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We want to help you understand what options are available so you have the information you need to determine the best solution for you in your home. We welcome your inquiry!

3 Important Steps In Making Your Home Safe For Wheelchair Users

Individuals who require the use of wheelchairs to get around require some special modifications to their homes. Naturally, their mobility issues don’t enable them to utilize the various rooms of the home in the way most of us can. Adding such home modifications as porch lifts or stair lifts is often necessary. They both offer safe accessibility inside and outside the home. However, there are a few other important steps to take when making your home safe for wheelchair users.

Here are three:

1. Widen your entranceway.

We suppose it makes sense to start off with the entrance to your home. Those previously-mentioned porch lifts definitely come in handy for homes that have staircases that lead to their front doors. However, in many cases, those front doors need to be widened to accommodate for the extra space taken up by wheelchairs. If you have a storm door, Home2Stay.com suggests that you remove it.

“It can be extremely difficult to hold open one door while you reach into the doorway to open the interior door (all from a seated position), and at the same time propel yourself over a threshold,” notes the site, “Removing your storm/weather door will remove one more obstacle out of your path.”

2. Modify your bathrooms and kitchen.

The bathroom is often cited as the most dangerous room in the home. With the obvious presence of water and slippery surfaces, it’s important to ensure that there are such devices as grab bars and transfer benches present to prevent falls when getting in and out of the bathtub. The kitchen should also not be neglected. A few modifications in this all-important room of the home will also help for wheelchair users to be safer and more comfortable.

“Lower the countertops, install appliances that are easy to reach, and provide roll-out storage units,” recommends The Caregiver Partnership, “You can also install a sink that allows the individual to roll his or her wheelchair underneath it. Adjust the location of all controls and outlets, and use rocker switches for lighting.”

3. Ensure that the entire home is well-lit.

It’s important, of course, to ensure that there is ample space for wheelchair users to move around in your home. And by “ample space”, we also mean that your floors are clear of obstructions. Naturally, it helps for any obstructions to be easily seen. Therefore, keeping all areas of the home well-lit is a big plus for wheelchair users. Quite obviously, the ability to see where you’re going promotes better safety.

“Proper lighting is super important when planning a wheelchair accessible home and when preparing to age in place,” says Home2Stay.com, “According to CNIB, half a million Canadians are estimated to live with significant vision loss, and with our increasing use of technology such as smartphones and laptops, it is becoming increasingly common for people to lose their sight as they get older.”

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we pride ourselves on offering numerous solutions that help make homes safer for wheelchair users. For more information about our porch lifts, stair lifts, bedroom and bathroom accessibility devices and even the wheelchairs themselves, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact Us page!

Stairlift | FAQ’s

What's the minimum width for a stair lift?

There are no specific width requirements to install a stairlift. All stairs in Canada are built to specific codes and standard widths, which we know will permit the installation of some type of stairlift. There are no renovations required; we install the stairlift in the space you have and based on your specific requirements. You do not have to remove handrails for a stairlift installation.

What's the average cost of a stair lift?

Many factors can influence the price of a stairlift such as number of stairs, curves, stopping points, nearby availability of power sources. We will always determine the most suitable, safe and cost effective solution for your specific needs.

Some of the price ranges for stairlifts can be found on our website. You may also qualify for funding

Do you carry anything similar to acorn chair lifts for stairs?

We carry both straight and curved stairlifts for various types of settings. What’s important to note is we have a PhotoSurvey system to assist us with exact measurements of your stairs. This system helps us in perfecting your stairlift installation and will ensure a safe, smooth and always complete ride up the stairs.

We are sure to have a model of stairlift suitable for your needs, safety and budgetary requirements.

Is it possible to install a stair lift myself?

If you have a bit of construction or technical, engineering type background, it’s possible. But there are a number of factors that would probably influence you NOT to do the installation yourself.

On the YES side:

If it’s a straight stairlift, it’s possible:

  • If there’s a supplier (manufacturer or dealer) willing to support you with installation questions.
  • If you have a bit of technical knowledge, good measurements and understanding of mathematical information to make the necessary calculations to get the right parts.

On the NO side:

  • It can be a bit complex or confusing. If you don’t have the correct tools for cutting or joining the rails.
  • If you run into an issue after installation (like a breakdown), it may not be covered by warranty.
  • If it involves a stairlift with turns or curves, it’s challenging to ensure the exact measurements that will ensure a perfectly smooth and safe ride.

We are sure to have a model of stairlift suitable for your needs, safety and budgetary requirements.

My stair lift is beeping. What could be wrong?

Here are some possibilities that could explain why your stair lift is beeping:

Power off, receptacle issues, tripped breaker, charger issues, dislodged from the charge strip, connection issue between charger and rail, not in locked position and therefore can’t use remote, seat not in lock position, obstruction, armrests not in down position, some safety issue that needs tending.

If your stair lift needs service, we’re happy to help. Just give us a call and we’ll do our best to help. If it’s not urgent, you can request more information or a service call here.

My stair lift will not move. What could be the problem?

There are several possibilities for a stairlift to not work:

  • key (incorrect position or missing)
  • armrests in the wrong position
  • if it’s not plugged in
  • if  batteries are drained from age or other reasons such as recent power outage.

If this didn’t solve the issue, you may need a service call. Reach out by phone and call 403-460-5438 or request more information about stair lift service here.

How is a stairlift installed?

When installing a stair lift, we’ll be sure to get as close to the wall or railing as possible. We’ll take measurements specific to your stairs and in the event of a curved stair lift, we’ll manufacture a unit specifically for your situation. We’ll mount the stair lift rail directly onto the stair treads.

A stairlift can typically be installed in one afternoon. We’ll always ensure the stair lift installation meets your needs for safety of the user as well as others in the home.

Find Out More About Stair Lifts… 

Ask us for a free, no obligation in-home assessment. Just fill out our information request and get a FREE consultation today.