The choice of stairlift for the disabled is a crucial decision that can significantly affect the quality of life and independence of people with motor disabilities. With the increase in options available on the market, it’s crucial to understand the key factors to consider in order to find the stairlift that best suits your specific needs.
Let’s find out which model is the most suitable for improving mobility inside and outside the home and the alternatives to consider to optimize space without sacrificing functionality.
Stairlifts for the disabled: which model is the best?
Stairlifts, also known as stairlifts, are an important resource for those who want to regain autonomy and freedom of movement. These implants are specifically designed to allow the lifting of people with mobility difficulties, offering an effective solution to their mobility needs.
Given the wide assortment of models and types available on the market, it becomes crucial to focus attention on the stairlifts most suitable for the category of users we are dealing with in this article: the disabled. Many people with disabilities who need a stairlift use a wheelchair as their primary means of locomotion.
For this group, the most suitable choice is represented by the platform stairlift, also known as platform stairlift, if you prefer a fixed solution, or the tracked stairlift, if you prefer a mobile solution. The platform stairlift consists of a platform on which the disabled person in a wheelchair can go up or down the stairs independently, without the need for external assistance. The tracked stairlift, on the other hand, is a mobile solution that does not require fixed installation but, on the contrary, can be transported and used wherever there is a need, although it requires the presence of a companion for its use.
Let’s now take a closer look at the types of platform stairlifts.
Platform stairlifts: versatility and safety at the service of mobility
Platform stairlifts represent an innovative and highly functional solution to improve accessibility and mobility for people with motor disabilities. The heart of the platform stairlift consists of four fundamental elements: the guide, the wall bars, the motor and the platform. The platform itself is a platform designed to comfortably accommodate a person with a wheelchair, connected to the wall bars and able to slide along the rail thanks to the impulse of the internal or external motor, depending on the brand and model of the platform stairlift. The rail, similar to a handrail but lower, provides the path along which the platform will move during its use.
The operation of this device is extremely simple and intuitive. After boarding the platform with the wheelchair, side flaps are lifted and two mechanical arms are lowered, both designed to ensure maximum protection and safety for the passenger. On board the platform there is a push-button panel through which the passenger can indicate the desired direction of travel or stop the stairlift.
In addition to the on-board push-button panel, there are floor controls to call the platform to the desired floor. In some cases, hand-held remote controls are also provided with the same function as those on the floor. All these details are carefully designed to ensure maximum ease of use, which is essential for those who suffer from reduced mobility and who need a device that offers full autonomy.
The platform stairlift is designed to ensure comfort and safety up to 30° slopes, with a maximum load capacity of 300 kg, although this value may vary depending on the slope. These devices offer a practical and reliable solution to improve the accessibility and quality of life of people with motor disabilities, ensuring that they have the freedom to move independently and safely.
Retractable stairlifts: the alternative when space is limited
A variant is, for example, the retractable stairlift , a model designed to help people with reduced mobility to overcome short flights of stairs or steps, guaranteeing a lift of up to 800 millimeters and a translation of up to 1000 millimeters. This dual functionality is crucial for tackling obstacles such as high steps or small ramps, allowing vertical and horizontal movement safely and efficiently.
The term “retractable stairlift” refers to the distinguishing feature of this model which is its ability to “disappear” when not in use, making it less invasive than traditional stairlifts.
Designed for those with mobility difficulties, the model offers safe and comfortable use for both those who move in wheelchairs and for those who can stand with assistance. Ease of use is one of the main features: the controls are intuitive, allowing both the user and the assistant to operate it without difficulty.
Equipped with perimeter anti-fall and anti-crushing protections, it guarantees complete safety during use, like any other stairlift. To allow autonomous use, it can be equipped with a push-button panel on board the platform, while complying with all relevant safety regulations.
In addition, it comes with all the necessary devices to ensure maximum user safety, offering a reliable and discreet solution to improve accessibility in limited spaces without compromising the style and aesthetics of the environment.
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