In our last blog, we highlighted the benefits of using a stair lift as a mobility solution. For individuals who have trouble climbing up or walking down flights of steps, stair lifts provide safe and comfortable rides between the various levels of a home. On GoodMenProject.com, Jane Brown lists stair lifts at the top of her list of modifications that make homes more comfortable for us as we age.
“Stair lifts ultimately make getting around your home much safer if you aren’t sure footed on stairs,” she writes, “Look for models that have feet and armrests so it’s easier to get out of the chair. Safety features like sensors that detect something in the way and a backup power supply are also essential.”
As always, safety must always be prioritized when deciding upon the mobility solution that is the right fit for you. And that’s why stair lifts come with a variety of safety features.
Seat Belts
As you may have guessed, each stair lift comes with a seat belt. After all, a stair lift is a chair that is used for travel. So, not unlike the seats in your car, a seat belt is required to ensure that you are all buckled up for safety. Seat belts help for stair lift users to avoid slipping and sliding in their seats. Even though the speed by which they ascend and descend stairs is relatively slow, seat belts ensure safe rides for those who may have issues with balance.
Speed Governors
Speaking of the speed of stair lifts, it’s certainly an important factor for their users. Naturally, stair lifts are not designed to move at dangerous speeds. However, speed governors are used to maintain safe and manageable speeds. This keeps stair lift users both comfortable and confident that their rides up and down the stairs will not result in injury. Speed governors keep stair lifts from slipping and moving too quickly.
Obstruction Sensors
It’s important to make sure that there are no obstacles blocking the way of a stair lift. And while it’s the responsibility of the home owner/caregiver to ensure that there is nothing obstructing the stair lift from a safe journey, obstruction sensors guarantee that the chair will stop if anything is preventing it from ascending or descending the staircase freely. Even something as small as a child’s toy can stop a stair lift from completing its trip, thanks to its obstruction sensors.
Constant Pressure Controls
Stair lifts operate by having the user place his or her palm or finger on the toggle of the arm. This is how stair lifts are controlled. By releasing the toggle, you can stop the stair lift. By giving users full control, stair lifts guarantee safety. Every stair lift available from Advantage Home Health Solutions comes with two remote control handsets. They can also be used to move the stair lift in the event that a user is unable to manage the toggles on his or her own. The remote controls are ideal for caregivers of those who require stair lifts to get up and down the stairs.
“So many seniors move out of a home they love and have made memories in, simply because getting up and down the stairs to the second story is too burdensome,” Brown points out, “Many people see this as an impossible obstacle to get around short of putting in an elevator, but there’s another option that’s more affordable and easier to install.”
If you have any questions about the stair lifts 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!
