Sunday, June 10, 2018

How To Choose The Right Maryland Chair Lifts For Stairs For Your Home

By Amanda Lee


A lot of people love the idea of owning a two story home with every bedroom on the second floor. This is a great floor plan until you, or a family member, begin to have trouble climbing the stairs. At some point you will have to make a decision. You could sell the house you love, reconfigure the downstairs to add a bedroom, or see if the Maryland chair lifts for stairs others have had installed will work in your house.

A stairlift is basically a chair with a motor that is attached by a rail to your stair treads. In order to be a viable option for your home, the staircase has to be at least thirty inches wide with two feet of space on the landing. There are two types of stairlifts, the straight and the curved. Straight stairlifts are for staircases without curves or landings. Curved stairlifts are for staircases with one or both.

Prices vary. You can get the straight version for as little as three thousand dollars. Most dealers keep these stairlifts in stock, and they can be installed with a minimum of customization. The curved version will be at least twice as much because of the added complexity. Medicare and supplemental insurance do not cover any portion of these stairlifts. They are considered home modifications, not durable medical devices.

Stairlifts are easy to operate, but they have to be professionally installed and maintained. Your lift will be battery operated, which means that it will work if the power goes out. The battery automatically recharges, but does require an electrical outlet nearby. If you don't have an outlet near the stairs, you will need an electrician to put one in.

Pushing a button makes the unit move in either direction. Releasing the button stops it. Stairlifts come with remotes you use to bring them to whatever level you are on. Wheelchair bound individuals will need special lifts if they are not able to move easily from the wheelchair to the stairlift seat.

You need to choose the model that best fits your needs. You should select a stairlift that accommodates your weight and that has a seat wide enough for comfort. A flip seat is a good idea if there is a door at the top of the staircase. If you want the ability to move the stairlift around a corner, so it won't obstruct the stairwell, you need a curved lift.

You should be very careful if you decide to purchase a used lift. It may be hard to get the fit just right. According to dealers, it's a better idea to purchase a new one. The used stairlifts won't have warranties. If they need parts, you have to pay for them yourself.

People with mobility issues, and homes with multiple levels, often find themselves confined to one of those levels. This can cause isolation and depression. Stairlifts are meant to increase mobility and improve morale.




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