Beginner's Guide to Handicapped Home

What are Wheelchair Lifts?

2006-02-10T17:19:01Z

Wheelchair Lifts are devices that are designed to assist in transporting a wheelchair up or down a flight of stairs. They are lifts that have various power sources that allow mobility and accessibility to locations that would otherwise be an obstacle for those in wheelchairs. There are several different types of Wheelchair Lifts. These types include vertical platform lifts, curving inclined platform lifts, straight inclined platform lifts, portable platform lifts, portable wheelchair lifts, home stair lifts, and an evacuation device. Each of these different types of Wheelchair Lifts aid in transporting a wheelchair up or down different types of staircases or sets of stairs. For example, if a curved staircase is the obstacle, a curving inclined platform lift is an ideal solution to the problem. Or, if a straight stairway is standing in the way, a straight inclined platform lift is one answer. If immediate accessibility to an outdoor staircase is needed, a portable platform lift an excellent and safe way to insure accessibility. Home stair lifts even allow for 24 hour accessibility up and down stairs in private residences. Vertical platform lifts are similar to elevators, and have a platform that moves up or down, depending on the desired destination. There are also even Wheelchair Lifts that are specially designed to fit on vehicles, which provide easier transportation to and from different locations. Wheelchair lifts help grant accessibility to places most of us take for granted when and where accessibility is needed.

How is a Wheelchair Lift used?

2006-02-10T17:20:22Z

There are two different operating models of Wheelchair Lifts. Hydraulic Wheelchair Lifts are one option, while electric Wheelchair Lifts are the other option. Like all other things, both have advantages and disadvantages to their credit. A hydraulic Wheelchair Lift is most known for its smooth and fluid movement due to the hydraulics. It adjusts to even out any changes in speed or surface, making its ride very smooth. However, these luxuries, which are not offered on any other Wheelchair Lifts, often make a hydraulic Wheelchair Lifts more expensive than the other Wheelchair Lifts. However, a hydraulic Wheelchair Lift is smooth and very safe. An electric Wheelchair Lift is often less expensive than a hydraulic Wheelchair Lift and system repair is not needed. In the event of a power outage, most electric Wheelchair Lifts come with an emergency battery lowering device. Also, electric Wheelchair Lifts can be customized to each individual person to include telephone jacks or automatic door openers. Whether hydraulic or electric, the Wheelchair Lift is attached to the side wall or banister of a staircase. The platform or chair is attached to the lift mechanism. Then the Wheelchair Lift is ready to be used. The platform drops down to allow the person to enter. A security device is lowered into place, and then the Wheelchair Lift is ready to begin its ascent or descent of the stairs. Once at the desired location, the security device is raised, and the person is able to exit the platform. Wheelchair Lifts are invaluable in assisting those confined to a wheelchair in reaching destinations that otherwise would have been very difficult to reach or completely inaccessible.

Why would a Wheelchair Lift be needed?

2006-02-10T17:21:08Z

A Wheelchair Lift would be needed in situations which most of us take for granted, such as climbing a flight of stairs. They make it possible for wheelchairs to access multiple levels in private residences or work places. Because of the different types of staircases, such as curved staircases or straight staircases, there are different types of Wheelchair Lifts to accommodate them. The type of Wheelchair Lift used depends on the type of staircase. A curving inclined platform lift allows access up or down a curved flight of stairs. A straight inclined platform lift allows mobility up or down a flight of straight stairs. Home stair lifts would be needed in homes with multiple levels to give access to the different floors of the home. These home stair lifts can be installed inside or outside and are designed to be both comfortable and quiet. Wheelchair Lifts that are designed to attach to a vehicles aid in the transportation and provides for easy access into and out of the vehicle. In general, Wheelchair Lifts grant access to places that would otherwise be inaccessible to those confined to a wheelchair.

What is the cost of a Wheelchair Lift?

2006-02-10T17:21:53Z

The cost of the Wheelchair Lifts varies from lift to lift and is not advertised on the Internet or in the respective brochures. A potential buyer is instructed to locate a dealer to obtain pricing information. By choosing a product online, the website will automatically locate the dealer nearest to the potential buyer. The dealer would then provide further information and discuss with the prospective buyer which Wheelchair Lift might best fit his/her individual needs.

How should I choose a Wheelchair Lift?

2006-02-10T17:22:37Z

When choosing a Wheelchair Lift, there are several things to consider. The first thing to consider is the type of staircase that the Wheelchair Lift would be on. If the staircase is straight, the lift search can be narrowed to a straight inclined platform lift. If the staircase to be navigated is a curved staircase, a curving inclined platform lift is one very good option to consider. Also the comfort of the ride is something to consider. If a smoother ride is desired, a hydraulic Wheelchair Lift might be the best option. Those who want a slightly more affordable model might opt for an electric Wheelchair Lift. Also an option is the vertical platform lifts, which are very similar to elevators. There are also several different types of home stair lifts to accommodate private residences. The needs and desires of each individual buyer is the most important thing to consider when looking into purchasing a Wheelchair Lift. Those needs and desires will help the buyer navigate his/her search in finding the Wheelchair Lift that is best suited for him/her.

Where can I find more information about Wheelchair Lifts?

2006-02-10T17:23:23Z

The Internet is an excellent place to find information and research different things, such as Wheelchair Lifts. It allows the potential buyer to browse and look at a variety of different lifts and explore which options may best fit him/her without ever having to leave his/her home. There are several different brands of Wheelchair Lifts that are advertised on the Internet that offer flyers and other promotional brochures to potential buyers. Each brand has their own website which can be used to compare different Wheelchair Lifts. Calling the respective dealers to obtain information about certain products is also a way to learn more. This will allow the potential buyer to speak with an actual dealer who is very familiar with the products and get professional advice on which product might be best for him/her. There are also several websites online that offer online ordering in which the prospective buyer is able to order his/her desired Wheelchair Lift from a personal computer. This is done by selecting the product he/she wishes to purchase and following the prompted steps to order the product. However, as with buying any other product online, the buyer must be aware of the risk involved with purchasing a product online. It is possible to be cheated and not receive the specific order that was placed. However, these cases are very few and far between, and should not discourage a potential buyer from finding further information on purchasing a Wheelchair Lift.

Elevators For Handicapped Home Overview

2006-02-14T21:40:01Z

If you live alone and you are disabled or handicapped, getting around the house is very difficult. And if you are confined to a wheelchair that is worse, especially if your home is not handicapped friendly. If you live with someone it makes it easier to get around but you still face hardship either way. There is way out of this predicament. For there are elevators on the market that are suited just for your needs. The only thing you have to decide it which one is right for you. In this article, you will be given some of the standard types available on the market. But before you see these types of elevators, you will learn how to evaluate whether or not you need an elevator for your home, and if so, what kind is the best. First here are some serious of questions you need to ask yourself:

· Why do you need an elevator? Is it for convenience sake? Here are some common reasons that people thought of when considering these questions. See if you fit into one if not all of these areas:

o Convenience – it provides a benefit to the user and gives your house more value.

o More people seem to be having them then every before.

o They are safe, durable, and nearly maintenance free.

o They are affordable.

o Gives your house more appeal.

o Makes your life easier because you do not have to change your lifestyle because of your health.

o Since having a house is a big investment, having an elevator in the home keeps you there so you can enjoy it more.

o Makes accessing all areas of the house easier to get to.

· Is it for your health? Do you feel you need one in your home because your health has deteriorated so much that you are confined to a wheelchair, and find no way to get upstairs, forcing you to stay downstairs, making you feel trapped in your own home?

· Is it because you feel justified? In other words, you feel that because your friend may have one you want one? Or is it because your doctor suggested you have one to better accommodate your situation?

Key Questions to Ask To Get the Right Elevator

2006-02-14T21:40:53Z

If the above questions are answered correctly and honestly, and you really do need one, here are some questions you need to consider before you decide on what model to buy:

· How big do you need it? How big is your house? Where is it going to be placed? Where you place it in your home has a direct bearing on the size and shape of the elevator. If you don’t have room, you can’t fit a large one in your house.

· Is the elevator going to be for internal or exterior use? Are you going to be using it outside the home or inside? Believe it or not, some people prefer the elevator to be assembled outside the house so it doesn’t occupy all the space their house has.

· How many stops are required? How many stops will you need? One, two, three, or more. How many floors do you have in your home? This will determine how many stops your elevator will need to make.

· Will you have a self-propelled wheelchair? Will your wheelchair be self-propelled? Can you glide it in through the door without any need for guides or ramps?

· Where in the house will it go? You need to know where it will go. Because every elevator has some type of equipment that turns or moves the elevator. There needs to be room needed for all electric and mechanical equipment that comes with the elevator.

· Can you get the elevator into the house? Is there an entrance or way to get the elevator into the house? If you decide you want one and know where it will go, how will you get the elevator inside to install it?

Types of Elevators Available

2006-02-14T21:41:49Z

So you have made all arrangements for the elevator to be placed in your home. You have worked out the kinks and know how to get it into the house when it comes. Now the biggest part is knowing which one to buy. Here is a list of the common ones available that are reasonably priced and may work for you:

· Waupaca Custom-Lift Elevator: With this elevator, you have the choice of different sizes, style of cab, and gate options. So you are not restricted to just one kind of elevator. This particular elevator can travel up to 50 feet and make at least six stops. It can hold up to 500 lbs.

· Destiny Residential Elevator: This one is pretty big for it comes in a door size of six feet and eight inches high. The door is a swing type. The car itself measures 36 inches wide by 48 inches deep. It can travel as much as 50 feet and can make up to six stops. This one can carry up to 750 lbs. It goes pretty fast to at 36 feet per minute.

· LEV At A Glance: This one is unique in that it comes with a single accordion type car gate in five colors. It also has two recessed car lights, wood handrail, and the floor is made of plywood. It has an operating panel, battery backup in case of power failure, stop switch for emergencies, and automatic car lighting. With this elevator you do not need to build an extra room to hold the machines and electronics to run the elevator, for the drive system and controller are inside the top of the hoistway. It moves by gears. It can hold up to 950 lbs and can travel up to 50 feet.

· Chaparral Residential Elevator: The Chaparral comes in a size of 36 inches by 48 inches. It can hold up to 750 lbs and can travel 50 feet. It also can make up to six stops. It uses a roped hydraulic or winding drum, depending on model.

· Versalift Residential Elevator: The Versalift provides a smooth, quit, and safe ride by means of its cable hydraulic drive system. It has an automatic bower power back up system in case of power failure. The cab has automatic lighting as well. It also has an interlocking mechanism for the door to ensure it does not come open while the elevator is moving. There are call/send controls that allow you to stop the elevator when you need to.

By the way, just in case you don’t know, you have to get a permit before you add anything to your home. Make sure you do that first; otherwise you may face delays in getting it done. Also, make sure the company you buy from have a service department in case something breaks down. The service department should have 24/7 service if large enough of a company.

Maintenance of Elevators

2006-02-14T21:42:31Z

Present day elevators are built pretty much to be maintenance free. However, if the elevator you have installed comes with any type of drive mechanism, it will need lubrication every so often. If it does, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on lubrication and maintenance of the elevator and drive mechanism. In most cases, you may need to call the toll free number listed on the work order or in the owner’s manual to have a technician come to take care of the work. This is true especially if the drive train is in a room somewhere near the elevator and since you are already wheelchair bound, you couldn’t do anything with it anyway.

What you can do is take some type of cleaning solution and clean the control panel. But be careful you don’t spray the control panel itself. Because you could cause a short and burn out the board and everything else connected to that board. You can also clean the elevator door and the inside as well. If you have someone living with you, have them go inside the elevator and clean the inside with a glass cleaner, or some type of furniture cleaner that is recommended by the company you bought the elevator from or the manufacturer.

Remember to use caution when cleaning the elevator. If you are partly in the elevator and hit the bottom by mistake, you could face possible serious injuries.

Stair Lifts For Handicapped Home Overview

2006-02-17T16:19:59Z

Living in a house as a handicapped person is really hard. And being confined to a wheelchair makes it even worse. You can get around, but that is limited. You can’t get upstairs unless you live with someone who can help you climb up those steep steps, one at a time. Even if you are elderly and can’t get around like you use to, you want to have access to all parts of your home. Handicapped or not, you want a way to make your life more manageable. But how can this been done? There are devices on the market referred to as stair lifts that make going up the stairs a breeze. There are many stair lifts on the market that you could choose from. Choosing which one is the hard part. In this article, you will be shown what is available and know what to look for. But before you see what is on the market, you need to know and understand what chair lifts are and how they work. Once you know this, you’ll be better able to choose the one for you. Here are some things to know first:

· What is a stair lift? In plain English, a stair lift is a device that carries a person up and down a flight of stairs.

· How easy is it to use? It is so easy. You just sit in the chair, push a button, and the chair moves up a track till it gets to the top of the stairs.

· How much does it cost to operate it? The batteries are self-charging and require no maintenance. They typically last abut three years. If they do need replacement, the cost is only $50.

· How does the stair lift work? The stair lift moves when the person seated pushes the toggle switch that is on the armrest. At this time the star lift moves on a rail by way of a rack and pinion drive mechanism. There are no cables, chains, or belts to worry about. The rack and pinion mechanism uses a 24-volt DC motor to move it. This is a lead-acid, sealed, 24-Volt DC battery. The battery only measures six inches long by two and one-half inches wide by three and three-quarters inches deep. So they are small.

· Why is it important to have a stair lift? Being at home with no way around is quite restricting. You want the freedom to move around the home. You want the ability to go up and down the stairs with no hassles. Whether you are handicapped or just elderly, you have lived in that house and want the ability to get around without feeling restricted. However, the thought of trying to climb those stairs is too painful to think about. Your quality of life is robbed. You feel embarrassed because you can’t do what you use to. Having a stair lift takes all this away, and gives the homeowner freedom he or she did nave before.

· Does Medicare pay for stair lifts? For those who are looking for Medicare to pay for your stair lift, forget it. Medicare does not consider a stair lift as a medical necessity, even it you are handicapped or elderly. However, there are some private insurance companies that may pay at least half of the bill. If you do not have private insurance, you can always borrow the money. If you can’t afford loans, maybe there are non-profits you can look at that may be able to provide financial assistance.

Stair Lifts That Are Available

2006-02-17T16:20:58Z

Once you know and understand what stair lifts are and how they work, you can look for one that better matches your needs. Listed below are a few types that are available and reasonable to the budget:

· Acorn Superglide 120: This stair lift comes with a lifetime warranty, maintenance free battery operation, easy to use joystick, and a diagnostic digital display. It provides a smooth operation with no jerkiness. The seat even swivels for easier sitting and getting off chair. The basic model price fro this one is $3200.

· AmeriGlide Stair Lift: These types of stair lifts are built to last. They are very reliable. They offer a smooth ride that is quiet. Since the unit runs on batteries, you will always have use of it even during a power outage. The AmeriGlide can hold up to 300lbs. It also has a swivel chair that turns at 180 degree angle to make it easy to get in and out of the chair. The price for this stair lift is $2150.

· Summit Stair Lift: The Summit Stair Lift is safe and reliable. It offers continuous maintenance free operation. This stair lift comes in either AC or DC power. It holds up to 300 lbs., and even has a magazine rack to hold your favorite magazines, in case you want to read while going up or down the stairs. The price of this unit is $2350.

· Stannah 260: If you are looking for a stair lift that curves, this is your best bet. It comes in eight different colors and can run on either side of the staircase. There are remote controls set up at both ends of the staircase so you have the convenience of using the chair when you are either upstairs or downstairs. There are also directional controls on either side of the chair for easy use. What’s so special about this stair lift is that it travels along a slim rail.

What To Look For in Stair Lifts

2006-02-17T16:21:52Z

One other thing you need to be sure of when looking for a stair lift to purchase is what to look for. There are so many versions out there but you have to be sure what they have as options and safety features are really what you need. Here are the basic things to look for:

· Electronic and mechanical braking system: Any time you purchase a stair lift you must have a way to stop it or you’ll end up on the floor. All stair lifts are fitted with safety systems that keep it from moving without user assistance.

· Limit Sensors: The stair lift must have limit sensors. This forces the lift to stop at a predefined point on the rail. This way the stair lift will always stop where it is supposed to.

· Controls: You should get a stair lift that that has an easy to use and move joystick so moving the chair won’t be a burden.

· Swivel seat: It would be good if the stair lift you purchased had a swivel seat to it so you could easily move in an out of the seat. Also make sure the seat has a locking catch so the seat does not move on you as you get up or sit down.

· Pressure sensitive surfaces: It is essential that when you purchase a stair lift you get one with a pressure sensitive safety surface built in to it. This will stop the stair lift in case of an obstruction happens to be on the staircase.

· Diagnostic digital display readout: It is important that you be able to monitor your equipment so no injury results from improper movement of stair lift.

Watch Out of Phony Stair Lifts

2006-02-17T16:22:46Z

There are many legitimate companies out there that will give you a good deal on your stair lift, but again there are those who like to scam people into buying something they don’t need. When you shop for your stair lift look out for scammers. Some people fall for ads about stair lifts, stating they will get a great deal. Only to find the company will take their money and they end up with nothing but empty promises. Here are some ways scammers get by:

· Charge for equipment you really don’t need

· They claim that Medicare will pay for it when in fact that is a lie

· They fail to deliver the goods after taking payment

· Charging sales tax on nontaxable items

· Fail to notify customer of their rights to cancel orders

· Fail to provide estimated delivery dates for delivery

Warnings to Heed and Think About

2006-02-17T16:23:34Z

Before you buy any stair lift think about the following:

· Always get advice from your doctor, hospital, or physical therapist. They know what stair lift is best if you need one.

· Never buy a stair lift from anyone unless you know the company or have checked them first.

· Call the Attorney Genera’s office to make sure there are no complaints against the company you want to purchase the stair lift from.

· Don’t buy one from any one who claims to represent Medicare or does not have a storefront. Medicare does not solicit by phone, email, any other method.