As people age, their physical agility can be compromised, whether from injuries, muscle damage or other age-related conditions. Products such as handicap lifts offer accessibility for people with mobility issues while ensuring safety. They improve seniors’ self-reliance and overall quality of life by helping them navigate public and private structures.
Let’s explore the various types of lifts for seniors and their different purposes.
Stair Lifts
A stair lift is a motorized device that an older adult can sit on to move up and down a flight of stairs. It is a great way to reduce the risk of falling and safely navigate the home while maintaining a senior’s autonomy to age happily and comfortably. It is composed of the following:
- Track or rail: The track directly attaches to the stairs, allowing the seat to move up and down a flight of stairs. There are three rails: outdoor, curved ones for stairs that turn, and straight ones for traditional staircases.
- Chassis: The chassis is attached to the rail and contains the gears, battery, and motor, which are the main electronics. These three come with different configurations and features to allow users to choose what’s suitable for a comfortable ride.
- Seat: An ideal stair lift has a swivel seat to sit on to allow safe and easy entry and exit from the staircase.
Stair lifts can prevent life-threatening injuries or falls by providing a safe way of moving from one level to another.
Platform Lifts
A platform lift offers the elderly convenience similar to that of an elevator. It can be used on multiple floors, and an individual can operate the controls within the lift without any assistance. Platform lifts are a great solution for wheelchair users to reach their destination quickly and with dignity.
The two major types of platform lifts are:
- Vertical platform lifts (VPLs): These are ideal for settings with limited space or shorter travel distances to offer vertical transportation. They are mostly found in homes and small commercial buildings to help seniors or disabled people navigate raised steps or platforms.
- Inclined platform lifts: Unlike vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts are designed for inclines and staircases. They comprise a platform that moves along a rail installed on a staircase, enabling wheelchair users to navigate multiple levels without altering the space.
Platform lifts are versatile and can be used outdoors, indoors, or specifically designed for a home environment. They are cost-effective and more easily accessible than standard elevators.
Home Elevators
A home elevator is an enclosed cabin that offers vertical transportation between floors. It is a spacious option for homes with multiple floors and can be customized with finishes and features. A home elevator ensures that the individual’s day-to-day activities are not interrupted by the challenge of navigating stairs. From going up the bedroom to taking groceries to the kitchen or just getting around the house, a home elevator can make it possible. Also, they have built-in handrails and non-slip floors for extra safety and client satisfaction.
You can also customize the home elevator by adding user-friendly accessories for seniors, such as:
- Wireless elbow button: This is a large call button placed a few feet from the lift to allow the senior to wait for the lift in the same place without backing away when the lift doors swing open.
- Concealed door openers: You can customize your doors’ opening and closing speed. Further, you can have automatic door openers concealed inside the door frame that open doors automatically when the elevator arrives on landing.
- Folding seat: This feature offers the elderly person a comfortable seating allowance. A folding seat can be folded down and automatically folds against the wall when not in use.
Pool Lifts
Access to recreational spaces is essential for all individuals, including seniors. A pool lift helps those struggling with mobility get in and out of water safely and independently. Before installing a pool lift, it is crucial to understand the needs of the users and consider the following:
- If the pool can be operated independently or if there is a need for assistance.
- If there is room along the pool edges or on the deck to fix the lift or a storage area for a mobile floor pool lift.
- The weight requirements of the lift.
Vehicle Lifts
Vehicle lifts are necessary for elderly individuals in wheelchairs. They make it easy to load and offload wheelchairs or scooters from vehicles, making travel easy. The lift is mounted in the cargo area and uses a hoist mechanism to swing outside the car, lift and load the mobility device. When shopping for a vehicle lift for a loved one, explore the different lift options available and consider the following:
- The type of vehicle that you will use.
- The type of mobility device you have.
- Your ability to load a vehicle.
Why Handicap Lifts Are Necessary for Seniors
Lifts are essential in allowing seniors to maintain more independence at home. These devices reduce the need for constant assistance, allowing older people to move safely and freely. Benefits of mobility devices to seniors include:
- Versatility: Various types of lifts serve a different purpose to suit your every need. They differ in features, configurations and areas of operation to increase versatility and functionality. Expert suppliers can also customize any lift to match your taste and preference.
- Improved safety: Lifts are a practical solution to eliminate the risk of slips and falls among older adults. They make a home senior-friendly and easy to navigate through floors, especially if one lives alone.
- Increased mobility and independence: Seniors love their freedom, and mobility devices ensure just that by promoting independence. Installing them can reduce the necessity for full-time caregiver assistance as the person can roam freely unassisted.
- Enhanced comfort and convenience: These lifts are designed to prioritize the user’s needs and comfort. They contain easy-to-use controls, padded seats, and a smooth operation that is convenient and usable.
Handicap Lifts Supplier in South Florida
For an older adult, handicap lifts represent more than convenience, it’s a pathway to inclusion and independence. By offering reliable access to different environments, these lifts empower seniors to participate fully in social and recreational activities without limitations. From stair lifts to home elevators and beyond, each type serves a purpose in promoting independent mobility.
Advanced Mobility Inc. provides high-quality products specially designed for comfort, durability, and safety. We also offer personalized solutions and professional installation services to ensure the lift seamlessly integrates into your home and meets your needs. Contact us today, and let us elevate your safety and accessibility.