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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!

What Are The Different Safety Features Of Stair Lifts?

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!

A Guide For Seniors To Bolster Their Strength And Balance

A Guide For Seniors To Bolster Their Strength And Balance

Regularly addressing the needs of the older adults in our community, our team is adamant about keeping seniors safe all year round. A major reason is because falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. This week we look at ways to bolster strength and balance.

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.