Regaining mobility in your home

by | Jan 22, 2016 | Medical Equipments

Losing mobility for whatever reason creates stress and discomfort for an individual, but there is more help available than ever before, and technology keeps improving to provide even more aid. Many homes in Guildford, as in the rest of the UK, have stairs. As people age, climbing stairs can become increasingly difficult. For anyone confined to a wheelchair, even a tiny step is their worst enemy, so an entire flight of stairs represents a complete no-go zone. That is, until a stairlift is available.

What is a stairlift?

In essence, it can simply be described as a device that mechanically lifts people up and down stairs. There are a variety of different types and models which can be adapted to most homes. Fitting stairlifts in Guildford might take some consultation as the UK has some of the smallest houses in Europe. Thus, it will be necessary firstly to ensure that the stairs are sufficiently wide enough to carry a stairlift, although modifications are in place to fit even a small home. The device works on a rail that is mounted to the treads of the stairs. The chair is fitted to this rail, and travels along it. The rails are usually made of aluminium or steel and are strong enough to carry weights of around 250 to 400 pounds. If the stairlift is needed by someone who cannot climb owing to obesity, there are companies that can arrange for specific modifications to be made. Visit here for more information.

What are the different types of stairlift?

There are specific models available to operate on either straight or curved rails, for both inside and outside use. If you have steps leading up to your front door, this is as much an issue as your mobility inside your home. If there is more than one flight of stairs and the rails need to cross a doorway, a hinge can be installed so that the rail can be folded back and not cause an obstruction. There are a variety of materials and colours available for the seats so that they match the décor of your home. Seat height can be adjusted and call stations can even be installed if a person needs help. It’s possible on some models to adjust the speed of the stairlift, and some can be fitted with a harness if extra protection is needed to keep the individual safe in the chair. In case of a power outage, stairlifts are also fitted with batteries that can be activated whenever needed. The ‘start’ and ‘stop’ devices are gradual so that the person in the chair isn’t jolted.

For all your queries about stairlifts in Guildford, contact Bentley Mobility. They have an office in Guildford and can send a consultant to your home.

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