Stair lift

A Stair lift enables people who are restricted in their movement to be carried up or down the stairs.

The demographic development of our time allows people in our society to reach a higher age. Men, who are generally less healthy than women, live an average of 80 years, while women live an average of 85 years. The reasons are medical progress and increasing health awareness. More and more people are eating healthy and exercising regularly.

What is a stair lift?

Stairlifts 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.

The above development has its difficulties.The number of people who can no longer master everyday tasks on their own has increased compared to the last few decades. That is why prudent clients, for example, build new buildings without barriers. Many offices and authorities adapt to the needs of elderly and frail people and convert their premises accordingly.

It's good that there is a large selection of stairlift models that allow subsequent installation, regardless of the structural situation. Stairlifts offer a bit of mobility for people with restricted mobility and help them to lead a self-determined life in 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 stairlift is Stair lift.

Shapes, types & types

Depending on the type of barrel recording, there are platform lifts, seat and standing lifts. In addition, wheelchair lifts. In addition, the trade offers special stair lifts, caterpillars and inclined lifts.

Most stairlifts are battery operated chair lifts. There are also different types of stairlifts that adapt to the individual needs of customers. For example, stair lifts for people who suffer from restricted mobility and have sufficient freedom of movement to sit down or stand up.

Sufficient safety functions such as dead man's switch and safety stop function are important for all stair lifts. The dead man's switch, for example, switches off the stairlift as soon as the person sitting in it has released the drive lever. There are stairlifts for winding stairs and stairs with one or more landings. Lifts for curved stairs can be used more flexibly, which is noticeable in the higher price compared to other types of stair lifts.

Structure & functionality

The following components belong to a stairlift:

• On-off switch
• Key switch
• Controls (in the armrests)
• Swivel seat lever
• Safety switch
• Charger (for battery)
• Guide rail
• Seat belt
• Footrest
• Remote control (mobile)

The on / off switch is usually located on the armrest. If the lamp lights up, the stairlift is switched on. As an option, stairlifts have a key switch under the armrest, which must be horizontal to move. The lift does not run without a key.

Under the armrest there are controls and a lever that controls the lift. To drive, the occupant must press the lever permanently in the desired direction of travel. The armrests of a stairlift can be moved independently of each other and provide additional support when getting in and out.

The swivel seat lever can release the seat from the lock so that it can be swiveled at the top of the stairs for easier entry and exit. Stairlifts with an automatic swivel seat do not have a swivel seat lever. Safety switches around the footrest and on the drive unit stop the stairlift as soon as it hits an obstacle.

Every stairlift requires sufficient operating charge. This is ensured by a charger, which ideally remains connected to the circuit. In the event of a power failure, the lift can be used several times, provided that it is optimally charged. The charger is located either at the top or bottom of the stairs.

As a rule, a stable tube made of metal serves as the guide rail, which, attached along the flight of stairs, guarantees safe travel. The seat belt must be worn when the lift is in operation. It is attached under the armrest and can be easily inserted into the holder on the other armrest. When the journey is over, the belt can be released by gently pressing the red button. The footrest can be folded up to save space. For lifts with electric footrests, this can be operated using a button on the armrest.

The remote control is comparable to the controls in the armrests. Stair lifts are equipped with two mobile remote controls. One each is at the bottom and top of the stairs. Permanently attached adhesive shells are used to safely store the remote controls.

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➔ Medicines for balance disorders and dizziness

Medical & 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 stairlift offers many groups of people help in everyday life. So also people who fear for their health when climbing the stairs. That is why stairlifts are suitable for both senior citizens and people with disabilities.

In many cases, a better quality of life has a positive influence on mental health. In addition, stair lifts make relatives and friends feel good, as they know that accidents when climbing stairs are a thing of the past. As mentioned, there are many models of stairlifts. 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 companies in Germany are not liable to pay benefits. However, under certain conditions, long-term care insurance can subsidize a stairlift. The basic requirement is the care level of the person concerned. If you need a stairlift due to a car accident caused by a third party, you can expect the liability insurance of the person causing the accident to pay. In addition, the trade offers used stair lifts for people with fewer financial opportunities.