What should you not do when using a stair chair?

Stair lifts are extremely useful for seniors and people with mobility challenges and enable them to access the different levels of their home. This accessibility device features a motorized seat that runs up and down the staircase on a rail or track, allowing the user to move comfortably from floor to floor in a seated, standing or perched position. It is a good option for homes that have space constraints and cannot accommodate an elevator.

A stair lift is a worthwhile investment for your home and if maintained properly, can last a lifetime. Before using the lift, read through the instruction manual carefully to get familiar with the basic rules and guidelines. Follow the instructions properly in order to ensure the longevity of the product. If you have any questions relating to the basic care of the unit, refer to your manual or consult the manufacturer.

Taking care of your stair lift is important to ensure that it works smoothly and to extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to help you maintain and take care of your stair chair lift:

• Keep the stair lift track clear of debris – Always check whether the lift track is clear before using the stair lift. Top models of stair lifts are integrated with safety features that immediately stop operation if the lift encounters any obstruction in its path. However, small objects can get stuck on the track. So always ensure that the track is free of clutter or debris.
• Never unplug the stair lift – Never unplug the device when it is not in use. As the stair lift uses very little energy, unplugging it every time could damage the battery pack.
• Do not exceed maximum weight capacity – A stair lift is sometimes used to transport heavy items up and down the stairs. Be careful not to exceed the maximum weight the lift can safely carry.
• Take care of the seat – All moving parts of the stair chair lift need to be kept clean and oiled, including the swivel seat. Use a wet cloth to clean it and lubricate it every few months.
• Lubricate the track – A stair chair lift can become stiff over time and may not move smoothly. Cleaning and lubricating the track every few months can address this. Do not any use solvents and detergents as these can be abrasive. You can also get the lubrication done by a maintenance expert.
• Recharge your stair lift – Keep your stair lift fully charged for the best results. After you use the lift, make sure that it is at the very end of the track-either at the top or bottom-and kept charged and ready to use.
• Cover your outdoor stair lift – When compared to indoor models, outdoor lifts require more maintenance and cleaning. Cover the seat of your outdoor stair lift to protect it against bad weather.

Taking care of your stair lift is important to maintain its functionality and increase its durability. When it comes to maintenance, the best option could be to opt for a professional annual service. They will carry out cleaning and lubrication efficiently, provide valuable advice on maintenance, and help replace damaged parts.

If your loved ones have mobility issues, taking care of them involves serious responsibility. Providing a safe environment for them to move around freely is important. Many older adults have mobility issues that may be the result of poor eyesight, weakness in the legs, loss of balance, injury, arthritis, and other health conditions. In fact, for people with mobility issues, going up and down stairs could pose risks of falls and injury. Installing a stairlift can be a real lifesaver for people who cannot use the stairs without assistance. Stairlifts not only improve mobility but also provide users with a sense of independence, allowing them to move from one floor of the house to another without assistance. Apart from being convenient and fast, these devices can dramatically reduce the chances of falling down the stairs.

Modern stairlifts are very safe and reliable when used correctly. As with any mechanical device, they can cause serious injury if not handled correctly. National Seating & Mobility offers stair chair lifts equipped with several advanced safety features. If you have a stair chair lift at home or if you are planning to install one for your loved ones, it is important to familiarize yourself with the equipment’s basic safety features. Discussed below are some important safety precautions you should keep in mind when using a stairlift –

• Capacity: one person – Lifts have a weight limit. Stairlifts are designed to carry only one person at a time. Never attempt to carry more than one person, including children. Make sure to never exceed the maximum weight limit specified in the user’s manual.
• Keep the staircase obstacle-free – Even without a stairlift in place, stairs can become dangerous when toys or clothes are left on them, or when they have torn carpeting or loose boards. These objects can also impact stairlifts and cause them to get stuck.
• Ensure visibility around the stairs – Improving the visibility surrounding the stairs is one of the first things to do before your install your lift. The area surrounding the stairs must be well lit. Using a number of small lamps facing directly at the steps would be ideal. Try to use lighting to create a path as well. Be sure to make the floors below and above the staircase as visible as possible.
• Have a stable surface – Decorating the floor with carpets does look stylish. However, it is important to arrange the carpet so that it lies flat. A messy carpet may be dangerous or may cause elderly people with mobility issues to fall. Going on or off a stairlift can be dangerous if you are stepping on a carpet or rug. Always wear slippers or similar shoes with a grip for stability.
• Keep it clean – Dust or liquids could cause the stairs to become slippery and damage the stairlift. Don’t drink (or let any type of liquid) near the stairlift.
• Beware of Loose Items – Make sure that loose items are kept clear of the stairlift. Scarves, long skirts, blankets, and long jackets could become trapped under the mechanism, causing personal injury or damaging the stairlift.
• Never let children use the stairlift without supervision – Make sure that children do not play with the equipment or use it without adult supervision. Stairlifts come with a child-proof immobilization feature that prevents the child from using the stairlift without proper supervision.
• Fold the Seat – Stairlifts are designed with foldable seats to make sure that they don’t get in the way of people who are using the stairs. It is important to fold the seat after each use to avoid tripping over.

Safety is paramount when it comes to using a stairlift. When used properly, a stairlift will provide you and your family many years of reliable mobility. It is important that the device you choose has all the necessary safety features. Stop using the stairlift if any of the features don’t work, if the device starts behaving strangely, or if any signs of wear and tear become visible. Getting the stairlift regularly checked by a professional will ensure that works well all the time.