AmeriGlide Stair Lifts

Stair Lifts: Improving Safety

2008-10-03T13:55:00.001-04:00

The inability to safely and reliably use the stairs, will in many cases largely affect a persons life. There are many places that have stairs, including most homes. In many ways areas away from the home can be navigated, because government regulations require for businesses to be made accessible. The home is a different story and not being able to get around your own home can largely effect a persons life. This is one reason that many people use stair lifts.

A stair lift is a medical lifting aid that helps to carry someone up the stairs. They usually are called stair chairs, which the occupant can sit in as they are moved along the distance of the stairs.

When getting ready for installing a stair lift, there are several considerations. The distance the stairs spans is one of the most important factors. The width of the staircase is also important, because you will want to have enough space to still walk up and down the stairs. Some lifts feature a folding seat, which when not in use can be folded to decrease the amount of space the lift takes up.

However, the most important factor is the type of staircase you have. A curved staircase requires a very expensive lift that will need to be custom built and professionally installed. A straight staircase on the other hand can be outfitted with a stair lift much easier and for a great deal less money. Those that have curved stairways, can usually install a residential elevator in place of a curved stair lift for about the same money, but will get a better return on their investment.

Choosing the Correct Stair Lift

2008-09-19T13:50:00.002-04:00

Climbing the stairs has been shown to become much more difficult and dangerous as a person's age increases. Often those that are older are not as resilient and do not heal as quickly, so a fall can be very hard to recover from. There are several ways to prevent falls, like avoiding the stairs or moving to an area without stairs, but these are in most cases impractical. In most instances a stair lift is the best way to prevent a fall on the stairs.

As a means of preventing falls and increasing accessibility, a stair lift ranks very high. For straight staircases, they cost much less than an elevator would be and can be installed with only slight modification to the stairs. Several self-install kits are often used, which can be installed in only a few hours and do not require any special tools.

Finding the right stair lift is important and there are several factors that you should consider. The overall length of the staircase and the weight of the occupant that is using the lift are two of the most important concerns. If the staircase is less than 35 feet, it is seldom an issue, but staircases that exceed 35 feet need a special type of lift. Most have a weight capacity that is around 350 pounds, but this varies by model. There are several available that can support a good deal more than 350 pounds, but often this is over a shorter distance.

You will need to get exact measurements of your stairs before ordering a lift, but most dealers can walk you through this process. It is, however, a good idea to get an approximate measurement of the length of your stairs before you begin looking at available models.

Those that use these lifts are able to access all areas of their home with only the push of a button and are much safer doing so.

Measuring For Your Stairlift

2008-09-12T13:11:00.000-04:00

Sometimes health problems increase as we age. These health problems end up preventing us from doing normal tasks that we would usually do without these ailments. Throughout the years, stair lifts has provided a great aid for people who are unable to travel up or downstairs. Before buying a stair lift, it is always important to have the correct measurements of the stairway on hand.

When measuring your stairway, it is always best to measure twice. You want to be as accurate as possible so when it's time to install the stair lift, there won't be any problems. Always begin at the very top of the step and, with a measuring tape, measure all the way to the bottom. Make sure that the measuring tape doesn't sag in between the steps.

After this, measure the depth, the diagonal distance from edge to edge of one step, height, width, and depth. Doing these measurements will prove that the aforementioned measurements are correct and that stair lift will fit. The last thing you should do is measure the length of the bottom step to the closest wall next to the stairs.

Safety, Stair Lifts, and More

2008-09-05T14:08:00.000-04:00

Using the stairs is an integral part of many people's daily routines, but for those that have difficulty walking, which is often as a result of diseases like arthritis, it can be difficult or even impossible to use the stairs. For these people a stair lift is often the best and most cost effective way to allow full access of their home.

Those that are not able to safely use the stairs might consider simply avoiding areas that have stairs and for public areas, this might be a good idea. However, around the home this solution looses its practicality. This is because avoiding the upstairs of your home means that you will have to avoid a large portion of your home. It is far better to take advantage of one of the many mobility lifting aids that are available for the home.

The stair lift is the most common type of lifting aid found in the home. This is because most homes have straight staircases and in these homes a stair lift can be installed for much less than an elevator could be. The stair lift carries a single occupant up and down the stairs quickly and safely. Depending on the model, some are capable of supporting over 500 pounds and can be used indoors or outdoors. While outdoor models are available, they cost a little more and are required to be completely weatherproof. Indoor lifts are less expensive and more common, but both are very popular.

People who have curved staircases are almost always better off going with an elevator though, because the cost will be about the same, but the elevator has much more functionality.

Use a Stair Lift, Get Safety

2008-08-29T14:55:00.003-04:00

If you are someone that suffers from health problems that negatively affect your ability to walk up the stairs, you might feel that you are limited, but this does not have to be the case. Instead there are several ways to overcome these limitations, and one of the most common ways is by using a stair lift.

Stair lifts are used in many situations, both residential and commercial, to make all areas easily accessible. Most use a chair that the user sits in as they are carried up and down the stairs. The chair is attached to a metal track and an electric motor moves the chair slowly along the track.

If you live in an area that has frequent power disruptions it is a good idea to go with a battery powered stair lift. These lifts have a slightly higher up front cost and, since the battery must be periodically replaced, it also has a slightly higher maintenance cost. However, if the power goes out, the lift will continue working, so you do not have to worry about becoming stranded up stairs.

When looking for a battery powered stair lift, make certain that you learn how the unit charges. Most modern lifts charge constantly, even when they are being used, but older lifts used a system that is sort of like a cordless phone. In order for older lifts to charge, the chair had to be parked in a specific place and if you forgot, the battery would not charge.

Most lifts you will find no longer use this method, but a few still do, so make certain that you find out about this before you purchase the lift.

Let a Stair Lift Do the Climbing

2008-08-22T14:11:00.001-04:00

Climbing the stairs is frequently difficult and sometimes impossible for those who are afflicted by arthritis and other mobility related problems. It is easy to hurt yourself on the stairs and falls are the leading cause of hospitalization among those who are over the age of sixty-five. A stair lift is one of several devices that can be easily installed to most staircases and will prevent accidents on the stairs.

A stair lift is a type of mobility aid that is used to carry a person up and down the stairs. Usually a chair is used, but sometimes a small platform is used to carry to transport the person between floors. The chair lift is generally the best bet, because it is much safer, but the platform lift is used by people who cannot bend their knees enough to sit down.

Installing a stair lift is generally very easy if you have a straight stairway. They can usually be shipped and installed in less than a week. While many people do the installation on their own, it is important to follow all of the steps, so if you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't do it. Professional installers are available and in addition to installing the lift, they will provide in home instructions about how to use it.

Installing the stair lift is the first step in preventing accidents, but you still must be careful when using the lift. Always remain seated when the lift is moving and keep the stairs free from obstacles. The lift is designed to detect obstacles on the stairs, so it will stop before it damages you or the unit, but there is no need to take any risks.

Stair Lifts on the Stairs

2008-08-15T14:28:00.002-04:00

A staircase is a common part of many homes in America and it is also one of the most dangerous areas of the home. A fall down the stairs can be devastating and the leading cause of accidental death and hospitalization among people over sixty-five is a fall down the stairs. One of the most accepted ways to prevent a fall down the stairs is to use a stair lift.

Stair lifts are similar to elevators in that they are used to carry people between floors. Unlike an elevator or a vertical platform lift though, stair lifts carry people across the length of the stairs, instead of vertically up and down. They are usually installed onto the steps, but in some cases, like in instances of a curved staircase or an exceedingly narrow staircase, the stair lift is instead installed onto the wall. A chair is most commonly used to carry the person up and down the stairs and it moves along a track that is secured to the steps or wall.

The amount of weight that a stair lift is capable of supporting varies by model. Most average between 300 and 375, but some are capable of supporting a considerably larger amount of weight. Those stair lifts that support over 375 pounds are usually called heavy duty stair lifts and feature reinforced seats that are usually also a little wider.

People that have and use a stair lift are able to quickly reduce the risk of an injury, which can occur when you fall down the stairs.

Info About Stair Lifts

2008-08-08T15:39:00.000-04:00

People who use the stairs on a regular basis might not think twice about bounding up the stairs or running full gate down them, but if you are mobility challenged then you likely are not so carefree when it comes to the stairs. This is because the stairs can be exceedingly dangerous to an individual who is mobility challenged. While you should always be careful on the stairs, no matter your age or your physical condition, if you have difficulty climbing the stairs, then a stair lift can help to improve your mobility.

Most people choose to install a stair lift on the interior of their home and this is where you are most likely to see them, but some models are available that can be installed in outdoor settings. If you need one for the outdoors, it is important to make sure that the lift is rated for outdoor use, because an outdoor stair lift will be sealed against moisture and overall weather proofed.
In most cases a stair lift will carry a seated individual to the top of the stairs and back down again, but a few models are available that allow the occupant to remain standing as they travel up or down the stairs. A standing stair lift, which is called a perch lift, is great for people who have had knee surgery and cannot bend their knee to safely sit, but since you must remain standing, they are a little more risky than the traditional stair chair.

A stair lift uses a track system to carry its rider. The track runs the distance of the stairs and is usually installed directly to the steps. The rider is then sent up and down the track on the chair or perch.

Those individuals who use a stair lift are able to use the stairs safely with the knowledge that they have greatly reduced the risk of injury and accident.

Safe Stair Usage

2008-08-01T11:01:00.001-04:00

Keeping safe while on the stairs is a major concern for people both old and young. Usually when young the concern stems from the child playing on the stairs and falling. When old the concern also stems from falling, but it is not because the adult is playing, but because they are unsteady on the stairs. The unsteadiness on the stairs can be a result of injury, illness, disability, or just age, but presents a clear and present danger. The danger on the stairs can be deadly in many cases and the number one cause of accidental death of those over 65 is as a result of a fall down the stairs.

To help prevent injury on the stairs a stair lift is often used. A stair lift is a mobility lifting aid that allows a single individual to safely use the stairs, which means that you do not have to stop using a section of your home just because you can’t safely use the stairs anymore.

To install a stair lift to a straight staircase, a metal track is affixed to the stairs. After the track has been firmly secured to the stairs, the car is attached to the track. The car is the part of the stair lift that does the actual work and contains the electric motor. The car moves slowly up and down the track and carries a single individual.

Those that do not have a straight staircase must usually have the stair lift professionally installed and frequently it is secured to the wall instead of the stairs. The cost of a curved stair lift is also much greater and is usually about 1000% more than a straight staircase. To help control costs and speed up the process, which usually take a few months, people who have an ‘L’ shaped staircase usually opt to install two straight stair lifts instead of one curved stair lift. This can usually be done, but you will want to consult a stair lift dealer to make certain your ‘L’ shaped staircase is compatible with a dual stair lift installation.

Staying safe on the stairs is very important and a stair lift is a very good way to maintain stair safety.

Preventing Accidents on the Stairs

2008-07-25T15:06:00.000-04:00

It is usually very difficult for people who have arthritis, neuromuscular diseases, or other mobility problems to use the stairs. The stairs can also present a very real danger to those who are mobility challenged and falling down the stairs is the leading cause of accidental death among those over 65.

With all the dangers the stairs can present to a mobility challenged individual, it is no surprise that many people think that the only way to stay safe on the stairs is to avoid them. This stance is taken by many people, but it means not using a significant part of your home or moving to a home or assisted living facility that does not use stairs. The people that take this route though have likely not heard about stair lifts.

Stair lifts can be found in homes across the country and throughout the entire world. They are a mobility lifting aid that carries a person up and down the stairs in a safe manner. The person is carried up and down the stairs using a seat or small platform that travels along a metal track. The metal track is most often affixed directly to the stairs, but some models attach to the wall.

A stair lift is controlled by a remote control that is attached to the chair or small platform. The remote control has a dead mans switch, which might sound scary, but it just means that to keep the lift moving you must keep constant pressure on the remote control button. In addition to the attached remote control, most stair lifts come with 2 wireless remotes with can be Velcro-ed at the top and bottom of the stairs. These wireless remotes also have a dead mans switch and allow you to bring the unit to the top or bottom of the stairs even if the car is not present, using the same principal as calling an elevator.

If you can not use the stairs, then a stair lift is one type of mobility aid that can greatly help to improve your safety on the stairs.

Climbing the Stairs Safely with a Stair Lift

2008-07-18T16:36:00.000-04:00

It can be difficult for people who have a muscular disease or a joint disorder like arthritis to use the stairs. These types of illnesses can make it dangerous to use the stairs without assistance and can often force the person to make the difficult decision of not using part of their home or relying on someone to help them use the stairs. This is a decision that you do not need to make if you install a stair lift.

Stair lifts can be installed onto most straight staircases quickly and inexpensively. A track is first secured to the steps. The track runs the distance of the staircase and a chair or small platform is sent up and down the stairs.

Most people find these mobility devices can be used with ease and they make the whole family’s life easier and safer. Often it can be difficult enough to keep yourself steady on the stairs, but if you have to help a family member up the stairs, it becomes much harder. In some cases it might not even be possible to do in a safe manner and this is part of the reason that a stair lift can help make the whole family’s stair experience safer.

The stairs do not have to be an overwhelming obstacle, but it can be easy for them to be seen this way. If you or a loved one can not use the stairs in a safe manner anymore, it is probably a good time to invest in a stair lift.

Stair Lifts: A helping Hand

2008-07-11T14:16:00.003-04:00

If you are mobility challenged, then it might be very difficult or even impossible to use the stairs on your own. Often just keeping your balance is hard, but when this is coupled with the pain that can be associated with arthritis, it makes it very dangerous to use the stairs. Many people install stair lifts in order to keep safe while using the stairs.

By installing a stair lift in your home, you are basically installing a helping hand that can carry you up and down the stairs at any time of the day. A track is installed to the steps and securely bolted in place. Attached to the track is a chair that is sent up and down the stairs.

These lifts greatly reduce virtually any risk of injury while on the stairs, but you still must follow some basic safety procedures. A stair lift operates by a remote control that is usually attached to the chair. In order to move the chair, constant pressure must be applied to the remote control button. You should never attempt to stand while using the stair lift. It is also very important to keep the stairs free from clutter. Embedded in the footrest of quality lifts is a sensor that detects objects on the stairs, and will keep the lift from moving.

Stair lifts are a very good way to keep the risk of falling at a minimum and to always be able to independently use the stairs.

The Benefits of Stair Lifts

2008-06-27T14:52:00.000-04:00

It can be incredibly difficult for people who have difficulty walking to carry themselves up and down the stairs. Often as a result of this difficulty, they will not use a portion of their home or might be forced to rely on a personal assistant to help them on the stairs. These solutions though are not always practical and can be quite expensive, put a strain on others, and greatly limit your ability to use your own home. A stair lift is a great way to make the stairs easy to traverse and much safer.

Stair lifts are devices that are generally installed lengthwise directly to the steps. A track will first be installed and after the track is installed properly a car system is backed onto the track. The car system consists of an electric motor, possibly a battery, and a chair that can carry a single individual. The car will be sent up and down the track with a single occupant and allows for easy operation.

This means that you will be able to easily go up and down the stairs without fear of falls and without having to rely on others to help you. A battery powered stair lift is a good choice if you live in an area that might have power disruptions. This includes areas that get a lot of snow and ice and might loose power in the winter. The battery powered lifts usually cost a little more, but this cost is outweighed by the ability to always be able to use your device, with or without direct power.

If you use a stair lift, it is a good idea to carefully read the user manual before you operate. While many people choose to install these devices on their own, some people do pay professional installers. If you do go the professional installer route, they are a great wealth of information and will be able to show you how to use and maintain the lift. You should still read the manual though, but the installers do really know their lifts and are usually very friendly.

Increasing Your Safety While Using the Stairs

2008-06-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

Falling down the stairs is something that frequently results in hospitalization, broken bones, and in some cases death. Seniors, those over 65, are far more likely to fall down the stairs and they are at increased risk of broken bone. In part this can be due to something like arthritis, but often as we get older our balance decreases. If you are a caregiver and must help a person up and down the stairs, this can also be risky and can result in two people being injured instead of one. A stair lift can be an excellent investment and greatly reduce the risk of falling.

If you have a straight stair case, then you can probably quickly and easily install a stair lift. A reinforced aluminum track is attached directly to the stairs and an individual is sent up and down the track. There are many models and designs to choose from and they can support, depending on the model, over 500 pounds. If you have a narrower staircase, it may be necessary to install the lift on the wall, which is much more complicated, but many models feature folding seats, so when not in use the device will take up much less space. You can install a standard straight lift rather easily in only a few hours using normal tools. They also can be shipped in only a few days.

Those with curved staircases are at a tremendous disadvantage when it comes to installing a stair lift. The lift must be custom built and will require professional installation. Since all stair cases are different, you will need an in home estimate and measurement. They usually take between 6 -8 to build and sometimes even longer to have installed. The cost of a curved stair lift can easily exceed $15,000.

The Importance of Stair Lifts

2008-06-13T15:18:00.000-04:00

Stair lifts are personal lifting aids that have been in use for almost 100 years. The first recorded stair lift was designed in the 1920’s by a man who wanted to help his neighbor who had difficulty using the stairs. Since then there have been many advances and modern stair lifts are very durable and well built.

Stair lifts can be installed on both straight stairs and on curved stairs. However, a curved stair lift is much more expensive and can take months to be built and installed. Also the curved stair lift’s track must be custom bent to fit the angle of the staircase, so it will likely be of no use in other homes. Curved stair lifts can easily cost over $15,000 and usually require an in home estimate.

While curved stair lifts are expensive and take a long time to build and install, a straight staircase can be easily installed in a few hours and usually are shipped within 5 business days. The track will have to be cut to fit your stair case, so it will be important to get an accurate measurement.

Stair lifts are either battery powered or utilize direct AC current. In either case the stair lift must be plugged directly into the wall, but a battery powered unit will still function if the power is disrupted. This can be important in some areas which loose power frequently, but will require that you change the batteries periodically. Of course replacement batteries are not too expensive, but it is one more thing that must be done.

There are many places that you can find a stair lift, but it is usually a good idea to buy one from a dealer instead of private individuals. Now, with the advent of the internet, it is possible to find a new stair lift without ever leaving your home. Most online dealers also have call centers, which are usually staffed with knowledgeable people who can help you if you have any questions.

Deciding to Install a Stair Lift

2008-05-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

Often as you body begins to age, things that once were easy to do become more difficult. The stairs are one of these things that in some cases can present a safety hazard as you become older. In fact falls down the stairs are more likely to occur to individuals who are over the age of 65 and they frequently result in hospitalization.

There are several ways to help prevent falls down the stairs. You could of course simply avoid the stairs, but this can mean not using whole areas of your home. You could also hire someone or rely on a family member to help you with the stairs. This can put a strain on your pocket or those you love and means giving up your independence. Perhaps the best choice is to install a stair lift.

Stair lifts are devices that are installed on the stairs and are used to carry an individual up and down the stairs. Typically a chair is used to carry the individual, but a small platform can also be used if the individual has trouble standing or sitting. A stair lift can be easily installed in an afternoon and most dealers have installation technicians that can come to your home and set it up for you if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.

A stair lift will greatly increase your independence and keep you from rely on someone else or having to stop using a portion of your home.

Safety on the Stairs

2008-05-23T15:08:00.000-04:00

If you are over the age of 65 then you are at a much greater risk of falling down the stairs. This type of fall can be very dangerous and often results in a broken hip. Rather than take this risk, it is far better to install and use a stair lift.

Stair lifts are mobility aids that are installed on usually installed on the steps, but in some instances are attached to the wall instead. Usually the installation of a stair lift to a straight stair case can be done in an afternoon, but if your stair case is curved then it is much more complicated.

Even though a stair lift can greatly reduce your risk of fall and injury, it is still possible to be injured if you do not use the device properly. Always remain seated until the unit has reached the top of the stairs and if it has a seat belt then make sure you keep it buckled. Keep the stairs free of obstacles and obstructions. This includes things like clothes and bags that are often set down on the stairs. It is also important that the device is not used as a toy. If you have small children make sure that you do not allow them to play on the device and you may want to consider a model that has a key lock system. This is also true of public areas.

When used properly a stair lift will provide many years of worry free safe service, but make sure you remember to follow all safety procedures.

Alternatives to Stair Lifts

2008-05-16T14:14:00.004-04:00

If you are in a wheelchair, or rely on a mobility scooter to move around, then the stairs are probably your biggest nemesis. Often the front steps are also very steep and are very unforgiving. A traditional stair lift will not be able to accommodate your mobility device. Vertical platform lifts are used by many to combat these problems in situations where a stair lift will not work.

Vertical platform lifts are like min-elevators, but are generally not enclosed like a normal elevator that you would find in a building. They are used to lift a person and their mobility devices vertically the distance of the stairs. Some units can lift vertically over 12’ high, so it is likely you will be able to find a unit that will work with your front steps. They can also support a great deal of weight and a quality platform lift will support at least 500 pounds. Frequently these devices are used to carry 2 people and 1 mobility device.

The installation is generally fairly simple for these devices. The biggest concern will be the base that the vertical platform lift will sit on. It must be very flat, level, and capable of supporting the weight of the lift and those using it. Often a concrete slab is poured, but they can also be secured to wood or in some cases a special base of sand and rock can be built. If you are lifting more than a few feet, you will likely need to secure the unit to the side of the steps as well. While more often than not these units are installed in a permanent manner, some portable units are available. These are frequently used in public places like churches and schools, but they can be used in residential settings as well. A portable vertical platform lift often has a lower weight capacity and is limited in how high it can lift.

A vertical platform lift is a great investment for your home or business. It can restore mobility and independence and allows you to sleep easy knowing the stairs can be conquered with ease.

Using And Maintaining Your Stair Lift Safely

2008-05-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

Climbing the stairs has consistently been rated as one of the most challenging tasks for mobility challenged individuals. This often results in people avoiding their stairs, which in turn can result in large portions of their homes going unused. A stair lift is one medical device that has been developed to solve this problem and is incredibly popular. A stair lift is a medical device that is used to transport a person up and down the stairs. They generally feature a track that is secured to the stairs. A small platform or chair is then sent up and down the stairs resulting in what is in many ways a personal escalator.

The safety advantages associated with a stair lift are many, but like any medical device it is imperative that it is used in the manner it was intended. One of the most common mistakes made when purchasing a stair lift is regarding the weight capacity. All stair lifts are rated to safely support individuals up to a certain weight. Even though they frequently use incredibly strong materials, such as reinforced steel and special aircraft cables, they are still designed and tested for individuals of a certain weight. This weight capacity is often a reflection of the design of the system it self, but also the manner in which it is secured to the stairs. Stair lifts that support higher weights generally cost a little more, and this is one reason people sometimes ‘fudge’ their weight. Others may feel self conscious about their weight, or if they are buying it for someone else might not feel right asking about their weight. It is important that you honestly evaluate your weight requirements and include any anticipated weight growth. It is far better to air on the side of caution and get a unit that supports too much weight, than to purchase a unit that has an inadequate or borderline weight capacity.

There are several practices that must be maintained while using a stair lift to promote safety. It is important to never try to stand or move while the stair lift is in motion. Many units come with seat belts and if one is included, it is a good idea to buckle up. Since your stair lift will be traveling up and down the stairs it is very important that the stairs remain free from clutter and debris. It is never a good idea to have clutter on your stairs, but it can be very dangerous if you have a stair lift. The problem with clutter on the stairs is two fold. On the one hand if it interferes with your stair lifts movement, you could damage your unit. Many stair lifts have built in sensors that will detect most objects in its paths, but you should not rely on these sensors alone. The other safety issue presented with objects on the stair case involves people who walk up and down the stairs. A misplaced object can cause them to trip, and because the stair lift takes up a small portion of the stair case, it is much harder to avoid objects while avoiding the stair lift as well.

In regards to the amount of regular maintenance that is required to keep them running, modern stair lifts have come a long way from their older relatives. Most are designed with sealed drive systems that do not require any lubrication and will not leak. Even with these many advances, it is still important to follow any maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This is important because it ensures that the device will continue to function properly and safely. It can be very easy to follow the “If it is not broke, don’t fix it mentality,” but this can be incredibly dangerous if applied to stair lifts. Most only require lubricating a few points on the device and a brief inspection, so it makes no sense to take a chance with something that carries so much.

While stair lifts have been thoroughly tested to provide safe and reliable service, it is still important to use these devices in the manner which was intended. When in doubt use your common sense when deciding how to use your stair lift.

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Battery or Electric

2008-05-02T14:18:00.003-04:00

A stair lift is a device that carries people up and down the stairs. There are several different types of stair lifts made by a variety of manufacturers. When you purchase a stair lift, you can purchase either a battery powered one or an electric powered one.

Battery powered units still plug directly into the wall, but the electric current is used to charge the batteries. The batteries are what actually powers the unit. These are great if you live in an area that frequently looses power. This will ensure that even if the power goes out, you will never be without your stair lift. Most modern units charge continuously, but a few models still require you to park the lift in a "charging position." Try to stay clear of models that only charge in one position and instead find a unit that continuously charges.

Electric units receive their power directly from the wall. These units will not work if the power goes out, but you do not have the added expense of changing batteries. They also typically cost less then a battery powered unit of similar type.

Residential Stair Lifts

2008-04-25T14:29:00.000-04:00

Many Americans whether due to age or disability are not able to use large portions of their homes because they can not safely navigate the stairs. This can be very hard on the individual and their family. A stair lift, using a remote control or set of mounted buttons, carries an individual up and down the stairs. Most stair lifts work by mounting an aluminum track to the stair case and then sending an attached chair up and down the distance of the stairs. For individuals that have trouble sitting, there are models available with small platforms as well. For most though the stair chair is going to provide the most comfort and stability.

When you are in the market for a stair lift there are several things to consider. As long as you have a straight stair case the installation is fairly easy and inexpensive. A curved stair case will usually require a completely custom made track and is a good deal more expensive and needs to be professionally installed. If your stair case is not straight there may still be a way to use a standard stair lift and save money. A common design for stair cases is an L shaped curve. These L shaped staircases are really just 2 straight stair cases with a landing in between. In these instances it is usually considerably less expensive to purchase 2 traditional stair lifts and install them on each stair case. Incredibly narrow stair cases can also prevent problems because if it is too narrow than the stair lift must be mounted to the wall instead of the steps. Wall mounted stair lifts are more expensive and harder to install, so it may be necessary to get it professionally installed. There are a good many low profile stair lifts that do not take up much stair space, though, unless your stair case is very narrow you should not have any problems finding one that will fit perfectly.

Whether you plan on buying a new stair lift or a used stair lift it is never a good idea to buy one second hand from a private individual. When you purchase a used stair lift from a private individual, there is no way to tell if the unit has been completely abused or is unsafe. Stair lifts are made using incredibly reliable and high quality materials, such as high test aircraft cable, but like anything if you misuse it there is no way to guarantee the safeguards will hold up. Instead of taking this incredible risk with yourself or someone you loves life, you should purchase the stair lift from a reputable dealer. A reputable dealer will fully inspect, refurbish, and then test any stair lift they sell you. When you purchase a used stair lift from a reputable dealer it is in complete factory working condition and compliance. In addition they will offer a minimum 6 month warranty. You get not such guarantees from a private individual and could be very well inheriting a headache or an extreme safety hazard.

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Perch Lifts

2008-04-18T13:45:00.001-04:00

Stair lifts are an important tool for individuals that are mobility challenged. Using a track or rail that is usually affixed to the step, an individual is literally carried up the stairs by the stair lift. Usually they use a chair and so they are often called stair chairs. There are a few models that use a perch, which is a small platform. Perch lifts are not as common, but they are just as important.

A perch lift is perfect for people who have joint problems and have trouble bending their legs enough to come to a sitting position. For these people it would be too painful to sit down on a traditional stair lift, so the perch lift becomes a good alternative. These units typically have a well reinforced handrail that the user can hold onto as they go up and down the stairs.

While a perch lift is very practical if you can not bend your knees or joints easily, but it is very important to use this device safely. Because you are standing you must be able to maintain your balance as the perch lift moves. They typically do not have a seat belt either. In a traditional stair lift you are sitting in a chair, and even with out a seat belt, you do not really have to worry about your balance. Some perch lifts have small benches that you can lean on to add support, but it is still not going to be as secure as a standard stair lift.

AmeriGlide: Quality Materials Means Quality Products

2008-04-11T11:24:00.002-04:00

Stair lifts are used to help people who are mobility challenged use the stairs independently. They are sometimes referred to as stair chairs because they generally utilize a chair that is attached to a track. The track spans the distance of the stairs and depending on the model can support more than 500 pounds.

One of the bestselling brands of Stair lifts is the AmeriGlide Stair Lift. There are many reasons that the AmeriGlide brand is so popular. They use only the finest materials and have independently tested all of their products for safety and reliability. The cabling used in these units is aircraft grade, which means that it has an impressive 4,200 pound breaking point.

They have tested their each of their units for over 30,000 cycles. This amounts to over 16 years of service, and even still the drive trains have only shown normal wear. The stair lifts require little maintenance as well. With their sealed gearbox there is never a need to add oil or worry about leaks. The stair lifts merely need to be lubricated properly once every 4-6 months.

All of their units are designed with safety in mind. The foot rests have a built in sensor that will stop if it detects anything, such as shoes or clothes, in the way as it travels up the stairs. This prevents damage to the unit and also ensures the occupant will remain safe.

AmeriGlide is one of the few manufacturers of stair lifts that thinks of the customer first. Everything they do is geared towards developing safe and reliable products.

Stair Lift Installation

2008-04-04T12:04:00.001-04:00

A stair lift is a device that is used to lift a person up the stairs, much like an escalator. These devices generally use a rail or track system that is attached to the stairs and spans the complete distance of the stairs. A chair or small platform is attached to the track and is sent up and down the track. These devices are very safe and reliable, but there are some safety concerns that should be addressed both when using these devices and when installing them.

It is imperative that you both read and understand the manufacturer’s installation instructions before you begin your initial setup. On standard non-winding stairs the installation can usually be done in a few hours by a single individual, but before you do anything carefully read the instructions. One of the most important steps will be securing the track to the stairs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the included hardware to secure the track to the stairs. Usually the track comes in sections that are made to slide together and are secured with bolts.

Most of the actual installation can be done with standard household tools. Usually a set of Allen wrenches (often included), a set of Phillips heads screwdrivers, a 3/8 inch socket set, a power drill, a tape measure, and a level will be all that is required to set up the stair lift. Some models do require a tool called a torque wrench, which may sound complicated or foreign, but it really isn’t. A torque wrench is a wrench that has a gauge or dial attached to it that lets you tighten a bolt to a specific tension. All you need to do is very lightly tighten the bolt while keeping an eye on the gauge that is attached to the wrench. If you are tightening the bolt to 18 ft/lbs then just apply constant pressure until the gauge reads about 18. Torque wrenches can be found at most hardware stores as well as at auto parts stores.

Once the track is down it will be time to put the chair onto the track. Usually the chair is attached to a short piece of track that is only a foot or two in length. This short piece of track is temporarily attached to the track at the top of the stairs. A bolt holds the chair in place on this temporary track. Once the bolt is removed the chair will slide down onto the actual stair lift track. It is important that either you or your assistant apply pressure to the chair when you remove the retaining bolt. Once the bolt is removed the chair will slide freely so make sure you hold the chair in place until your hands are out of the way, then let is slowly slide down onto the track.

A stair lift that has been installed properly will provide many years of dependable and safe service. It can generally be done by one person. If after reading the installation instructions you are hesitant at all about the set up, call up your distributor and they can either help you with the instructions or recommend a company that will install it for you at a good rate.

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Stair Lifts: Reclaiming Your Upstairs

2008-03-28T10:30:00.002-04:00

If you have trouble climbing the stairs and want to reclaim the upstairs of your house, you should invest in a stair lift. Most stair lifts are very well priced, but you can save some money by buying a used one. There are several considerations, however, when buying a used stair lift.

The first step should be to analyze you needs and requirements. If your stairs are curved or very narrow than you will need a special type of stair lift. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages than you will probably need to purchase a battery operated lift. Once you have a solid idea of what you need and want in your stair lift it is time to start shopping around.

While shopping around you should get an idea of the regular price of a stair lift. The main reason someone buys something used, whether it be cars, golf clubs, or stair lifts, is to save money. By having an idea of the regular price for a new stair lift, you can compare the price of the used stair lift and see if you are actually saving money.

Even though you can probably find used stair lifts in the newspaper, being sold by individuals, this is usually unadvisable. If you are buying it from a stranger you have no real way of knowing how they treated the stair lift, or whether it is just going to break in a few months. When dealing with battery powered lifts you also do not have a real idea of the condition of the battery. You can glean some of this information from observing the condition of the chair and the condition of the individual’s house. If you do decide to purchase a used stair lift from an individual pay special attention to any signs of physical damage to the unit.

Your best bet is going to be to find a reputable dealer that sells both new and used stair lifts. These dealers carefully inspect any piece of equipment that leaves their warehouse and you can use the stair lift without any worry of mechanical or other failure.

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