Stair lifts are a crucial part of a two story house where there is an elderly person with reduced mobility. The lift provides easy access going up and down the stairs without needing to constantly ask for help from other people in the home. Many stair lift retailers include installation, but if you are installing a stair lift yourself, there are regulations and protocols to follow for proper and safe installation.
1) The measurements must be made accurately and precisely in order to ensure that the lower track fits smoothly with the stairs. There are brackets that hold it in place which come with a set of screws. These three brackets will anchor the bottom rail securely to the stairs on the top, bottom and middle of the set of stairs.
2) The wiring is installed through the track next, from top to bottom. It is kept out of the way so it doesn’t become a tripping hazard on the stairs for people who are walking up and down. Usually it runs against the side that has the wall. The call box (control box) is installed in a place that makes accessibility easy for the user.
3) The top track then sits firmly above the lower one. The base of the chair attaches perfectly between the top and lower track. Hardware and instructions for attaching the top track come with the stair lift package.
4) Next, the installer must feed the chain through the center part of the track and then it attaches properly to each end as given in the instructions. Measuring everything and making sure that all instructions are followed accurately makes for a successful installation.
5) Once installation is complete, the stair lift should run smoothly and safely along the wall to transport someone with reduced mobility up and down the stairs.
Try the stair lift out a few times; going up and down, before your elderly loved one gives it a try. It will make her feel more at ease and secure when she sees you safely travel several times on the stair lift. Show her the controls and demonstrate how easy it is to figure out how to work it. Remind her that she must always be safely buckled into the seat and not try to use it without buckling up. Another thing to check for that isn’t directly related to the stair lift is to make sure that there is adequate lighting at the top and the bottom of the staircase.
