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5 Things To Consider Before Installing Your Stair Lift

It should go without saying that a loss of mobility presents a major change in one’s life. The once-simple act of walking up and down stairs can become a cumbersome task. In the case of many Canadians, it’s a task that cannot be completed without assistance. At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we proudly provide stair lifts that not only safely transport our clients up and down stairs, but ensures their safely and comfort at the same time.

You may be of the mind that all stair lifts are created equal. After all, their jobs are simple, right? They go up and they do down. However, when installing a stair lift, there is a lot more to consider than you may have assumed. This is why the team, here at Advantage Home Health Solutions, goes to great lengths to inform our clients about the facets of stair lifts so that they can make informed decisions.

So what things should you consider before installing your stair lift? Here are five important ones:

1. Safety.

You know the old saying, “safety first”. Well, it’s neither a cliché nor a sales gimmick. It’s the truth. And, at Advantage Home Health Solutions, we consider it a top priority. Making sure that a stairwell is free of any tripping hazards is imperative to the safety of our clients. As we pointed out in our last blog, we also make sure that our clients are aware of the obstruction sensors that come with our stair lifts. They ensure that stair lifts stop if something is in the way.

2. Ease of use and access.

Getting up and down a flight of stairs on a stair lift isn’t as simple as simply sitting down in a chair. It’s important to determine exactly how one plans on getting on and getting off of the chair. And if more than one person in the home plans on using the stair lift, there are factors that should be considered such as the direction one will be facing when he/she is at the bottom of the stairs. Dismounting at the top of the stairs should be made easy for all users.

3. Staircase configuration.

Does your staircase go straight up in one direction or does it go around in a curve? Is it a single flight of stairs or is there a flat landing before the top of the stairs is reached? If there is a flat landing, what is its length, width and pitch? Getting a firm assessment of the exact type of staircase you need your stair lift for is an imperative step in choosing the right one.

4. Walls, doors, openings and handrails.

The tops of all staircases are not the same, are they? Some have clear openings to hallways, while others have closets, bathrooms or bedrooms immediately appearing. As well, not all handrails are identical. The location of the handrail as well as its width and overall size come into play when deciding where to install a stair lift. Is the handrail on the same side as where the stair lift could be?

5. Flooring.

What type of flooring is located directly beneath and around the stair lift? Is it carpet or hardwood flooring? Is the floor surface made of wood, concrete or ceramic materials? Answering such questions will often help us to determine the stair lifts that are easiest to install for our team and the safest to get on and get off for our clients. However, we imagine that you may have many more questions of your own.

Of course, we’d only be too happy to answer them! If you have any questions about the mobility devices and home accessibility options that Advantage Home Health Solutions has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact 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.