| To most people, the staircase represents the | | | | are usually called AC Stair Lifts and cost a little bit |
| most dangerous part of the home. Every year, | | | | less. Since these lifts are getting their power |
| more accidents happen on the stairs then | | | | directly from the home, they will only work while |
| anywhere else, with the majority of accidental | | | | the power is on. If there is a power outage, such |
| deaths and serious falls occurring on the stairs. | | | | as during a severe thunderstorm, the lift will stop |
| The senior age group is typically most at risk for | | | | working. |
| a fall, so it is imperative to help reduce the risk of | | | | The battery powered lifts are called DC Powered |
| a fall whenever possible. This is one of the | | | | Lifts and while they will still require access to an |
| reasons that stair lifts have been used for over | | | | electrical outlet, the lift itself is actually powered |
| eighty years. | | | | by one, and sometimes two, rechargeable |
| The first stair lift was developed in the early part | | | | batteries. This way, if the power goes out, the lift |
| of the twentieth century, by a man who saw | | | | will still continue working. The upfront cost is a |
| how his neighbor struggled with the stairs. It was | | | | little greater and there is a higher maintenance |
| a simple device that used a chair and track to lift | | | | cost, because the batteries need replacing every |
| a person up the stairs. Since this early model, the | | | | twelve to eighteen months. The cost of batteries |
| basic design has remained the same, but there | | | | is usually between $35 and $85 dollars, but the |
| have been many improvements to the quality, | | | | added advantage of always being able to use the |
| durability, and safety of the lift. | | | | lift, even in the event of an emergency, usually |
| The most common type of stair lift used today is | | | | outweighs these costs. |
| the straight stair lift. These are installed onto a | | | | Usually the chair lift model is used. This is the kind |
| straight or 'L' shaped staircase and are one of the | | | | that is loosely based off of the original stair lift |
| most cost effective ways to increase safety, | | | | and allows its occupant to sit in the chair as they |
| without requiring a major home renovation or | | | | move between floors. For some, however, it is |
| lifestyle change. It is also one of the quickest | | | | not medically possible to sit done on the chair, nor |
| ways to increase accessibility, with lifts often | | | | is it safe for them to do so. This is true of |
| arriving in less than a week after being ordered. | | | | individuals who have had a major surgery, such as |
| For curved staircases, a stair lift is a much more | | | | knee replacement surgery. For these individuals a |
| expensive option, which can also take months to | | | | standing stair lift, called a perch lift, is available as |
| be built and installed. A straight stair lift, on the | | | | an option. Due to the fact that the individual must |
| other hand, can often be installed by the | | | | stay standing while the lift moves, it is not as |
| homeowner or a handyman, saving on installation | | | | safe as the traditional chaired stair lift. |
| costs. | | | | People use and rely upon stair lifts to safely carry |
| Stair lifts are typically either battery powered or | | | | them up the stairs every day. They have a rich |
| powered directly from an electrical outlet. The lifts | | | | history and are today packed with safety |
| that are powered directly from an electrical outlet | | | | features. |