Archive for Wheelchair Lifts
The Handicap Chair Lift – What Is It For And Do I Need One?
Posted by: | CommentsWheel chairs were mainly developed for those who were physically challenged since birth or met up with an accident that caused physical incapability. Even since the time of Ancient Egypt, a form of wheel chair was already invented to transport those who are unable to travel alone. In more recent years so many designs and scientific breakthroughs have sprung. One of them is the handicap chair lift.
Getting to know the handicap chair lift is the very first thing to do. The lift includes an actuator, a motor, and of course a sturdy structure that can last for years if taken care of properly, in good condition, and with good quality. A handicap chair lift often comes with a back up battery in case there’s no electricity power.
The handicap chair lift is not only for those who are wheel chair bound, but is actually for anyone who suffers any kind of physical disability. For example, individuals with chronic back problems, osteoporosis, and hip problems can benefit from the handicap chair lift. The handicap chair lift is basically for anyone who has difficulty or experiences pain getting off his or her chair. This device therefore caters mainly to the elderly and/or severely ill.
For those who are wheel chair bound, it makes it so much easier to go to bed without exerting too much effort or having others help you out. There are many more benefits from using the handicap chair lift, which will be further discussed in this article.
Slipping off the chair easily and with less discomfort is a major function of the handicap chair lift. Another function is to enable the individual to reach certain areas in the house. For instance, cleaning windows or trying to reach a book on a tall bookshelf could be an unpleasant task for able people, much more for individuals who are already struggling physically to walk or move. The handicap chair lift can actually elevate so that the person can experience more comfort and convenience. Most chairs that work this way are airlifted.
When shopping for a handicap chair lift, consider your height. Your height will determine how much elevation is required from a handicap lift. You will therefore also need to discover what you usually do at home that require you to have a handicap chair lift. Ask yourself if you do a lot of house cleaning, if you often have a hard time reaching light switches or if you use your kitchen alot (standard-sized ranges can be quite difficult to use for wheelchair bound individuals).
There are handicap chair lifts that may or may not have the capacity to carry a particular amount of weight so identifying your weight is the next step. Most chair lifts can carry more than 300 pounds.
Lastly, chair lifts nowadays can come with massage and heating functions so find out if you want extra features for your handicap chair lift. These can be extremely useful for individuals with severe back and muscle aches.
Handicap chair lift is but one of the many kinds of wheelchair lift out there. Read more articles to help you get to know other chair lifts such as the vertical wheelchair lift.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Things To Consider In Chair Lift Recliners
Posted by: | CommentsOne of several great inventions of our time is chair lift recliners. People with joint problems, seniors and those with serious medical conditions can all use a good lift recliner. Whenever you find that your movement is limited, all you need is a comfortable piece of furniture to relax on or help you stand up.
However, you can’t just pick any recliner. Some models and types will fit you much better than others. How do you make sure that you have the right lift recliner? Here are a few important considerations.
Function
Most chairs that double as recliners and lifts share common features that help people sit down and stand up. A lift recliner on a lifted position will help you ease your buttocks down without the need to bend your knees to 90 degrees. You then only have to use the controls to get the seat down. If you want to stand up, lift recliners also make it easier by raising you up until you can stand up easily on your own.
The reclining function is where the real difference among models lies. Two position recliners enable you to sit up and recline slightly with the footrest up. You are not able to lie down fully however, you can adjust the backrest to angles that are more convenient for you.
A chair that will let you recline the backrest fully is the three position chair lift recliner. This is the perfect chair for you if you also like to use it to sleep on for brief hours in a day. Of course, you can adjust the seat to any other angle you wish to use it in.
The final type of reclining chair has dual motors that will allow you to control different parts of it separately. The previous two types only have one control for both the back rest and the foot rest. This last major type will let you move the foot and back rests separately.
Size
Aside from considering the differences in function, you also have to consider the appropriateness of the chair size. It has to fit you just like your dress size. There are many considerations on the aspect of size alone. You need to take your exact height. Some chairs are meant for tall people while others are for those within the five feet range. Other chairs have adjustable heights. Related to height consideration is the actual seat depth.
The size of your body and buttocks should also be considered for maximum chair seat width comfort. Aside from these, you also have to consider your weight. There are heavy duty chair lifts for those who are big and on the heavy side.
Style
Chair lifts also come in many different materials, styles and colors, as with ordinary chairs. You possibly can choose among oak, maple and steel frames. Cushion covers also come in fabric or leather. As for the colors, there is bound to be one that is sure to match your room theme or decor. Chair lift recliners can easily become a part of your daily routine and your life. Your chair satisfaction though depends on just how well you choose your chair lift and recliner.
Understanding points for consideration in chair lift recliners brings you a step closer to learning the essentials of the wheelchair lift. There is so much more to learn as there are many kinds of chair lifts; vertical wheelchair lift, handicap chair lifts, etc.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Van
Posted by: | Comments
Wheelchair vans come in a wide range of options and are available all over the United States. With several things to consider when choosing the best wheelchair van for you and your needs it can feel a little overwhelming. Take a deep breath and know that there is the perfect van out there for you. It will have the features that you need and will make your life one of improved mobility.
A wheelchair van is converted van that has been supplied with the accessories that a person in a wheelchair needs to get around. They come in a rear entry version with a ramp out the back or a side entry version with a lift. Rear entry vans work well for those who will be riding in the van, but won’t be driving it. On the other hand, side entry vans work very well for those who will be driving themselves.
A rear entry van will have a ramp that is counter-balanced and loaded with magnetic anti-rattle provisions. This makes the ramp safer and less noisy during travel. Often these ramps are manual and fold up, but some can be found with electronic or hydraulic ramps.
Your wheelchair van will be fitted with a number of features for safety, comfort and convenience. Your van will have either a lowered floor or a raised roof. This gives more head space and makes it easier for the person in the wheelchair. The floor will be of a durable steel supported fiberglass and will have an anti-slip surface for easy and safe maneuvering. Customizable features include the ability to have two wheelchairs in the van or even a wheelchair and a mobility scooter. You can choose where and how you would like safety features such as four or five point tie downs for the wheelchairs and how you would like the seat belts to be arranged. Additionally your van can be equipped with total hand controls, 6-way power seat in driver position, and even outside entry controls. Vans can even be fitted with easily accessible storage for those needing to carry items along with them.
Wheelchair vans come in a wide variety of manufacturers, price ranges and styles. You can find many dealers who buy and sell these types of vans at a reasonable price and often the first step is to visit with them. You may be able to get a wheelchair van in the form of a Ford Winstar, Ford Freestar, Ford Mercury Monterey, Dodge Grand Caravan, or even options for Chevrolet, GM, Plymouth, Honda, and Toyota.
Buying a wheelchair van is an important decision. You need to consider how you will be using it and the features that you need. You should also consider how much money you can spend and where you will go to get the van. It is always a good idea to talk to the dealer about your needs with the hopes that they can help you get a van that will meet those needs and make your life easier and more efficient.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?Home Elevators: Your Residential Elevator Solution!
Posted by: | CommentsHome Elevators are great – if you have space for them! If you are considering installing an elevator in your home, you’ll want to weigh factors like cost, space requirements, effect on the value of your home, and electricity usage against the convenience a home elevator will provide.
To install a home elevator, you’ll need a vertical space for the shaft to pass through each level of your home. This may work out well if you have an open stairway, a closet that you could convert to an elevator entry, or a floor plan that lends itself well to cutting through the floor in each level of the home that the elevator will pass through.
Space Requirements: To have an elevator with 3′ x 4′ of clear space inside, you’ll need a shaft that is cut approximately 54″ x 58″ and you’ll need to allow 3′ in front for the door to swing open. Under the shaft you’ll need a 12″ pit with 9″ of reinforced concrete and a 3′ 10″ x 4′ 7″ machine room adjacent to the cab to house the motor, electric supply and phone cord which will be used to operate the elevator./
As you can see, installing a home elevator can be quite an undertaking, but for the right type of home the space and money the installation of such an apparatus requires can still be a good investment. For those working with a more modest budget or who just need a straight forward elevator solution for themselves or their wheelchair, installing a simple track-guided stair lift or platform lift may be a more practical solution than a home elevator.
Home Elevator Providers
Stair Lifts – By AmeriGlide, Summit, and Acorn. The perfect way to travel the levels of your house when climbing the steps is too cumbersome. Each is designed for homeowner installation with prices starting at $1999.
Residential Home Elevators – Vertical Platform Lifts are the perfect, affordable home elevator solution! Perfect for a side door wheelchair lift or anywhere inside or outside your home or office.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?More Considerations For Van Platform Lifts
Posted by: | CommentsSo, you’ve looked at all of the options in platform lifts for your van, and you think you’ve chosen the perfect model. Wait! There just may be more items to consider. Choosing the perfect platform lift can be a time consuming experience because there are so many details to take into consideration. Just to be safe, you should read the following suggestions for choosing the perfect lift with a platform for your van.
One major consideration for your electronic platform lift should be that it has a manual back-up. In fact, some funding sources even require this. Imagine if you were out shopping by yourself, and your van lift had a power outage; what would you do? If you had a manual platform lift, you could easily operate it by hand or instruct someone else how to do it for you and you’d be fine. These devices for the lifts are generally operated by a hand crank.
Next, you should consider the amount of space needed to operate the lift platform outside of the van. Some platforms take as much as 8 feet of space, so you will need to plan carefully. Where do you usually operate your van lift? Are the parking lots that you frequent large or are they confined to a small area that would make it difficult to operate a wheelchair platform lift? Think carefully about your particular requirements before purchasing your platform lift.
Pay special attention to how much space the platform will take up in the interior of your van. If you have frequent passengers, then you’ll want to avoid a lift that takes up most of the back or floor space because it will limit people from entering or moving about the van. In other words, look for a platform lift that will satisfy the needs of you and your passengers.
Have You Tried The SilverGlide Stair Lift?