Stair Lifts For Handicapped Home Overview

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.