Your home needs to work for you, and as we get older the practicality of our personal spaces can need reviewing. Many people find steps and indoor stairs challenging as they age, meaning that even simple tasks become a time-consuming trial. Some people face a daily struggle when it comes to navigating stairs, and relocating is not always a feasible way to resolve mobility problems. So, how does a stairlift work and how they can help restore accessibility to the home? Let’s take a look.
Stairlifts are a physical mobility aids, installed on an existing staircase in the home. There are three essential components required in powering a stairlift: the motor, battery, and gear. It is important to familiarise yourself with these aspects, as it can help when choosing the right stairlift for your needs. The motor is in the base of the stairlift, and it is responsible for movement of the stairlift. The battery is also found at the base; it powers the motor and supports comfort. Batteries are typically high-quality, and they should not require replacement regularly. To steer the stairlift in either direction, the gear is turned by the motor, connected to geared strips which are built into the track that the unit follows when in motion.
Stairlifts tend to be operated by a handheld remote control, whereas in the past they needed to be fixed to a wall at the base of the stairlift. Technology has made stairlifts more convenient in this sense, as they can be freely operated by the user. The seat on a stairlift may be fixed in place, or it can have a swivelling function, and adjustable height features also common in many models. Tilting seats are also a great addition in stairlifts, as they can support the user while getting on and off the stairlift. Seatbelts can also be added, providing security for the user while using the lift.
To install a stairlift, the measurements of your staircase should be provided in order to determine the most suitable specification. The placing of your stairlift might seem obvious, but you should account for a few things in order to get the most out of the mobility aid. The base and top of the stairlift will require some extra room, to accommodate the track, so ensuring that you have sufficient space for your lift is key. The most important measurements to observe are the length of the staircase, its width, and the amount of clearance at the bottom and the top. Some staircases are wider than others, so this could impact the lift you choose. As well as this, you’ll need to provide measurements of the stairlift user, to guarantee that the seat size will be correct. Your stairlift will be tailored to meet your specific needs and space.
If you feel that a stairlift could be beneficial to you, they are undoubtedly a great investment for your home; plus the stair lift cost could be covered by grants from the relevant authorities. They can enhance quality of life and restore independence for the user, and there is a vast range of options to choose from.
Source:
https://www.ageukmobility.co.uk/stairlift-advice/how-do-stairlifts-work
