Wheelchair Stair Lift
A staircase in a home is generally not viewed as an obstacle or hindrance but of a main access way from one floor to the next. But for a person who is confined to a wheelchair, a staircase takes on a whole new definition, in particular that of being an insurmountable barrier to accessing another floor of the home. For this reason, the wheelchair stair lift came into being to assist those who cannot climb the stairs under their own power to ascend and descend without even having to get out of their wheelchair.
The design and engineering of this stair transportation is relatively simple and consists of a rail that runs the length of the stairs on which a horizontal platform is moved up and down by an electric motor coupled to a chain or belt drive mechanism. The platform on most models is designed to be raised to a vertical position when the unit is not in use so that able bodied people can use the stairs unobstructed. When in operation, the user simply lowers the platform to its horizontal running position, then wheels themselves onto it without getting out of their wheelchair and operates the drive mechanism with a simple lever to go up or down.
These units are very safe after having undergone rigorous testing and quality control by the manufacturer and are generally of high quality build and finish. They take up minimal space in the stairs, although the actual stair case must be wide enough to accommodate the width of the platform which is itself restricted in its minimum width by the physical width of a wheelchair.
If you are considering purchasing a wheelchair stair lift, you should first research several good brand manufacturers and try and get hold of some customer feedback to see if there are any complaints that have been upheld against any company for any reason. Then you should make a shortlist of your preferred manufacturers and then ring around (or check online) for quotes for installation and the hardware itself. You will find that prices will vary from company to company, but make sure they only use qualified installers, preferably in-house employees who will have been trained by the company and will know the exact criteria for installing your chosen model in your home.
You should get many years of untroubled service from your wheelchair stairlift. It should bring you a new found freedom of accessibility around your home by enabling you to get to upper floors and use rooms that would previously be denied you.
