Is it difficult for you to climb up the stairs? And every time you have to go
down you are afraid to fall? Then you have to choices - to move downstairs or
to install a home stairlift. Domestic stair lifts has their own advantages and
disadvantages - find out if a stairlift will be right for your home.

Moving to the ground floor might be the first thing that comes to mind, but
it is not as simple as it sounds. You will have to do major renovations in the
house, modifying one of the existing rooms as a bedroom or adding an additional
room. Also you will have to create a bathroom. All of this involves an awful
lot of work and expenses.

Home stairlifts are not cheap, but comparable to all the costs involved in
moving downstairs, they are a more economical solution. Also installing a stairlift
is not as much of a hassle as you may think. Companies that sell stairlifts
usually take care of all the installation; all you need to do is to measure
your stairs. And for an additional fee, most stairlift retailers can do the
measurements as well.

Types of home lifts

You can get a suitable stairlift regardless of what type of stairs you have.
If you've got an ordinary straight staircase, then you are in luck because straight
stairlifts are the most common and the least expensive. If you have curved stairs,
than you will need a curved stairlift. Stairlifts can be electric or battery
powered.

Modern stair lift companies offer a variety of stair elevators, you can get:

Standard straight lifts
Curved lifts
Through-floor lifts (also good for wheelchairs)
Lifts designed with shafts

Home stairlifts are produced by companies who make other mobility equipment.
Most reliable and durable lifts are by Stannah, Acorn, Ameriglide and Bruno.

Selecting a stairlift that is right for your home

There are two main types of elevators - lifts with a sit and wheelchair lifts.
Sitting elevators are cheaper, and they are generally a good choice for elderly
people. However, if you are disabled and you think that your condition can progress
to the point that you will need a wheelchair, it is better to install a wheelchair
lift, like a through-floor elevator, from the start.

Lifts mode of operation is also important. Most machines are operated by the
person who is lifted; however some lifts can be operated by another person,
such as your nurse. If you think you might need this option, than installing
it from the start will save you a lot.

Check if the sit if comfortable for you, most companies let you personalize
the sit of your home elevator. It can be adjusted so you are sitting tight,
while lifted. Also a variety of sits is available - you can get a standard,
removable or folding sit. For your safety a sit belt can be also included.

What direction do you prefer to face while the lift is in operation? Popular
models of home elevators usually face sideways. However, if you would rather
face forward, you can find models that suit you. Facing forward is a good option
for people with stiff knees - it allows you more room.

Used domestic stairlift is an option if you want to save

Home elevators are expensive. Even the simplest model will cost you at least
$2000. However, you can find many pre-owned home lifts. It often happens that
person's disability is temporary, and after they recover, there is no need for
an elevator anymore. Most companies that sell brand new lifts also assist people
in selling their used stairlifts.

A home stairlift can be a great addition to your house, providing safety and
comfort for elderly and disabled people. With so many options, you can surely
find an elevator that will suit your purpose.

Tanya Turner is a publisher of StairLifts Central where you can find information about home stairlifts and wheelchair lift. Compare lifts by different brands and styles.