The different types of stair lifts from which you can choose
February 28th, 2009Stair lifts are mobile lifts which run along the staircase and help people with disabilities climb the stairs, without any problems whatsoever. Stair lifts are a benefit for people with disabilities. Since their invention, stair lifts have come a long way with modern technology improving their development.
A modern stair lift offers its users a variety of advantages over its predecessors. They can now be custom made to suit the environment they will be used. One more benefit is the sensors that now come attached to stair lifts, which stop the stair lifts as soon as there is an obstruction in their path. This makes them a really convenient and a safe option.
Some of the most common types of stair lifts available for both commercial and residential purposes are straight lifts, curved lifts and through floor lifts. Stair lifts are also available with the option of carrying a wheelchair. These however, require more space than the other types and cannot be installed in places where space is a problem.
Standing stair lifts and perching stair lifts are a good option for places with narrow staircases. Standing stair lifts allows a person to stand and hold on to the protective rail while travelling. A perching stair lift offers the same convenience but with extra support at the bottom. With a range of domestic and commercial stair lifts available to suit your specific needs, it is the best time ever to get one for yourself.
Use a walking stick – your friend for life
February 27th, 2009If you have hurt your leg, have a strain or if you have reached the age where getting from one point to another cannot be done without a support, then a walking stick is ideal for you. The walking stick will help you get back your freedom once more.
If you experience pain when walking, a walking stick will help you greatly. If use a walking stick because you have a problem with your leg, then you need to ensure that you use the stick correctly. If the walking stick is not used appropriately then your injured leg could potentially get worse.
The length of the walking stick is determined by your elbow. When using the stick, the elbow should be bent a little. If your elbow is straight when holding the handle then you are using a stick that is too short and if your elbow is exceedingly bent, then the stick is too long for you to use.
Using a walking stick will surely help you with your mobility problem, even if you use it temporarily or for a life time.
What are stairlifts and why do you need one?
February 26th, 2009The stair case is the one of the riskiest places in a home. This is where most accidents usually occur. The older members of the family are most likely to be at risk of a fall. It is necessary to decrease this risk. Stairlifts were introduced for these reasons, so their mobility would be better catered for.
A stairlift is a machine that is affixed onto a rail that is attached to the staircase. Stairlifts are important for people who are undergoing medical treatment. People who have some form of injury, arthritis, or another form of disability or the old and senior family members, will make good use of a stairlift.
A stairlift is made up of a chair and foot rests. Cables pull the seat up and down the stairs and small rollers are placed on the rails. This means the rider has a comfortable ride whether going up or down the stairs.
Always remember to purchase the right kind of staircase, the one which suits your needs. If it is not thoroughly considered, then you will end up spending a large amount of money on one that you do not need.
Why use a curved stairlift
February 25th, 2009Moving up and down the stairs can be very problematic for people suffering from disabilities or mobility problems. Installing a stairlift can be a really comforting option for such people. Stairlifts help people with disabilities to access the upper floors of a home or office with relative ease.
Curved stairlifts are an amazing option for staircases which are curved. These stairlifts are quite adept at handling any kind of curves, even the ones as hard as 180 degrees are easily manoeuvred, by these accessibility devices. The track of these lifts is made to make movement round these hard curves really easy. Curved stairlifts and their tracks are made from very strong and durable variants of aluminium and steel. This makes them a long lasting investment.
Curved stairlifts feature a safety belt and a locking system that will ensure the safety of people travelling on it, at all times. Curved stairlifts also feature a sensor, which stops the lift as soon as an obstruction is seen in the path of travel. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
Curved stairlifts are however costlier than straight stairlifts. This is due to a more complex and more expensive installation procedure. Curved stairlifts also have a slightly higher maintenance cost owing to their complexity. They can also be suitably customised to meet your specific requirements.
Stairlifts are safe for climbing up and down stairs
February 24th, 2009A common problem faced by the elderly in the United Kingdom is the lack of proper support while going up and down staircases. Most homes in the UK have staircases and it can be difficult for the elderly to access the upper floors in a home.
One of the most dangerous spots for senior citizens in homes is the staircase. The young can easily climb staircases but as we age, the muscles in our legs are not able to bear our body weight, which leads to slips and falls. Due to the structure of the staircase, a fall could prove to be very painful and sometimes even fatal.
In order to help senior citizens access the staircase in a safe and protected manner, mobility aids such as stairlifts are available. Stairlifts are mobility equipment that helps the user to climb up and down stairs in a secure and confident way. The stairlift is a mobility device that consists of a chair that is attached to a rail. The chair is equipped with armrests and if required, is also available with a platform for the legs.
The rail of the stairlift is fixed to the frame of the staircase. Stairlifts are operated with a remote that is attached to the chair and is controlled by the user. These mobility aids have been designed in a way to provide a safe mode of moving up and down staircases for senior citizens.
Stairlifts – essential mobility equipment
February 24th, 2009A stairlift is a device which is generally fitted on a steel rail that runs up the stairs. Stairlifts consist of a chair that moves along the steel rail, which goes up and down the stairs. A stairlift is an essential device for people that suffer from disabilities, arthritis, injuries or anything that can stop them from moving from one place to another.
Getting a stairlift is the perfect option if you encounter pain while climbing the stairs. It could be due to disability or chronic backache. In these cases, a stairlift will always prove to be a beneficial product. The stairlift eliminates the ache of walking and lets the user simply sit on the chair, which moves up and down on the stairs. When you decide to purchase one, there are a few options that you can choose from. Initially, you need to make out what type of stairlift you require.
There are two types of stairlifts that are currently available, curved ones and straight ones. These are appropriate for different types of staircases. It takes a long time to build and install curved ones rather than the straight ones. Straight stairlift can be installed on a straight staircase in a few hours.
Some points that should be considered while buying a walker
February 23rd, 2009Many types of walking aids are available on the market today. But for a high degree of comfort and support, rolling walkers have no substitute. Rolling walkers are best suited for people who are strong enough to walk on their own but need continuous support for their bodies.
Rolling walkers are fitted with three or four wheels and come with added features. So when you are thinking of buying a rolling walker for yourself or for a loved one you must consider the following points.
Rolling walkers are available with three and four wheels. Select a four wheeled walker if the user requires better support. Although the hand brakes of these walkers are very effective the suitability must be checked by the user.
The height and weight of the walker is very important. The user must select a walker the height of which is very comfortable. Although the heights of many walkers are adjustable, it is better to be sure. Rolling walkers are available in light and ultra light variety. So once again the user must verify the level of comfort with the weight of the walker.
Rolling walkers are available in many colours. So make sure the user likes the colour that you are selecting. You must select a walker with added features like a seat or a carrier only if that is the requirement of the user. With all these points met, buy a rolling walker and add an unprecedented degree of freedom to life.
Different types of stairlifts for different types of staircases
February 23rd, 2009Stairlifts are modern mobility equipment that help the mobility impaired, physically challenged and senior citizens to scale staircases. With stairlifts, they are able to climb the stairs in a protected and safe manner.
Stairlifts have been around for a long time but were considered expensive and ineffective. However, with a wide variety of stairlift brands and models available, they have now become popular. They are not at all expensive and keeping in mind the safety they offer, they are certainly worth every penny they have been purchased for.
In most homes, the two most common types of staircases seen are straight staircases and curved staircases. The difference between the two is that the rail in the curved staircase, as the name suggests, curves or spirals. There are stairlifts available for both types of staircases.
Straight stairlift – This type of stairlift has a rail that does not curve or spiral and is straight.
Curved stairlift –Curved stairlifts are ideal for staircases with a curved or spiraled frame. Compared to straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts are slightly more expensive.
It is essential to have a stairlift in your home if you have an elderly or disabled person living in your home. The staircase is one of the most dangerous areas in a home and fitting a stairlift now will help in eliminating any unfortunate accidents.
Comfort and safety with stairlifts
February 22nd, 2009A stairlift is motorised equipment which is used for lifting wheelchairs and people from one floor to another. A rail is usually mounted on the staircase. A lifting platform or chair is then attached to the rail. A person is lifted as the platform or chair progresses along the rail. Elderly people and immobile people usually face a tough time when climbing the stairs. It is best to make sure of their comfort and safety with stairlifts that are offered by reputable manufacturers.
Besides providing an easy ride, a stairlift also provides access to every part of your office or home. Stairlifts have now become a crucial part of several multi-storied buildings and allow easy access to several floors. In any type of well-made stairlift system, an obstruction sensor is one of the most significant features. In case any obstruction is discovered on the path, the obstruction sensor makes the equipment stop immediately.
For safety purposes, the majority of stairlifts come with seat belts. Also if there is some mistake in the drive system, the automated brakes provide a great advantage as they prevent the device from moving further. Also the seat locks provide additional security to the user. Moreover, this user-friendly equipment comes along with a speed control facility which can be adjusted according to your needs. Stairlifts are also powered by battery which functions even if there is a power shortage.
A number of walking aids to pick from
February 21st, 2009People who have minor mobility problems due to weak health, old age, some kind of disease or an unfortunate accident can easily be independent with basic walking aids. The most used walking aid is the walking stick. However, for weaker people walking frames and three and four wheeled walkers are better suited.
While selecting the kind of disability equipment that you need, you must consider your comfort level first. Walking sticks are usually used by people who are relatively fit and need little support while walking.
But if you are not confident with a walking stick then buying a walking frame is a good idea. Walking frames are made of light material and are fully capable of supporting any person. The disadvantage of using walking frames is that the user has to be strong enough to push it or lift it whenever necessary.
The most comfortable walking aids, however, are wheeled walkers. Wheeled walkers are available in two types - three wheeled walkers and four wheeled walkers. Three and four wheeled walkers have wheels attached to the legs of the walking frame. Thus a slight push from the user enables the walker to move both indoors as well as outdoors.
Wheeled walkers have effective handbrakes and are fully safe to be used by any person of any age. Some wheeled walkers also have added features like a seat and a carrier for added comfort and ease. So take your pick and enjoy life independently.





