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How To Ensure A Safe Stair Climb Every Single Time

Most of us take our abilities to walk up and down steps for granted. However, for many seniors and individuals with disabilities, climbing the stairs is a risky undertaking.

“Stairs of all types have been used since ancient times, and because they are inherently hazardous, people have been falling on them, getting hurt or even killed in the process,” reports the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “The vast majority of stairway falls result from a loss of balance, just as falls are on the level.”

So what can you do to ensure that you and your loved ones have safe stair climbs in your home?

Keep the stairwell well-lit.

Generally speaking, you won’t trip and fall over an item that you can clearly see in front of you. Keeping your stairwell brightly lit is a great way to avoid accidents. A well-lit stairwell is especially important in homes that inhabit seniors and/or individuals with vision impairments. As Wayne Maynard and George Brogmus contend on EHSToday.com, you should keep your stairways lit at all times.

“Install at least 20 foot-candles (200 lux) of local spot or floodlight illumination to highlight the stairway and the floor approaching it on both levels,” they recommend, “Measure the illumination at the applicable floor or stair tread surface. Make sure the edge of each tread is properly illuminated, and aim the lighting so that shadows are not cast on the stairway and glare does not disrupt the vision of those approaching the stairway.”

Place anti-slip surfaces on the steps.

If your stairs are carpeted, you may be under the impression that it should secure your footing. This might be true in most cases. But is the carpet frayed or worn in any places? Inspect your steps to make sure that its carpeting doesn’t present tripping hazards. If the stairs aren’t carpeted, it’s advisable that you place non-slip materials on them. This will give your household’s members some tread to keep them from losing their footing while climbing the steps.

“The staircase should be made with slip-resistant materials, otherwise, can be dangerous especially for children and elders,” warns home inspection providers, MACJ, “You can reduce the risk of the slip by using anti-slip materials in the stair treads and landing surfaces. People often use anti-slip materials on the leading edge of the treads to prevent slip-related incidents. Slip-resistant or anti-skid paints2 are also available and you can use them on your staircase.”

Give your stairs tune ups when necessary.

We give our cars tune ups on a regular basis, don’t we? Who says our stairs don’t need the same attention? Sure, we can argue that vehicles endure completely different wear and tear. But, like our cars, we use our stairs all the time, right? Check on your steps to make sure there are no cracks and dents. Make sure all steps are level. Such damage and disrepair can lead to an injury.

“Many stairway accidents occur due to poor maintenance, inattention and use,” inform Maynard and Brogmus, “Keep stair treads clean and in good condition. There should be no excessive wear, missing treads or loose treads. Carpeted stairs should be in good condition with no noticeable deterioration.”

The qualified technicians at Advantage Home Health Solutions would be happy to make your home’s staircase safer by installing a stair lift system for you. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438 to discuss. 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.