Stairlift Features and Options
When purchasing a stairlift there are several features and options offered by stairlift companies.
It is important to understand the benefits of such features and options in order to make an informed decision as to which is the best stairlift for your particular needs.
Below is a list of features & options that are offer by the better stairlift companies.
Powered Swivel Seat When a stairlift reaches the top landing it should include a manual swivel seat which allows the seat to turn into the landing making it safer for the user to dismount.
Rather than using ones legs and hips to turn the seat manually, the powered option allows the seat to turn automatically.
Powered Footrest Raiser This allows the footrest to be folded away without the need to bend down.
This is of particular benefit to wheelchair users who have to affect a transfer from wheelchair to stairlift seat.
Remote Controls These are handheld controls for calling or sending the stairlift from a remote position.
Very useful for attendants or in cases where there is more than one user.
LED Diagnostic Read Out This gives the user an LED read out indicating such information as battery usage and fault analysis.
Joystick Controls Rather than normal push button controls positioned on the arms of a stairlift, joystick controls are much easier to use particularly for those users who might have arthritic fingers.
Adjustable Chair Height An adjustable chair height allows the stairlift to be positioned at a height relative to the height of the user.
If the chair height is too low it can be very difficult for a user to get off the seat and into a standing position.
Powered Hinged Rail If the stairs starts very close to a doorway the rail will pose a tripping hazard.
To overcome this hazard the rail can be split and hinged allowing it to fold upwards and away from the doorway.
This option can also be performed manually but should be avoided due to the obvious difficulty in bending down and lifting.
Key Switch A key switch allows the stairlift to be powered down.
This is especially useful if there are children in the house.
Heavy Duty Stairlifts Most stairlifts are rated to take a maximum load of 120kg (19stone).
Some stairlift companies offer a heavy duty stairlift with a load rating of 160kg (25 stone).
Such stairlifts should also offer a much wider seat with additional rail support legs and re-enforced rollers.
It is important to understand the benefits of such features and options in order to make an informed decision as to which is the best stairlift for your particular needs.
Below is a list of features & options that are offer by the better stairlift companies.
Powered Swivel Seat When a stairlift reaches the top landing it should include a manual swivel seat which allows the seat to turn into the landing making it safer for the user to dismount.
Rather than using ones legs and hips to turn the seat manually, the powered option allows the seat to turn automatically.
Powered Footrest Raiser This allows the footrest to be folded away without the need to bend down.
This is of particular benefit to wheelchair users who have to affect a transfer from wheelchair to stairlift seat.
Remote Controls These are handheld controls for calling or sending the stairlift from a remote position.
Very useful for attendants or in cases where there is more than one user.
LED Diagnostic Read Out This gives the user an LED read out indicating such information as battery usage and fault analysis.
Joystick Controls Rather than normal push button controls positioned on the arms of a stairlift, joystick controls are much easier to use particularly for those users who might have arthritic fingers.
Adjustable Chair Height An adjustable chair height allows the stairlift to be positioned at a height relative to the height of the user.
If the chair height is too low it can be very difficult for a user to get off the seat and into a standing position.
Powered Hinged Rail If the stairs starts very close to a doorway the rail will pose a tripping hazard.
To overcome this hazard the rail can be split and hinged allowing it to fold upwards and away from the doorway.
This option can also be performed manually but should be avoided due to the obvious difficulty in bending down and lifting.
Key Switch A key switch allows the stairlift to be powered down.
This is especially useful if there are children in the house.
Heavy Duty Stairlifts Most stairlifts are rated to take a maximum load of 120kg (19stone).
Some stairlift companies offer a heavy duty stairlift with a load rating of 160kg (25 stone).
Such stairlifts should also offer a much wider seat with additional rail support legs and re-enforced rollers.
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