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One of the biggest challenges to aging in place if you or a loved one have mobility issues is stairways. If you live in a multi-story home, it may seem unrealistic to age in place.

With a stair lift installed by Portland Accessibility Remodellers in Portland, ME, stairways don’t have to prevent you from staying in your home as you age. You can continue to access all the floors of your home safely and comfortably and prevent the need to move.

Read on to learn about the different types of stair lifts you can get for your home. 

What is a Stair Lift?

A stair lift is a motorized mobility aid consisting of two components: a seat and tracks. The seat rides up or down a staircase on the tracks, which are either saw-toothed or textured to ensure complete safety.

Most stair lifts are powered by a rechargeable battery, which is attached to the seat and charges at a docking station located at the base of the lift. You can control the lift with a simple joystick built into the arm of the chair or with a remote control.

What are the Different Types of Stair Lifts?

Here are some of the stair lifts that can make your home more accessible as you age-in-place:

Straight Stair Lifts

Straight stair lifts are the most basic type of stair lift. They are designed for stairways that go straight up without bends or curves. Straight stair lifts are typically the easiest to install, making them the most affordable. 

Curved Stair Lifts 

If your staircase has curves, bends, or intermediate landings, you’ll need a curved stair lift. These lifts are custom-made to fit the specific shape of your staircase and provide seamless navigation around corners and curves.

Outdoor Stair Lifts 

Outdoor stair lifts are designed to be weatherproof and resistant to elements like wind, rain, and snow. They provide easy and safe accessibility to outdoor spaces like decks, patios, or garden areas.

Standing Stair Lifts 

Standing stair lifts, also known as perch stair lifts, are a good option for individuals who have difficulty bending their knees or sitting down. Instead of a seat, these stair lifts feature a small platform or perch for the user to stand on while being transported up or down a stairway.

Platform Stair Lifts 

Platform stair lifts, sometimes called wheelchair stair lifts or inclined platform lifts, are designed to accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs or have difficulty transferring to a traditional stair lift seat. These lifts feature a platform onto which the user can roll their wheelchair and are equipped with safety gates and ramps to ensure secure transportation.

Compact Stair Lifts

Compact stair lifts are designed for narrower staircases, which might not accommodate a full-sized stair lift. They come equipped with foldable seats, armrests, and footrests to minimize the amount of space they take up when not in use.

One recent project completed by Portland Accessibility Remodelers involved installing a stair lift system for a community member who wanted to continue comfortably aging in place in their Portland, Maine, home. The custom curved stair lift was an exciting project for our skilled technicians.

The right stair lift can make all the stories of your home accessible to everyone as you age in place. Whether your staircase is straight, narrow, or curved, there’s sure to be a stair lift option that’s perfect for your home!

Portland Accessibility Remodelers in Portland, ME, are here to help you make your home fully accessible for all the members of your household as you age in place! Contact us to schedule a home accessibility consultation!