Get a Grip: How to Actively Prevent Falls with a Stair Lift

For people of all ages with mobility issues, a stair lift, also called a stair glide, makes life at home a little easier. Older people who are having a hard time moving up and down stairs and those who have a physical disability may need a chair lift in order to make getting around the home less dangerous. It is imperative that you make sure that the chair lift is safe for those who have mobility issues and those around them. Here are some ways to make your stair life safe.

A wide foot holder

One of the issues with safety on a stair lift is making sure that the person is safely encased inside of the chair lift. If there is little room for the feet inside of the chair-lift holder, this could cause issues with feet dangling and could cause someone to trip. Make sure the foot holder of the chair lift is wide and that the feet and legs can easily rest on the lift. This will provide protection from possible falls. 

Armrests that can bear weight

Some chair-lift holders may not automatically come with armrests on the side. Armrests should be either purchased with the chair lift or installed after the lift is set up. Armrests are necessary, as older people who have trouble walking up stairs may need something to grip for balance. Being able to hold on tight to the chair makes it easier to get in and out of the seat, or to get one's bearings. Be sure to install armrests hat can handle the weight of a whole person leaning on the seat. 

A handle bar at the top of the steps

For those who are having a hard time walking, getting up the stairs via the chair lift may only be the beginning. Being able to stand up and walk or move around after getting up the steps is the next part of the battle. Install a handle bar at the top of the stairs in front of where the chair lift ends. This will make it easier for someone to hold on to something and pull themselves up. Be sure that the handle bar is affixed to the wall in a sturdy manner but has some padding so that it is not hard to grip. A handle bar can make it easy to get up and guard against slips and falls.   

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