For people who have difficulty using the stairs, there are likely a lot of places that could be difficult to access. After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1997, most businesses are required to make their place of business accessible to those who are in wheelchairs or mobility challenged, but there are still plenty of places that present a very real obstacle. While away from the home it might not be possible to always control what areas are accessible, but in your own home, you should never by stymied by the stairs.



One way that some choose to address the issue of stair safety in the home is to simply avoid using the stairs. This could mean moving to a new home that is only on one level, using an assisted living facility, or just only using the first floor of the home. These options, while partially successful, are not really practical. They can prove to be very expensive, stressful, and often result in a reduction of independence. Rather than simply avoiding the stairs, it is usually better to conquer the stairs, which is possible if you use a stair lift.

A stair lift is a type of device that is used to make using the stairs much safer and possible to do independently without any outside assistance. They can carry a seated person up the stairs safely and quickly. For those that have had knee surgery or hip replacement, it might not be possible to safely sit, so a standing stair lift is also available, but these are not the best choice unless you need it out of medical necessity.

There are two basic categories that a stair lift will fall into, which is related to how they get their power. Lifts of both categories will plug into an electrical outlet, so it is necessary to have one within several feet of the bottom or top landing. It is best if the lift is on its own breaker, but this is not entirely necessary. The difference is involved with how they use the power.

A battery powered stair lift will utilize one or more rechargeable batteries to power the lift. These are an excellent choice for areas that loose the power frequently, since they can be used during power outages. They cost a little more and will require that you replace the batteries, but for many, the ability to use it even if the power goes out is essential. These lifts are also called DC Stair Lifts.

The other type of stair lift uses direct power to move the lift. These lifts are usually referred to as a AC powered Stair Lift and while they cost less than a battery lift would, if the power goes out, an AC Stair Lift will stop working.

A stair lift provides a great way to allow full access to all areas of a home. They are, at least in the case of a straight staircase, a much more affordable solution than an elevator would be and allow a home to be made accessible without the need for major life changes.