Acorn Stair Lifts

Acorn is another popular brand name for stair lifts. Founded in 1992, the company produces both indoor and outdoor products. As an international company, they have authorized dealers in North America, South America, Europe, and Australia and others and are well recognized throughout many parts of the world.

They are best known for their use of DC powered only chairs, which means they run solely on battery and do not require any electric outlet. There are some advantages to battery operated products, the two primary ones being there is no need for a cable running along the stairs for power as well as the advantage of them working during power outages, which can alleviate any safety concerns during storms or other emergencies.

Their chairs offer a variety of features and options, which include the following:

Safety Features: Braking systems, sensors, paddle remotes, seat belts, locking seats, and other important features provide safety precautions during the operation of the lift to ensure any potential risk during use is at a minimum. These safety features come standard on all models.

Comfort Features: With padded seats and adjustable positions, users can make adjustments best suited for their individual preferences and needs in comfort. They also offer the option of a sit and stand frame which allows for the user to either go up the steps in a seated position or stand on the footrest if sitting is painful or not desired.

Fold-Away Design: Especially useful in homes where other members of the household do not use the chair, the seats are designed so they can safely and easily be folded along the wall for ample room to pass through the stair case.

Acorn has been innovative in manufacturing products beyond traditional seats for straight staircases, but also offers their Acorn Superglide Perch Stair Lift as well as curved staircase lifts. The Superglide Perch model is ideal for narrow hallways and spaces or for users who have trouble bending their knees, such as those with joint problems. Their curved stair lifts are designed to offer the use for the chair without the need for a straight wall. Many people with homes that have curved staircases can find these types to be of benefit without worrying about expensive remodeling costs.

There are many different options when it comes to choosing the best lift for you. We do not endorse any specific brand on this website, but simply provide information about the different manufacturers and products out there to choose from. Speaking with your physician or with a physical therapist or other person experienced in modifying homes for better accessibility can be a valuable resource to help you find the right chair and design for your needs, personal preferences, and budget.

When purchasing either Acorn stair lifts or other brands, be sure that you are working with an authorized dealer. It is also recommended that before making a decision that you carefully research all of the different options available to ensure you get the best product that matches and meets your personal preferences and needs.

AmeriGlide Stairlifts

Ameriglide Stair Lifts are a popular and well known brand in the stairlift industry. They offer a wide variety of different home accessibility products. As one of the leading manufacturers they are able to competitively price their items as an affordable solution to improving comfort and freedom for many individuals in both residential and commercial settings.

Based in North Carolina in the United States, the company is relatively young but still a prominent name in the industry. In addition to lifts, they also produce walk-in bath tubs, dumbwaiters, residential elevators, and other things that can help improve comfort and freedom.

There are many independent authorized dealers for their products who can not only help you get the best chair that meets your individual needs and preferences but also offer installation and operating support. The lifts can also be purchased online and do include video instructions on the safe operation and installation of their products. For many the piece of mind going through a dealer or authorized installer can give them an added sense of security in knowing it has been professionally installed and meets all safety criteria.

The types of chairs they offer include battery operated, electric powered chairs, and their heavy duty line. Prices range between $1500-$2700 for the basic product, depending on which type you prefer and your needs. Installation will vary on the type of installation and surface, but ranges between $500-$700 to have it professionally installed if you are not able or comfortable in doing it yourself.

Battery operated stairlifts can give some benefit as they can continue to work without electrical power in the case of a power outage. Some people prefer the electric powered ones as they do not have to worry about the batteries running low or losing their power. Heavy duty products can withstand greater weight loads and offer a larger motor.

There are also a number of options and accessories that can affect the base price of the units, such as a hanging grocery basket, materials rack, track length, seat belts, and others.

When purchasing a stair lift, be sure to find out if there are any zoning or housing regulations you should be aware of. In most cases there will not be any issues in the brand, make, or model you choose for installing in your home or place of business. However, some states do have building code regulations that must be adhered to, so it never hurts to check with your local zoning and housing offices before making the investment.

Ameriglide is just one of many companies available out there. Be sure that before selecting a company or a chair to work with that you check their background history, experience, and comparison shop price vs. features to make sure you are getting the best available products and service that meet your needs.

What are the Benefits of Stair Lifts?

There are many benefits of stair lifts that can help many people in added mobility and independence in their homes. A stair lift enables someone who normally has difficulty walking up steps to sit in place while the chair moves them from one level to the next.

There are many different reasons why someone may want to consider installing a stairlift in their home. Illness, disability, or age may all play roles in someone’s ability to comfortably and safely walk up and down steps. While some people may opt for finding a new home or for living in an assisted living residence environment, others may simply not want to give up the home they have grown to love or may be quite independent and simply desire the increased mobility and freedom lifts can provide.

One of the key benefits of a stair lift is that it is a cost effective solution in improving someone’s ability to move up and down stairs. For many people, purchasing a new home that does not have steps or living in an assisted care facility simply are not cost effective or possible due to the high costs and expense. Nursing homes can cost several thousand dollars per month. The high cost of housing and difficulty in obtaining a mortgage can also make buying a new home undesirable, especially if the person is already quite content with their current living arrangements. If someone is otherwise comfortably independent, it can save them several thousand dollars by installing a simple device that allows them to freely travel up and down from one level to another without making any major changes or requiring the assistance of another person to aid them.

Another benefit is additional freedom and independence. It can be very frustrating when you constantly need help from others to do something that would seem otherwise simple. Improved freedom and independence can improve someone’s sense of well being and happiness, which can overall positively affect their quality of life.

The most important benefit without a doubt however is the matter of increased safety. A fall down the stairs can be life threatening for some people or cause other complications and injuries that affect their health. Studies have shown that those with lifts installed in the home are far less likely to have accidents related to falling or tripping down the stairs. This can give a great sense of piece of mind to those who are worried about their loved ones living alone or concerned about the overall safety in the home.

It’s important to remember that while a chair lift can be beneficial and help someone increase their independence and maximize their overall health and safety, it is not a substitute for medical treatment or supervised care if necessary. Speaking to your physician or your physical therapist can often give you added insight in whether or not installing stair lifts is the best decision for you.