Up, Up, and Away: Commonly Asked Questions About Stairlifts

Stairlifts can be an effective method to get up household stairs with ease and remove the dangers of falling or tripping down the steps. Each year, over two million senior citizens suffer injuries caused by a fall and need to visit an emergency room. Stairlifts are a great way to help erase some of the worry associated with falling at home. Many people think that their home isn’t compatible with a stairlift, or they aren’t sure exactly how they work. Here are some frequently asked questions about stairlifts that may answer any queries you have:

1. Is it connected to the wall?
   Stairlifts are actually fastened to your staircase directly and not the wall or railing. This means they are extremely sturdy and you don’t have to worry about putting weight on the wall or railing. The track will run along the side of your railing and is bolted to the staircase every few steps or so. All you’ll need is an outlet to plug your stairlift into. Most lifts come with a backup battery as well in case you lose power, but you should request one just to be sure.
2. Will a stairlift fit in my home
   Almost always are the lifts able to be configured to work on any type of stairs. There are to main types of stairlifts: straight stairlifts and curved stair lifts. The straight rail models are designed for staircases that don’t curve or bend very much or have landings. Curved stair lifts are ideal for just about every other type of staircase and can be customized to fit your exact needs. A specialist from the stairlift company will come to your home and take pictures with a 3D camera. The pictures will then be used to create your customized curved stair lift.
3. What if I want to use one for my stairs that are outside?
   There are both straight and custom outdoor stairlifts that can be used on staircases outdoors. They’re weatherproof and will usually come with a seat cover. They’re also UV light, rain, and even freezing temperature resistant.
4. What is the weight capacity?
   Most lifts have a maximum capacity of about 300 pounds, although there are options for higher capacities as well. If you plan on carrying heavy items up or down the stairs with you on the lift then inquire about a heavy duty model.

If you have difficulty doing basic tasks such as climbing your stairs, consider using a stairlift to make your home mobility simpler.