Stairlifts are one of the modern ways of improving mobility for elderly individuals. These days, many modern houses have installed this innovative setting to support the elderly family members. Most elderly people in your home usually find difficulty in moving from one corner to another at home due to the deteriorating phase. Also, some people who have suffered serious injuries struggle with mobility issues. To overcome such issues, stairlifts have been the most convenient, which adds safety along with a homely feel for the elderly. So, if you are looking to install a stairlift and want its various types and related features, then you are at the right place.
What Is a Stairlift?
A stairlift is a device that is installed to help elderly people or injured individuals go up and down stairs. It includes a chair that runs on a rail-like structure, which is fixed to a stiff body. It can be on the side walls of the staircase. The primary feature of installing these modern stairlifts makes them user-friendly. The reason is that they come with a rotatable seat that makes the user flexible while using it. The stairlift has additional elements such as a footrest for relaxing, so that it provides a complete relaxing experience for the users.
In addition, the stairlift is electrically operated by rechargeable batteries that get charged automatically at the standing points. So, this iconic feature makes it feasible to use during the absence of a power supply. Furthermore, there are two types of stairlifts that are available in the market, which are the Straight stairlift and the Curved stairlift.
Straight Stairlifts
Straight stairlifts are considered the most widely accepted mobility device for houses with a friendly setup. They are designed to be installed on straight stairs which go from the ground floor to the top one and have no turns or curves. This type of straight stairlift doesn't have any turns, landings, or bends. The major benefits of a straight stairlift are that it includes a linear path. This is because the track is a standard, prefabricated rail that can be resized after some time and installed within a short time. These straight stairlifts can be suitable for a house which does not require much renovation. The maximum time required to install this stairlift takes around 1-3 working days. Furthermore, coming to the financial viewpoint, they are considerably less expensive than other solutions, as there is no need for complex engineering.
Curved Stairlifts
Coming to the curved stairlifts, they have a complex design and installing them creates lots of complications. This type of stairlift becomes necessary when the stairs are not straight and have lots of curves, half-landings, a fan-shaped set of steps, a spiral design and turns in the stairs. Curved lifts are the best option if the building has multiple stores. As mentioned earlier, the design is more complex, which requires a lot of time for the successful installation. The maximum time required for installation ranges from 1 to 3 weeks. Furthermore, the stairlift comes with additional features like footrest, cushioned seats, locking system, toggle control and many more.
Key Differences
The selection of an appropriate life is entirely dependent on the physical characteristics of the staircase and the personal requirements. However, both have a dedicated function and differ in their features.
Straight stairlift
- Straight stairlifts use a common rail that is always available in the market, which can be installed in a short duration due to its simple design.
- The straight stairlift is only suitable for a straight staircase.
- The installation of this stairlift is quite easy and takes less investment.
- The average speed of a straight stairlift is around 0.34 mph.
Curved stairlift
- The curved stairlift takes a longer duration for installation and requires a lot of human intelligence to monitor and understand the building structure.
- The curved stairlift suits all types of stairs and does not restrict its functions.
- The average speed of a curved stairlift is around 0.30 mph.
- Some houses have very narrow stairs. Hence, to support the elderly individuals, the compact house, curved stairlift are the right ones.
Conclusion
The installation of a stairlift can be seen as a huge move that can elevate the quality of life. The various types of stairlifts have been a great support for elderly individuals. The curved lifts take more time, and no matter if your house has a complex staircase, having a curved stairlift is the most appropriate solution. Having a straight stairlift can be budget-friendly and can be installed within a short span. So, taking the right decision can be a peace of mind for your family members which adds more safety and more accessible.
