Installing a stair lift – also known as a chair lift – will change your life for the better, but it’s a purchase that requires some education.
Most stair lifts come with several different features, and determining which stair lift features you’ll need most is important to making your choice.
But before we get to stair lift features, we wanted to review some of the basic terms you might encounter as you do your research.
- Carriage – Another word for the seat or platform that carries users up and down the stairs.
- Track – The long metal piece that runs up the stairwell. It is typically affixed to the steps rather than to the wall.
- Cycle – A round trip on the stair lift.
- Stair tread – The part of the stairs on which people walk.
- Swivel seat – A carriage that can turn at an angle – usually 45-90 degrees –allowing users to swivel away from the steps and get on or off the lift on a flat, stable surface.
Some common stair lift features include:
Remote Controls
Some stair lifts come with remote controls, which is useful because it allows you to send the lift up or down the stairs, and gives family members the ability to control the lift when you can’t.
Call/Send Panels
Other lifts feature call/send control panels which are mounted to the wall. Like a remote control, it lets users send the lift down or up the steps even when they aren’t sitting in it. This feature is useful for households where more than one person uses the stair lift. The first person might take the lift down in the morning, while the next person calls it back up.
Safety Features
When choosing a stair lift, look for safety features. These can include:
- Sensors and limit switches, both of which have the same goal: to stop the chair when it comes in contact with something in their path.
- Safety switches which ensure the chair is locked in a safe position for movement. Unless the lift is in the correct position, the chair won’t be able to move.
- Lockable isolation switches, which prevent the chair from moving unless a key is turned. These are good for homes with small children or pets that may accidentally trigger the lift.
Other considerations:
- Some stroke patients favor one side, so consider this when choosing which side on which to locate the stair lift.
- If you suffer from back pain, you may benefit from a lift with a softer seat. And if you have knee problems, you may want a standing lift.
- Users who have arthritis may prefer a lift that is controlled by a joystick, as opposed to buttons.
If you’re ready for the process of installing a stair lift in your home, Pennsylvania Stair Lifts can help. Whether you’re looking to purchase a lift, or interested in stair lift rental in Pennsylvania, give us a call.
Our experts are ready to work with you to find the right stair lift and the right stair lift features for your home. Installing a stair lift in your home is our specialty – so contact us today to see how we can help you!