps to make sure you consider all of the different types of models. You may luck out and be very happy with the first brand you are introduced to – but it never hurts to comparison shop, especially when there are so many different options available.

Ask Questions: When you are researching what type of lift to buy and talking with an authorized vendor or sales representative, make sure you discuss speed in addition to the other features. Having a list of questions prepared before meeting with someone will make sure you don’t forget anything during the conversation.

Test it Out: If possible, always try to give the model you want to buy a test run before purchasing, as it is a large investment and you’ll want to be able to know exactly how long it will take for it to ascend or descend the flight of stairs.Vendors who have a storefront and displays are typically able to let you try it out.

Time It: While it may seem silly, it’s not a bad idea to bring a stop watch and time exactly how long it takes, especially if you are comparing different models and can’t decide on which one is right for you. Most lifts will travel the same speed up or down, but some may have slight variances due to the gravity.

Consider Ease of Use: While little things like searching for the right button or buckling the safety lap belt may not seem like a big deal, they also affect how much time it will take for you to use it. If it takes you 10 minutes to struggle with putting on the seatbelt, it doesn’t matter how fast it goes!

Another thing to keep in mind is that although some people like fast stairlifts, this does not always mean that you will. Testing them out and taking them for a ride is really the only way you’ll know whether it is something that is what you want.

Stair Climbing Wheelchair: How To Get One?

Posted on October 6, 2009 by ztairlift27

Recently someone inquired about a stair climbing wheel chair and how to get one as another option many may want to consider as an alternative to buying a stair lift.

One such chair is the iBot Mobility System which is no longer is production. Being that it could climb stairs, it gave many the ability to move from one level to the next without the need for installing additional equipment. This provides for even more greater flexibility and freedom, because you can go anywhere with this – not just limited to places with elevators, ramps, and chair lifts for stairs.

The chair offers four main functions that can help people get around better:

Four Wheel Function: Four wheels are better than two, especially when you are traveling on rough and uneven terrains. It can go up to five inches high, making it perfect for going over curbs.

Remote: Need to move your chair without you in it? The remote function allows you to do just that, very helpful for getting it into a vehicle for transportation.

Balance Function: If you’ve ever had difficulty seeing over counters or tables, the balance function can give you the extra height you need to reach things easily that you couldn’t before.

Stair Climbing Function: This is perhaps the most innovative and intriguing thing about the product – it really can climb stairs! There is a minimum requirement of what types of stairs it will go up – each tread needs to be between 5-8 inches high, 10-17 inches deep, and the landing (at the top/bottom of the stairs) needs to be a minimum of 52 inches. While all of this may make you want to carry a tape measure around in your pocket, these are pretty standard dimensions, especially for most newer residential and commercial buildings.

Unfortunately, the iBot is no longer in production, most likely due to its expensive cost of retailing near $22,000, making it difficult for most consumers to justify the cost and expense.

TopChair is another company that is verging into this marketplace, providing their own chair that climbs up stairs. However, it is manufactured in France and finding information to obtain one is difficult to do.

It seems that there is still a long way to go before most people will be able to get a stair climbing wheel chair. Fortunately for many people, with the advancements in mobility scooters and other products there is hope on the horizon.

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Posted on June 27, 2009 by ztairlift27

A popular question many people have who are receiving Medicare benefits is whether or not medicare covers stair lifts. While it greatly depends on the plan you are enrolled in and what other benefits you may eligible for, in general Medicare does not provide the financing for stair lifts. This is because a stairlift is considered to be an in home adaption, and they do not generally cover home modifications or remodeling unless it has been prescribed by a physician and deemed medically necessary. For example, a wheel chair is deemed to be a medical necessity. However a ramp may or may not be depending on the situation and individual circumstances.

While this may deter some people from making the decision to get a stair lift or adding other home mobility products and modifications to the home, it should not be the only reason you choose to get or not to get a stair chair lift. You must first carefully assess the needs and the benefits of having one. In some cases, even though it may be an upfront expense it can still be well worth it.

One of the main reasons for getting a stair lift installed in your home would be because it could prevent further medical or caregiver expenses. In general, the more independent a person is, the less likely they will need to rely on others for helping around with household chores. It can also be far more cost effective to install a lift than moving into an assisted living or retirement community, as these places can often cost thousands of dollars per month.

Having the right mobility equipment in your home can also ensure that your home will be safer and the less likely it is that you or someone you care about would be involved in an accident that would result in major medical expenses such as hospitalization and rehab therapy from a physical therapist.

If you have checked with your doctor and your insurance company and have not been able to find a way to finance your lift chair seat, there is no need to despair. There are still many other Financng Options available that can put home freedom and independence into your reach. Loans, payment plans, various local charities and programs, counselors, and others may be able to help you with the things you need. The Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD) also has many different resources available for helping make purchasing a stair lift a realty for many.

As a safety precaution, be sure you are wary of anyone who promises that your stairlift or other medical equipment may be covered by insurance or that there is a rebate or refund after you give them the money upfront. Unfortunately there are many people out there that run such scams and fraud and will often inflate prices promising you that your insurance company will cover it when often they don’t and the seller just takes your money and runs.

To learn more about Medicare and the benefits you may be eligible for, visit http://www.medicare.gov. Dealing with them specifically is the only way to know what things you are eligible for.

You may also want to check out some of these non-profit organizations as well:

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
www.n4a.org

National Council on Aging
www.ncoa.org

Hud
www.hud.gov

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