Sunday, June 10, 2018

How To Choose The Right Maryland Chair Lifts For Stairs For Your Home

By Amanda Lee


A lot of people love the idea of owning a two story home with every bedroom on the second floor. This is a great floor plan until you, or a family member, begin to have trouble climbing the stairs. At some point you will have to make a decision. You could sell the house you love, reconfigure the downstairs to add a bedroom, or see if the Maryland chair lifts for stairs others have had installed will work in your house.

A stairlift is basically a chair with a motor that is attached by a rail to your stair treads. In order to be a viable option for your home, the staircase has to be at least thirty inches wide with two feet of space on the landing. There are two types of stairlifts, the straight and the curved. Straight stairlifts are for staircases without curves or landings. Curved stairlifts are for staircases with one or both.

Prices vary. You can get the straight version for as little as three thousand dollars. Most dealers keep these stairlifts in stock, and they can be installed with a minimum of customization. The curved version will be at least twice as much because of the added complexity. Medicare and supplemental insurance do not cover any portion of these stairlifts. They are considered home modifications, not durable medical devices.

Stairlifts are not hard to operate, but they do require professional installation and maintenance. The lifts are battery operated, so you won't be trapped on the second floor if the electricity goes out. Batteries recharge automatically. Stairlifts require an electrical outlet. If you don't have one located near the stairwell, an electrician can install one.

Pushing a button makes the unit move in either direction. Releasing the button stops it. Stairlifts come with remotes you use to bring them to whatever level you are on. Wheelchair bound individuals will need special lifts if they are not able to move easily from the wheelchair to the stairlift seat.

You want to choose a stairlift with a seat that is big enough for you to sit on comfortably, and will carry your weight. If you have a door at the top of the stairway, you probably need a flip seat. You might also choose a curved stairlift, even though your staircase is straight, if you want the ability to move the lift around a corner and away from the stairwell.

People do sell used stairlifts, but you should carefully consider the disadvantages before you purchase one. It may never fit your stair or operate as efficiently as one customized for your home. There won't be a warranty with a used stairlift. If it breaks, or need parts, you will be spending your own money to fix it. Dealers have finance packages for those on limited budgets and are happy to work with customers to create manageable monthly payments.

People with limited mobility often find themselves confined even in their own homes. The ability to go up and down the stairs can be a real morale booster. Riding up and down the stairway is much more affordable than buying a new house.




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