One of the biggest challenges faced by those with reduced mobility is climbing up and down the stairs – at home, in commercial buildings and public areas.
However, platform stairlifts (also known as inclined platform lifts) make it easier for elderly, disabled and injured people to move from one floor to the next without leaving their wheelchairs or being assisted.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of installing a platform stairlift.
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Safety
Platform stairlifts enable wheelchair users to transfer between floors without having to navigate the stairs and injure themselves.
Inclined platforms typically incorporate sensors and barriers that make it safer for wheelchair users to travel.
Ramps allow them to roll on and off the platform smoothly. They don’t need to worry about their wheels getting caught between the floor and the platform and falling out of their chair.
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Efficiency
Installing a platform stairlift won’t block the stairs and restrict pedestrian access.
When the lift is not in use, the platform can be folded away neatly at the bottom or top of the staircase, allowing others to use the stairs.
Inclined platform lifts can carry a lot of weight and will retain their speed and safety from start to end. They don’t consume copious amounts of energy, making them an energy-efficient investment.
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Independence
Stairlifts allow individuals to access the different levels of their homes or commercial buildings.
Instead of relying on carers, loved ones and staff, passengers can operate inclined platform lifts themselves, using the buttons on the control panel.
Installing a platform stairlift is a sure-fire way to grant autonomy to those with reduced mobility and can also come in handy as you get older and climbing the stairs gets harder.
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Comfort
Using a platform stairlift to travel up and down the stairs is extremely convenient for those with mobility issues.
Passengers can remain seated in their wheelchairs as they ascend or descend. While there are usually safety bars to support the chair, users can also hold the handrail to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
The lift itself is sturdy enough to hold the weight of users and inclines gently, so there’s no chance of sudden movements or jolting.
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Simplicity
Operating an inclined platform lift couldn’t be simpler. You simply need to step or wheel yourself onto the platform and push the buttons. The safety bars will lower and the lift will begin to move at a steady pace.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all, platform stairlifts are cost-effective and easy to install. They can be installed in straight or curved staircases with several landings or turns, in any area with level changes.
Inclined platforms are low maintenance – but regular checks and maintenance will reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and prolong their lifespan.
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Could you benefit from a platform stairlift?
If you or someone you know struggles with stairs, or you’d like to make your business wheelchair friendly, installing an inclined stairlift will allow them to move around comfortably, easily and safely.
Platform stairlifts can improve the quality of life of those living with disabilities or limited mobility and also reduce the stigma of discrimination.
To find out more about stairlifts and their benefits, get in touch with platform lift providers, like Level Access Lifts.
They can arrange a convenient time to come to your property and assess the width, length and design of your staircase to determine the most suitable model for your needs.
