Stairlifts, Home Elevators, and Commercial Accessibility
Guest article: Ed Cart from AbleFutures.org
People take part in financial planning for a variety of life scenarios, such as having a child, buying a home, or retirement. On the same note, as a person with a disability, this is a life scenario you must plan for to ensure you are able to adequately take care of yourself financially and afford the care you need. The following are a few ways you can start preparing now for whatever disability-related expenses the future may hold.
Read MoreMany homeowners and family members struggle with the question “Which Stairlift Should I Buy?” Previously, we pointed out two common misconceptions about stairlifts: that they are a commodity (all the same, so just find the cheapest one), and that quality is determined exclusively by the manufacturing of the stairlift equipment itself. In our last article, we addressed the first point by discussing how there are important differences among stairlift equipment options when it comes to safety, ease of use, and reliability.
Read MoreFor most people, purchasing a stairlift is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unlike purchasing a car, where you know what to expect, it is difficult to know what is “normal” when deciding which stairlift to buy. This article aims to help the many home owners and family members out there who are wondering, “How do I know which stairlift to buy?”
When answering this question, it is important to clarify two common misperceptions about stairlifts. First, stairlifts are not a commodity; in other words, it is NOT “just a chair that goes up and down the stairs.” In fact, there are many differences between stairlifts, in terms of safety, reliability, and ease of use. More on that below. Second, the quality of the stairlift itself is only part of the equation—the quality of the installation and the service after the fact are often even more important!
Read MoreMany customers we meet with are faced with similar challenges. The bedroom is upstairs, the laundry room is downstairs and there’s no shower on the main level. For some, the home layout is fine but they struggle to keep up with cleaning and maintenance. As all of us age our personal assistance and medical needs increase as well.
If your goal is to stay in the home you love, a stair lift can be the most economical and least intrusive way to solve each of the issues listed above. Let’s compare an average cost of $3000-$5000 to install a straight stair lift with some of your other alternatives.
Read MoreThink back to the last sofa you purchased. What was the key factor in making your decision? For most of us it boiled down to how comfortable the cushions were, how the upholstery felt and whether our knees and legs felt “right”.
Stair lifts are no different. They come in small, medium and large. They come with vinyl, cloth or leather. Some have narrow arm widths, some are wider. Even components such as the footrest depth and hand controls make a huge difference depending on your size and dexterity.
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