Outdoor stair lifts are mechanisms that allow handicapped people to move up and down staircases. Usually they are used for short flights of stairs rather than larger ones, as the potential for danger is higher the higher up the lift goes. They are often used at the entrance of a handicapped person's home to help them get in and out easily. Outdoor stair lifts are weather proof, so that they can remain outdoors year round.
History
It was in 1920 that the first stair lift was created. A man named C.C. Crispen from Pennsylvania created the first stair lift to help one of his handicapped friends move from floor to floor. In the 1920's, there were not many elevators, and there were no laws stating that every building had to be handicapped accessible. This made the necessity for stair lifts much greater. Now the main use for them is to keep someone from having to remodel their house to include ramps and other such handicapped friendly architecture.
Features
Outdoor stair lifts are sturdy enough to work in all kinds of weather conditions. They have a ramp that attaches to the stair case, usually by means of metal brackets. A motorized chair is attached to the ramp and moves up and down when the stair lift is turned on. Once the person reaches the top of the staircase she can get off and go about her day. Some outdoor stair lifts are sturdier than others. Some require a covered surface, while others can be left out in hail and snow.
Considerations
Stair lifts are a great invention; however, they can be quite expensive. It is important that someone looking into purchasing a stair lift compare it to the cost of adding a ramp. In some cases a ramp is better, but in others, such as when there is little room for a ramp, or if the person does not have a wheelchair, a stair lift is the better choice. It is also important to consider if the person using the lift is going to need any help getting in and out of the chair. Someone who is in a wheelchair is probably better off with a ramp if he does not have a companion to help him onto the lift.
Size
The size of stair lifts varies. They can be nearly any length. They can also move around corners if necessary. The usual size for a stair lift is one that is about three or four steps long. The motor and chair on top of the ramp are about the size of a normal chair. The chairs usually have arms for maximum support, and sometimes contain seat belts.
Benefits
Outdoor stair lifts allow their owners much more mobility and safety than they would otherwise have. They also give relatives peace of mind knowing that their loved one will not risk falling traveling up and down stairs. The lift can be left outdoors for any length of time, and will not get damaged.
Tags: stair lifts, stair lift, Outdoor stair lifts, does have, first stair, first stair lift, Outdoor stair