Stair lifts have been around for years and have developed into very user friendly and can be a positive addition to your home.

Most stair lifts are reasonable priced obviously depending on which one you require. There are so many to choose from you can take your pick and make sure you don't exceed your budget. Think about how much it will cost to install a stair lift compared to maybe having to install a bathroom downstairs or changing one of your reception rooms into a bedroom or sometimes having to have an extension built. Why would you only want to stay on the ground floor of your home and leave your bedroom?

With so many to choose from you can get one with a design to compliment your déto make your decoration, some also fold away for narrow staircases or small landings.

They manufacturer seats with padding to give you a comfortable ride so you should feel like you are seating on your lounge chair.

Most of the stair lifts have moving armrests which could be an advantage when you are boarding the chair or leaving.

There is also a foot rest so your feet won't be dangling as you are moving. The footrest and seat can be adjusted depending on your height and size, to ensure a comfortable fit and ride.

Most of the controls are user friendly with either buttons or a joystick. Some can have a remote control giving you access to the stair lift without actually being sat on it, giving you complete control.

The speed of the stair lift should be slow and steady, most ensure a smooth ride. The modern stair lifts are fitted with a soft start and stop so you won't come to sudden jolt when you arrive at the top or bottom of the stairs which could cause you pain.

The lap belt or seat belt can be adjusted so it can we worn with ease. Most will have safety sensors which are placed on the footrest and seat, some vary as to the position but all are there to detect any obstructions on the stairs, landing and at the bottom which will stop the chair immediately and not continue until it has been cleared. This is ideal if you have small pets who like to follow you or may have a favourite place to sleep at the bottom of the stairs and sometimes not always easy to see.

Stair lifts can be either attached to the wall or the top of the step, this depends on the manufacturer. There are stair lifts available for straight, curved, spiral and even outside stair cases.

The outside stair lift can be ideal if the stairs are wet, icy or very steep and dangerous giving you peace of mind and preventing a possible fall.

Most companies can provide a quick turn around with installation and minimum disturbance as most stair lifts are designed for easy installation. Also there should be a guarantee should you have any faults or questions once installed.

Copyright (c) 2008 Jay Ta