Individuals with a mild to moderate disability may have trouble using stairs. Even people who are technically not disabled may find the stairs intimidating in some way. Climbing stairs may cause pain or weakness. They may simply fear falling and breaking fragile bones. Whatever the case, there's no reason to feel trapped or dependent on others. A residential stair lift can restore the independence and freedom to move about without having to sell your home.
A stair lift consists of a chair mounted on a rail. The chair moves up and down the stairs using an electric motor. The type of stair lift you install will depend on your stairway. Home stairways can be built several different ways. The most common configuration is a straight stairway--stairs with no bend, no curves and no landing at any point. However, if your stairs turn right or left at the top or bottom, if you have a spiral staircase, or if you have a landing in the middle, then you'll need a curved stair lift.
Curved stair lifts are usually more expensive. In almost call cases, a curved stair lift is custom-built or "made-to-measure." Curved stairways are often built by hand, so even stairways that have the same bends on paper may not be the same in reality. A curved stair lift is made to travel around the bends in the stairs and up onto any landing. The price of a curved stair lift depends on the length of the stairs, as well as the number and complexity of the bends.
Another financial disadvantage of the curved stair lift is its lack of resale value. Since the rail is fitted to a particular set of curves, it's unlikely to fit anywhere else. However, it may be possible to sell the other components of the stair lift (like the chair, motor and batteries) for use on a different rail.
When shopping for a curved stair lift, be sure to compare models on their folded size. Most stair lifts can be folded out of the way to allow other people to use the stairs. A curved staircase is likely to be more narrow and perhaps a little trickier to negotiate. You wouldn't want the stair lift itself to be an obstacle to free movement.
Curved stair lifts can be installed on either side of the stairway. The particular layout of the stairs in your home will determine what's best. The company you choose to provide a curved stair lift may require a deposit because they'll be manufacturing a rail that will work in your home, and your home only. Most manufacturers and many independent third parties will perform a home survey and provide a quote before there's the need to pay any money at all.
Choosing, purchasing and installing a curved stair lift may sound complicated and expensive. But its cost may be quite low when compared to the prospect of moving from a lifelong home. Modern technology has provided a safe and elegant solution to the problem of climbing stairs. The freedom to move throughout your own home independently is certainly worth the effort of finding the means to purchase a curved stair lift.
A curved stair lift could help you avoid moving out of your lifelong home