What Are the Advantages of Installing a Stairlift?

What Are the Advantages of Installing a Stairlift?

The majority of us live in a home with at least one set of stairs. As we age, endure an injury, or even have a surgical procedure, climbing those stairs can become increasingly difficult. This difficulty increases the risk of falls and injuries. The good news is that you and your loved ones can still have the ability to safely access the different levels of your home with the installation of a stairlift. If you have never looked into stairlifts before, you are not alone. GreenLight Mobility in Charlotte is here to help with all things stairlifts, from the benefits, the different types, and which would suit your needs best. 

The first question many people have is ‘What is a stairlift?’ A stairlift is a motorized chair that moves up and down your stairs on a track. It lets you sit down, press a button, and ride smoothly up or down. It is a safe and reliable way to stay safe and independent at home, especially if stairs are beginning to feel like a challenge.

Installing a stairlift can make a huge difference in a person’s quality of life. Falling down the stairs is one of the most common causes of injury at home. Being able to sit and safely be transported up and down the stairs can eliminate this risk. This can provide someone the ability to live safely and independently in their home because there is no need to rely on someone to assist with navigating different levels of the house.

 The great thing about stairlifts is they are so simple to use. Stairlifts have padded seats to make them more comfortable, a seatbelt to provide security, and easy to use controls. The track is installed right onto the existing set of stairs which means there is no extensive remodeling or construction needed in your home. There are helpful features such as:

• A manual or power swivel seat, depending on the user’s dexterity.
• Fold up arms, seat, and footrest to save space when the stairlift is not in use.
• A remote control vs. using a button on the arm.
• A power hinge track/rail if there is a doorway at the bottom of the stairs. This means that the bottom section of the track that extends out and poses a tripping hazard can automatically fold up and out of the way.
• A battery backup in the event of a power outage.

Stairlifts are made to fit different types of staircases. These are some of the types of stairlifts that are available:

• Straight Stairlifts

These are the simplest and most affordable type of stairlift. They are made for stairs that go straight up without any curves or turns. One straight track is installed on the existing stairs. The installation of a straight stairlift is not complicated and can be done in about half a day. Another benefit of a straight stairlift is they can be rented if it is only need on a temporary basis due to recovering from and injury or surgery.

• Curved Stairlifts

A lot of homes do not have just one straight set of stairs. Some homes have two straight sets of stairs with a landing in the middle, or one long set of stairs with a bend. When there is a landing between two sets of straight stairs, the option of having two straight stairlifts exists. The risk involved with this is the transfer from one chair to the other because there is still the risk of falling. 

If mobility is limited, the safer option would be to have a custom curve stairlift instead. It is exactly what it sounds like: a stairlift track is custom measured and design to fit your specific set of stairs so create one smooth trip up from the bottom to the top. This is the most expensive option and takes the longest to install because it is built specifically for your home, but it can be worth it due to the peace of mind that it provides.

• Outdoor Stairlifts

So far, we have only been discussing navigating inside the home. You deserve a safe way to get inside as well if you have steps leading up to the front door. The good news is there are stairlifts designed to handle the elements such as rain, snow, and the hot sun. They are just as simple to install and easy to use as the indoor straight stairlifts.

GreenLight Mobility in Charlotte is exactly who you should be turning to if you are interested in installing a stairlift, or just learning more about one. One of our experts will come to your home, assess the stairs, take the necessary measurements, and assist you in choosing the best stairlift for you needs. We only carry trusted brands that are built for reliability and longevity so you can be confident when using your stairlift. The great thing about us is we are here to offer continued support after your stairlift is installed. If there is ever an issue with the stairlift needing adjusting or fixing, we are just a phone call away. GreenLight Mobility is here to help you every step of the way!