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Home & Garden Articles
Exploring the Different Kinds of Staircase Lifts
Wed 15 Jul 2009 - 12:33
Exploring the Different Kinds of Staircase Lifts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robert_Dinland]Robert Dinland
Improving stair safety is very important for those of any age, but amongst those with limited mobility it is essential. Every year, falls on the stairs are a leading cause of hospital visits and accidental death, especially among the elderly. As a result of the danger that is presented by the stairs, it is very important to find a means of preventing falls, while still offering full access to the stairs. This is why stair lifts are so popular in the United States.
Stair lifts come in many different styles, but the most common design is the stair chair. A stair chair consists of a simple chair that is attached to a metal track that runs the entire length of the staircase. The chair slowly moves along the track powered by an electrical motor, carrying a single rider. For a straight staircase, a stair chair can be installed
The perch lift is another type of staircase lift, which is very similar to a stair chair, except the rider of a perch lift remains standing as they are carried up the staircase. A perch lift is also called a standing stair lift and is not as safe as a stair chair, so it should not be used unless it is required for medical reasons. Most include multiple hand holds to improve safety, but since the user is upright as the lift is moved, a much higher degree of balance is required to use a perch lift.
Another type of staircase lift is the curved stair lift. Curved stair lifts are used on staircases that are curved or shaped like an 'L.' For staircases that are shaped like an 'L,' which is basically two straight staircases put together at a 90 degree angle, a curved stair lift is not too much more than a standard straight stair lift. However, for other curved staircases, a curved stair lift is extremely expensive. This is as a result of the fact that the track will need to be custom made to fit the dimensions of the staircase. Since the track is custom made, it does not have much in regards of resale value, so for those with a curved staircase, it is usually a good idea to consider a residential elevator as an alternative to a curved staircase lift.
All of the different stairway lifts described so far are very powerful tools, but can not be easily used by individuals that use mobility vehicles, like wheelchairs and mobility scooters. However, incline platform lifts are available for those that use mobility vehicles and are very similar to stair chairs, except instead of a chair, a sturdy metal platform is provided. An incline platform lift allows the user to drive their wheelchair onto the platform, which then moves up the stairs on a metal track. While a very important tool for those who are mobility challenged, an incline platform life does take up a considerable amount of space, so might not be a good choice in all situations.
Since the staircase presents a number of dangers, it is important to ensure that the stairs can be used safely by those who are mobility challenged. Stairway lifts are one way that this is achieved and in most cases cost much less than an elevator would.
Robert, an established author, is very experienced with [http://www.stairliftguide.net/]stair lifts and other accessibility tools. [http://www.stairliftguide.net/archives/tips-to-make-the-stairs-safer-for-seniors/]Preventing senior falls is very important and this usually starts with evaluating the safety of the staircase. It is also important to consider the abilities of the person who will be using the staircase.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Dinland http://EzineArticles.com/?Exploring-the-Different-Kinds-of-Staircase-Lifts&id=2604006
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