| The handicap stair lift brings real domestic | | | | while the chair is in motion. It is a safety feature; as |
| independence for those who are disabled or | | | | soon as the pressure is released the machine will |
| handicapped in such a way that they find it difficult to | | | | automatically stop. But if the person who is going to |
| walk up or down the stairs. But before you buy one, | | | | use the machine can't hold down the lever then they |
| for you or someone else, you should spend sometime | | | | won't be able to use it. |
| in evaluating the exact requirements of the | | | | Make sure it comes with a safety belt. |
| handicapped user of the stair lift and whether it is the | | | | The price of stair lifts is high. When looking for a |
| right solution for their disability. | | | | cheaper model you may find that you get very little in |
| The design of stair lifts is improving all the time and | | | | the way of extras. Many cheap units don't come with |
| many manufacturers pay special attention to the | | | | safety belts as standard. Before you buy ask whether |
| needs of the handicapped. However, they aren't | | | | or not a belt comes as standard. There are also |
| always going to be suitable for every disabled person; | | | | different types of belts available; the most commonly |
| using one might be too uncomfortable or even | | | | used is a belt that fastens over the lap. If you require a |
| dangerous depending on the nature of the handicap. | | | | belt that fits over the shoulder you should specify this |
| Here are some considerations when purchasing a | | | | requirement before you purchase the machine. Finally, |
| handicap stair lift. | | | | the person using it should be able to fasten and |
| Can they lift themselves on to the stair chair lift? | | | | unfasten the belt by themselves - again different |
| If the person uses a wheelchair can they | | | | manufacturers have different locking mechanisms. |
| independently transfer themselves from the wheelchair | | | | Does the person have control of their upper body? |
| to the chair? If they can't then it might be more | | | | It is vital that the person is properly secured when |
| appropriate to consider a wheelchair chair lift, although | | | | using a handicap stair lift. The design of the seat and |
| these types of device are rarely suitable in domestic | | | | the belt will help, but make sure that the person is in no |
| homes as the width of most staircases is too narrow | | | | danger of sliding off the chair. |
| for the ramp. Even if they don't use a wheelchair they | | | | There's no doubt of the benefits that a stair lift can |
| should still be able to lift themselves on and off the | | | | bring to the disabled or handicapped. Installing one often |
| chair. | | | | restores a person's independence. Just make sure |
| Can they hold down a pressure switch? | | | | that, before you buy, it will be appropriate for the |
| Just about all stair lifts for the handicapped come with | | | | person with the disability. |
| buttons or levers that must be kept pushed down | | | | |