Get your Independence back with a Staircase Elevator

Many people think that installing a small personal elevator will help them to be more independent, but these can prove rather pricey. A staircase elevator is a more affordable way to maintain your independence. A seat is set into a track that is installed along the staircase. It carries a person up to the other floors of the house when they sit on the seat and activate the climb. These seats come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some are compact and can be folded in cases where there is limited space, while others are as big as wheelchairs and are enclosed. Wall mounted controls or wireless hand-held controls are optional.

Some home plans require custom installed staircase lifts. If perhaps, a home has a straight staircase then some companies manufacture do-it-yourself kits. These kits come with the metal track, and a seat or perch. A perch is a small platform and instead of sitting, users stand while being carried up stairs. Perch's are usually used when a person’s medical condition restricts their use of a seat. Do-it-yourself kits take a couple of hours to install. To ensure the safety of the person who will be using the lift, instructions should be followed precisely and cautionary measures should be heeded. Most manufacturers of staircase elevators offer professional installations by well trained individuals.

Personal elevators are very useful for those who are unable to climb stairs, but the installation of a safe and reliable elevator requires construction to the area in which it will be installed.  A staircase elevator requires little to no amendments to the structure of your home and can be installed in a shorter and cost efficient time. Staircase elevators are often reserved for straight or 'L' shaped staircases. If your home has a curved staircase then a elevator would be the better choice as both the lift and elevator will amount to the same cost. A lift for a curved staircase is pricey.

It is not easy for people who are physically impaired to participate in the daily activities they used to do. Severe arthritis can prevent the aged from being able to walk up stairs at their home confining them to the first floor. Severe cases of Alzheimer's can also interfere with regular comings and goings. Persons with these and other disabling problems risk a fall almost on a daily basis. Without a staircase elevator a person's entire lifestyle can change. A stair lift is capable of bringing back the independence that they lost.