There are times in everyone's lives where things can start to become more difficult. This can be something like driving, using the stairs, or even just getting up off of the couch. Aging is a natural part of life, but it can bring with it some difficulties. If you are someone who has difficulty using the stairs, then you might be a prime candidate for a stair lift.



Not being able to safely use the stairs can mean that you might not be able to use a rather large portion of your home. Every year, falls on the stairs are increasingly common among seniors, so it is imperative that some action is taken. Those that use stair lifts are able to successfully reduce the likelihood that there will be an accident on the stairs.

Basically a stair lift is a mobility lifting aid used to carry its occupant along the distance of the stairs. There are a few different types available, but they are either AC powered or DC powered.

A DC powered stair lift is also called a battery powered stair lift. These use rechargeable batteries to power the lift, but it still plugs into the wall. Plugging it into the wall is what charges the batteries and it is the batteries that actually move the lift and power the motor. The advantage to using a DC Lift is that even if the power is disrupted or lost, the lift can still be used. They do have a little bit higher up front cost, but this is usually negligible, when compared to the ability to safely use the lift even when there is no power. The batteries do have to be periodically replaced though, which will result in a slightly higher maintenance cost.

The other type of lift is an AC powered lift, which is slightly less expensive than a DC powered lift. An AC powered lift will not work if the power goes out, but they do cost less and have a lower maintenance cost. These lifts are great if you have a pretty consistent power grid, but if you are prone to blackouts, then a battery powered lift might be a better alternative.

Other than the way these two types of lifts are powered, they are very similar. The weight rating, which should always be followed, is usually comparable, if not the same. They also feature similar seat and control setups. It is important to always follow the weight rating for a stair lift. Failing to do so can potentially damage the lift and is an unsafe practice.

There are several different types of lifts that are commonly used. Most of those that are designed for a straight stairway can be installed by the homeowner. They come in an easy to install do-it-yourself kit, so the homeowner is able to often save a good deal of money on the installation costs.

Of course, most distributors also offer an installation team that is available to professionally install the lift. There is no shame in having someone else do the installation, but in most cases, a person with an understanding of maintenance and home repair will find that they feel comfortable doing the installation on their own.