Stair lifts are a great invention that help the elderly, the handicapped, or people with temporary disabilities. They help people be independent and provide safety while moving up and down the stairs. In case of not so serious problems, they provide a cheaper alternative to caregiver services.

How do you go about purchasing the stair lift that suits you best? There are so many out there that confusion is inevitable. The best one is obviously one that is most comfortable and functional.

First thing to take into consideration is the type of stair lift you need. Depending on the person using it, it can either be a seated, standing, or a wheelchair lift.

With that decision made, you will also have to see whether it is possible for you to have a power outlet for the stair lift or if you would rather have a battery operated one. It is difficult to say which one is better, as each has its own advantages. Battery operated ones need to be charged after certain number of uses, whereas a powered stair lift can be problematic in case of power outages. There are ones that come with both options, but they would be expensive.

The type of staircase in the house matters too. Lifts are made for all types of staircases, the straight staircase or the curved one. It would help to get your home evaluated by an expert to get a fair idea and also to get the dimensions of the staircase.

Ease of operation becomes very important.

People should be able to move about with the help of buttons and a remote control. Some lifts have several controls while others have just one. You need to make a choice depending on how comfortable the person who is going to use the stair lift feels. If there are going to be multiple users of the lift, it is advisable to take one that comes with top and bottom call switches.

Priority being safety, there should be belts on the stair lifts and handles should be safe. Safety sensors are a must to avoid hitting anything on the way. They should not start or they should stop automatically when there is something wrong with the seat, handles, or safety belt. Ensure that the lifts have passed ASME standards.

In the market today, you will find AC and DC stair lifts. Although AC is cheaper that DC, it is advisable to go for a DC unit, so that there will not be a problem in cases of power outages.

The next thing you would need to consider is your budget. Are you up to buying a new stair lift or will you have to suffice with getting a used one? If your disability is a temporary one, and you may not use the lift after a while, you could go in for a used one. Check for good deals and you are sure to find a good used one.

You may also purchase a lift online, but ensure you are buying from a reliable and reputed company and that a warranty is in place.

Buying from a reputed company helps because you can count on their warranty being fulfilled, support, and quality. With your stair lift, you can rest assured that the elderly or disable people of your home are safe and protected and most importantly, independent.