Stair Lifts: An Overview
These are available in various designs and serve many purposes.
The mechanism is simple to understand.
Also called stairway lifts, they go up and down on rails or tracks installed on the side of stairs.
The seat is attached to a platform.
This runs on electricity or even on battery.
This can be operated by the person from the chair itself too.
Stair lifts are used primarily by those who are not in a position to walk up and down the stairs, and in places where a conventional lift is not a feasible option.
Elderly people who find it difficult to walk and disabled people are the ones who find it most useful and convenient.
This is widely used in facilities which cater to elderly or disabled people, such as old age homes and hospices.
The majority of all the stair lifts used in homes and business places are run on batteries powered by direct current.
Moreover, these batteries are rechargeable.
Such a mechanism makes it possible for them to get charged when not being used.
There is a variety of stairway lifts used these days.
This includes the straight, normal lift.
It is one of the most used lifts and is called a straight lift as it is installed along a straight staircase.
This is very easy to use, with no need for much modification.
Only the length needs to be altered according to the length of the stairs.
Customized, curved lifts are available too.
Such custom made stair lifts are in essence the same as straight ones, apart from the rails, which are modified to fit into any curved set of steps.
Also, lifts with platforms as well as certain lifts that can be used outdoors are available.
Straight stair lifts are not very expensive.
But the other, customized ones can be a bit expensive.
This is due to the fact that they need more time to be conceived, made and installed.
Lifts using platforms are comparable to elevators in a way as they too have a platform supporting the whole device and the seat.
The outdoor stairway lifts are very similar, to the only difference being that they are installed in the open.
In conclusion, Stair lifts are a commonly used solution for those facing trouble moving up and down the stairs.
Available in various models, they can be customized too.