subject: How A Platform Lift Can Help The Disabled Or Elderly In Their Homes [print this page] A platform lift can be a tremendous help for the disabled or elderly in their own homes. It can be traumatising for the elderly or people with poor mobility to suddenly be unable to get around their own homes and move from one floor to the next.
If this is a problem for you, it makes sense to talk to a lift manufacturer as soon as possible about having a platform lift installed in your home. If money is an issue, domestic platform lifts are available online without breaking the bank. However, it's vital that you choose exactly the type of platform lift you need, while keeping within budget.
Checking out platform lifts online can be confusing, though. You'll find a number of variants. Take some time to look at the options, talk to a few manufacturers and get the best advice possible.
One variant is the wheelchair platform lift. These lifts are simple to operate and compact, so they can be used indoors or out. Whether you choose electric or hydraulic, they're strong, so can cope with quite a bit of weight. These platform lifts are also very well made, with quality components for real durability and long service. They come with a regular maintenance package.
Wheelchair platform lifts tend to have excellent safety features, too. These include obstruction sensors, antiskid floors, grab rails and brakes. Some also have audio-visual alarms and electromechanical brakes. Another great feature of wheelchair platform lifts is their ability to carry on operating in a power cut or other emergency.
Another boost for those with mobility problems is the platform stair lift or perch lift. This is a stair lift that takes people from one floor to the next. It differs from a normal stairlift in that the disabled person stands on a platform rather than sits in a chair. There's a plate to stand on and a handle to hold. The rider or carer can toggle a control to operate the lift.
If you require accommodation for both standing and sitting, some standing lifts will do this. With just a few tweaks by the manufacturer, the unit can be transformed from sitting mode to standing.
You might choose a standing platform lift if you have trouble sitting. Or perhaps you simply prefer to stand for what is a short journey. If in doubt about which lift is right for you, talk to your GP and to lift manufacturers.
A platform lift can be installed on a straight or curved run of stairs, just like a normal stairlift. It's always best for a professional to carry out the installation.
Platform stairlifts and wheelchair platform lifts give back mobility and independence to people who feel imprisoned by their age or lack of mobility. Talk to reputable dealers about the right one for your home.
