If you or someone that you know suffers from mobility problems, there are several medical devices that can greatly increase quality of life.
Three of the most popular devices are stair lifts for the elderly, wheelchair platform stair lift and wheelchair elevators.
These three options are quite different in what the have to offer and in price range.
Stair Lift
Stair Lift
This is a track that sits on top of a flight of stairs and is meant to lift the user to the top.
The user sits in a chair situated at the bottom and presses a button that causes the chair to move to the top.
On the reverse end, the chair will move to the bottom to help the person get back down the staircase.
They are often less expensive than installing a wheelchair elevator and can also be used to help those that are bound to a wheelchair.
As long as there is another person helping, that second person can lift the wheelchair up the stairs while the immobile person is lifted.
Wheelchair Platform Stair Lift
Wheelchair Platform Stair Lift
This type is often used in public buildings and in private residences.
It has a platform that is large enough to carry the wheelchair.
It has also folding edge ramps that prevent the wheelchair from moving toward the edge of the platform.
Modern versions of this type of stair lift have control buttons, emergency stop button, rack-and-pinion drive system and safety arms.
Wheelchair Elevator Lift
Wheelchair Elevator Lift
This is obviously the best choice for someone who is permanently or temporarily bound to a wheelchair.
Since a wheelchair is large and bulky, it is very difficult to drag up a flight of stairs.
So, a wheelchair lifts works like a dumb waiter.
A door opens so the wheelchair can be put inside of a small compartment.
Then, through a system of pulleys or hydraulics, the compartment is lifted straight up to the next floor or lowered straight down to the floor below.
Installing a wheelchair elevator involves a lot of construction and can be extremely costly.
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