Things You Should Consider Before Installing a Stairlift

Thanks to the use of stairlifts, handicapped individuals who have difficulty scaling stairs or even people who need walkers or wheelchairs can still get up and down their home’s stairs with the assistance of stairway lifts in New Orleans. To make sure you or the loved one of a disabled or handicapped person chooses the right stairlift, you need to understand the factors that affect how a stairlift is designed and operated.

Chair Accommodations

You have to list several specific requirements you’ll need of your stairway lift. One of them is the weight of the user. It’s important that your stairlift installer know how much the user weighs to ensure the chair can consistently carry the person up and down without trouble. But it doesn’t stop there. The user will also likely be carrying something, such as personal items or perhaps medical devices that are needed, so the chair must be designed for added weight. Additionally, if the user requires a wheelchair or a walker, the chair should have space to hold them. Ask your stairlift provider about weight ranges on their lifts. You should get a minimum and maximum weight range that the lift mechanism can handle.

Stair Structure

A stairlift functions by placing a rail along the wall of your stairway. Since staircases come in so many different designs, your stairlift will have to be designed to function on their stairway. There are a number of ways a stair design can impact how a stairlift is built. For example, the longer the stairs are, the longer the rail will have to be to carry the chair up and down. Additionally, not all stairways have a steady incline. Some have a curve shape or otherwise are shaped oddly. Stairway lifts in New Orleans that require extensive customization will take longer to install and will also cost more. Also, be sure that the wall where the railing will be installed can properly support the track.

Power Requirements

A lift’s power source will usually come either from batteries or the electricity for the home. Having a lift that you can plug into the wall may seem to be the easier option, as you don’t have to worry about changing out batteries. However, if you live in an area where the power grid is subject to brownouts or outages, an interruption in electricity service can also shut down your lift. This can be frightening if you end up on the second floor and not able to get downstairs. If your area’s power supply is unstable, a battery operated stairlift is likely the better bet. If you do opt for a battery powered lift, be aware of how often you must change the battery. Also consult with your stairlift provider about energy options, such as a backup battery, that can allow your lift to work in the event of an outage.

Having these requirements in mind will go a long way to heading off possible problems with stairway lifts in New Orleans. Don’t hesitate to ask your stairlift provider any questions you may have about installing or operating a stairlift for your home or the home of a disabled loved one.