In the United States and the world as a whole, there are countless people who have discovered the great safety benefits that are received by using a stair lift. A fall down the stairs, especially for people who are over the age of 65, often results in injury or even death. There is no need to take this risk, so if you or someone you care about is unsteady on the stairs, you should invest in a stair lift.

Stair lifts are a common type of personal lifting aid that can be installed on most types of stair cases. Those with curved stair cases are at a great disadvantage, because a curved stair lift will take several months to build and install and are also very expensive. A stair lift for a straight staircase on the other hand is not terribly expensive and can easily be installed by most people. Even if you do not feel comfortable doing the installation on your own, paying a professional stair lift installer is still very affordable.

To install a stair lift on a straight staircase it is important to get complete measurements of the stairs. The total length of the stairs will need to be measured and you will also need to measure the dimensions of an individual step on the stairs. You also need to measure how far the top of the stairs is to the nearest obstruction, like a wall or doorway, and will also need this measurement for the bottom of the steps. It is a good idea to have someone help you with the measurements as it is tremendously easier with two individuals. Your stair lift dealer will be able to help you with theses measurements as well and likely has a measurement team who can come to your home if you do not feel comfortable doing it.

In most cases the stair lift will be installed directly to the steps and a track will span the complete distance of the staircase. In instances where the staircase is very narrow, there are several low profile stair lifts available and they can also be attached to the wall. The track will be cut to fit your individual staircase, which is one reason that the measurements are so important.

Attached to the track is a car unit that is sent up and down the staircase. The car unit consists of an electrical motor and a chair. The user will simply sit in the chair and use the attached remote, wireless remote, or call buttons to start the unit moving. A quality stair lift will require constant pressure on the button, which is an important safety feature. A well made and dependable stair lift will also have built in safety sensors that checks for obstacles on the stairs.

A quality stair lift, like the AmeriGlide Batter Powered Stair Lift, will provide many years of dependable service and will be covered by a very substantial warranty. They greatly reduce the dangers associated with falling down the stairs and can also be affixed with baskets to help carry personal goods up the stairs.