A good deal of the homes in the United States have at least one set of stairs and often those who suffer from mobility related problems have difficulty using them. This might be because it is painful to use the stairs, but often it is a result of simply not having a strong sense of balance. One way to help provide full and safe access to a home with stairs is to install a stair lift.

It can be very dangerous for people who are unsteady on the stairs or those who have difficulty bending their knees to use the stairs. A stair lift helps reduce the dangers of climbing the stairs and also to make the process easier. They are used to carry someone up and down the stairs.

Usually a stair lift is designed to be installed directly onto the steps. A tracked system is used. The track is secured lengthwise to the stairs and a small chair or platform is then sent up and down the stairs. The chair lift is the most common type, but the platform stair lifts are used by people who have knee or joint problems that make it impossible or incredibly painful for them to bend their knees. These platform stair lifts are most often called perch lifts and require that you remain standing the entire time you are on the lift.

When deciding on what type of lift to get, you should take several factors into account. They type of stair lift and its dimensions are probably the most limiting factor involved with the decision. A curved staircase will require a very expensive custom built and installed lift. A straight staircase gives you a great many more options and is much less expensive.

How wide the staircase is will also play a part in determining what type of stair lift you need to install. If you have a staircase that is exceptionally narrow then you might not be able to install the track system to the steps and might instead be forced to place it on the wall. Wall mounted stair lifts will be more expensive and require a much more intricate installation, so you might need to go with a professional installation. The length of the staircase is also a factor that can impact what type of stair lift is an option for your home.

It is a good idea to have a basic measurement of the width of your staircase and the length of your staircase before you contact a dealer. You will need to get several more measurements before you can order the lift, but knowing the width and length of the staircase will enable the dealer to quickly determine what type of stair lift is best for your home.

People who use stair lifts are able to significantly reduce the risk of accidental injury on the stairs. This can make your home much safer and in addition to improving safety a stair lift will also ensure that you are always able to access all areas of your home.