A stair lift allows people who have limited movement to be transported up or down stairs. The demographic trend of our time makes people in our society reach a higher age. Men, who usually live less healthy than women, live on average 80 years, while women live on average 85 years. The reasons are medical progress and increasing health awareness. More and more people are eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
What is a stair lift?
Stairlifts are lifts that run along the banister on a permanently attached rail. At the push of a button, they can be moved up or down the stairs as needed. The above development brings its difficulties. The number of people who can no longer perform everyday tasks under their own power has increased compared to the last decades. That is why, for example, prudent builders build new buildings barrier-free. Many government offices and agencies are adapting to the needs of elderly and infirm people and are remodeling their premises accordingly. It’s a good thing that there is a wide range of stairlift models that allow for retrofitting, no matter what the structural situation. Stairlifts provide a degree of mobility for people with mobility impairments and help them to lead a self-determined life within their own four walls. These are lifts that run along the banister on a fixed rail. At the push of a button, they can be moved up or down the stairs as required. Another name for stair elevator is stair elevator.
Shapes, types and types
According to the type of running support, there are platform lifts, sitting lifts and standing lifts. In addition, wheelchair suspension lifts. In addition, the trade offers special stair elevators, stair caterpillars or even inclined elevators. Most of the stairlifts are seat lifts powered by batteries. There are also different types of stair lifts that adapt to the individual needs of customers. For example, stairlifts for people who suffer from limited mobility and have sufficient freedom of movement to sit down or stand up. Important in all stairlifts are sufficient safety functions such as dead man’s control and safety stop function. The dead man’s control, for example, switches the stairlift off as soon as the person sitting in it has released the drive lever. Stairlifts are available for curved staircases and staircases with one or more landings. Lifts for curved stairs are more flexible to use, which is reflected in the higher price compared with other types of stairlifts.
Structure and mode of operation
The following components belong to a stair lift:
- On and off switch
- Key switch
- Controls (in the armrests)
- Rotary seat lever
- Safety switch
- Charger (for battery)
- Guide rail
- Safety belt
- Footrest
- Remote control (mobile)
The on and off switch is usually located on the armrest. If the lamp lights up, the stairlift is switched on. Optionally, stairlifts have a key switch under the armrest, which must be horizontal to drive. Without the key, the lift will not move. Under the armrest are controls and a lever that is used to control the lift. To drive, the occupant must press the lever permanently in the desired direction of travel. The armrests of a stair lift can be moved independently and provide additional support when getting in and out of the stair lift. The swivel seat lever can release the seat from its lock, allowing it to swivel at the top of the stairs for easier entry and exit. Stairlifts with automatic swivel seat do not have a swivel seat lever. Safety switches around the footboard and on the drive unit stop the stairlift when it contacts an obstacle. Each stairlift requires sufficient operating charge. This is ensured by a charger, which ideally should remain connected to the power circuit. In the event of a power failure, the lift can be used several times, provided it is optimally charged. The charger is located either at the top or bottom of the staircase. The guide rail is usually a sturdy metal tube, which, attached along the flight of stairs, ensures safe travel. The safety belt must be worn when the lift is in operation.It is mounted under the armrest and can be conveniently inserted into the holder on the other armrest. When the ride is over, the belt can be released by lightly pressing the red button. The footrest can be folded up to save space. On lifts with electric footrests, this can be operated via a button on the armrest. The remote control is similar to the controls in the armrests. Stair lifts are equipped with two mobile remote controls. One is located at the bottom and one at the top of the stairs. Permanently attached adhesive trays are used for safe storage of the remote controls.
Medical and health benefits
A stair lift is of medical benefit if it allows people a greater range of motion than without a lift. Outside of this health insurance definition, a stair lift provides assistance in everyday life for many groups of people. This includes people who fear for their health when climbing the stairs. That is why stairlifts are suitable for both seniors and people with disabilities. More quality of life has in many cases a positive influence on mental health. Moreover, stairlifts make relatives and friends feel good, knowing that accidents while climbing stairs are a thing of the past. As mentioned, there are many models of stair lifts. It is important to find the model that is individually tailored to the physical limitation. For example, a platform lift may be a better choice for people with multiple sclerosis. The statutory health insurance funds in Germany are not liable to pay benefits. Under certain conditions, however, the nursing care insurance can subsidize a stair lift. The basic prerequisite is the care level of the person concerned. If you need a stair lift because of a car accident caused by a third party, you can count on the liability insurance of the person who caused the accident to pay. In addition, the trade offers used stairlifts for people with fewer financial resources.
