Stairlift Reviews

The company manufacturer Freelift was established by two companies namely Jan Hamer and Brinkman. The company came about because of their merger. 1886 was the year that Jan Hamer first established the lift company or factory Jan Hamer and Company in Germany’s Amsterdam. Many years after Mr. Mulder handled the operations and it grew making it the biggest manufacturer of lifts in the Netherlands. The Mr. Mulder’s grandson toured the United States in 1960’s and he saw the stair lift unit. He got inspired by his discovery and soon made his own design. It became the very first stair lift in the entire Europe which was finished in 1962.

The Brinkman Company was built in 1889. It was made to answer the need of having a workshop for making machines and tools that would be helpful for the milk industry. In the twenties some of their customers complained of having a hard time lifting the goods so the company designed a unique lift for them. They made the first column lift.

In the eighties the company OTIS bought the companies and this business merger gave rise to the new name of the company Liftenfabriek Brinkman Jan Hamer. The company then decided to create and design more stair lift units. The company later on became a single entity again back in 1996. One year later the company was more engaged in product and developing stairlifts and so they renamed it to Freelift.

Today Freelift can be found in thirty two different countries everywhere which includes France, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan. Freelift stairlifts have been popular because of it’s compact design giving sufficient space for other users of the staircase. The lifts also have a unique attractive design which satisfy the aesthetic need of the consumers. Freelift assures each customer that each item is perfectly finished for maximum comfort of the passenger. The latest designs they are offering are the following:

1. MONDRIAAN – This is a straight stair lift

2. Van Gogh – for the curved staircases.

3. Rembrandt – The ideal stair lift for stairwells.

4. Vermeer – This is the stair lift ideal for a house with more than two levels.

The Freelift company continues to help people with a difficult time managing the stairs to become more independent and to live life comfortably. The main office is in Heerhugowaard where the newest technology are also applied to the products to give new service and improve the operation.

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There are necessary safety measures that buyers of stair lifts should do before buying a unit. The safety of the passenger and other members of the family should always be the first priority. This article shall tackle some of the important points that buyers or users of stair lifts should consider.

These are some significant things to keep in mind especially for those with physical disabilities for whom climbing up the staircase is too difficult. Many stair lifts made for the homes are already a usual site and many stair lifts have been incorporated with the high end technology that makes the operation easier and more comfy for the user. The whole operation is even quieter with the latest stair lifts being produced.

1. Consider looking in at your stairs’ treads because this where the stair lift’s rail is actually attached. It is not mounted on the wall. They are attached to the steps. Check each step carefully for some minor or major cracks. Check if the whole staircase is still in a good working condition. If it is not consider repairing the damage first before having the stair lift installed. Watch out as well for some cracks and woodworms or other insect infestations that can make the whole staircase vulnerable. People should realize that the stair lift is a heavy duty machine.

2. In order to keep a stair lift in good working condition the staircase should be free from any obstruction. Before installing a stair lift in your house think of the furniture or some things can get in the way while it is traveling. It should have the capability to halt at both ends of the stairs. The passenger should be able to safely enter and exit without any object hindering this. If there are some objects then consider placing some of those objects in other places of the house or putting the stair lift in the other side of the stairs. There should be enough space for the rail and for the person to sit and exit comfortably.

3. Check the electrical and lighting installations first before installing the lift. It is a common knowledge that there should be ample lighting while the passenger is riding the stair lift. A good amount of lighting will certainly minimize the risk of any accident for the passenger and other members of the home.

Lastly many of the current stair lifts being produced are now operating under the power of the battery however not all of the brands have been converted. If you choose a brand that needs an electricity outlet nearby then makes sure that the supply and the electrical socket will comply with the regulations of the government. If you have an old house then makes sure to update this before installing the lift. It is wise to hire the service of a good electrician when installing a new socket.

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Lifts have become a need by people experiencing disability in mobility and accessibility. Lifts by Pollock Company was put up by a man named John Pollock. The year was 1983 when it had its first operation. Then it became a registered company after two more years. Their facility is located in North Ireland. It is run by eighty five people. Since the start Mr. Pollock wanted to make a lift that would go through floors but it should look a lot like excellent furniture. His goal was to provide the consumers the chance to enjoy life and he wanted to be known as the creator of the innovative lift.

Up to this day the lifts made by Pollock still continues to product quality with lifts that challenges the traditional and the norm.
In 2006 their latest lift design which was never made before. The company introduced some better solutions that can make Pollock a potential leader in the big industry of providing lifts.

Pollock Lifts is not only popular for their through floor lifts but for one of the excellent short rising platform lifts available today. Their platform lift is called the Independence step lift. They have been producing quality lifts for five years already. They have been implementing their design in a wide selection of sizes and different features. They do this to serve the needs of the consumers better.

There are three major themes that make Pollock a profitable company since it began. They are all about design, safety and quality. Lifts made by Pollock are durable and can still be used after many years of using them. Pollock make their designs that would help the end users live comfortable lives with more accessibility. Today Pollock are selling their products to Ireland and Great Britain. They also sell to other European countries and to other countries outside of Europe. It is a brand recognized by millions of people.

Pollock Company incorporates technology for their lifts to ensure safety and convenience to their loyal customers. The lifts are very versatile and the wide range of products was developed to give excellent lifts for the user’s safe usage. The lifts are all stylish with designs that will not require any modification on any structure of the building or the house. The company includes installation when you buy their lifts. They also provide warranty to make consumers feel secure that the units have passed quality standards.

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The Stair Trac unit by Garaventa is a wheelchair lift that can be transported. It is highly portable that can be attached to many regular wheelchairs available today. It can be used inside the house and outside as well. It actually allows the caregiver of the person in the wheelchair to move with ease when moving the person just with one push of the button. The Stair-Trac by Garaventa is a cost-effective answer to the need of having a mobility aid for wheelchair users.

This unit is easier to load inside a car when going to a field trip or a group excursion or a long drive on a weekend. This can load the wheelchair with the use of the ramp. It can be fitted in most of the trunks of vehicles made today.

Garaventa is a huge company operating in a number of countries and specializing in designing products for mobility. Garaventa has almost two hundred employees in different places. In 1976 they recognized the immediate need for more accessibility aids. It was first an independent effort which turned into a major line in 1978. Garaventa lifts today have become a leading brand in terms of excellent quality and dependability. There are more than fifty thousand users of their brand.

Super-Trac is the industry’s only portable lift for the wheelchair that can be inclined. It gives users immediate accessibility when stairs become difficult. The design of the platform is one of a kind which accommodates different kinds of wheelchairs. It can be used for child, adult and sports wheelchairs. The following features make Stair-Trac wheelchair lift truly dependable.

1.It can be attached to any kind of wheelchair as long as it has the push handle.

2.It can carry more than two hundred eighty pounds in thirty levels. It can be used in any type of staircase used inside or outside a house or a building.

3.The grip of the tracks always remains secure. The handle for the support can be detached after usage for easier transport.

4.The belt can be quickly released as a safety precaution.

5.There is a key switch that prevents other people without authority from using it.

6.The batteries are rechargeable. It comes with a charger.

A portable wheelchair lift like the Stair-Trac is a helpful mobility aid because you can use in all kinds of stairs in any structure. It is highly compact making it easier to bring along for any trip. It needs very little maintenance and it is also very affordable.

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Prices for stair lifts differ in design. Typically for a straight stair lift for a straight stairs people usually buy the unit for two thousand dollars up to four thousand dollars. There are stair lifts which can even cost up to more than fifteen thousand dollars. The price also differs because it can be based on the market and the value of money. It can also differ because there are stairs that need configurations first. The cost usually given by the companies or dealers include the installation process. There are some cities that would require a homeowner or a building a permit with an on site inspection first before you can buy the unit. There are still some companies offering good brands of stair lifts for rent and used units that are reconditioned for another use which makes more people get the chance to own a stair lift.

The Medicare in U.S. does not include the need for stair lifts in their coverage. There are different ways to get money to buy a stair lift. They can get it by getting a loan or applying for a grant. There are some financial schemes which dealers also offer just like with home loans or mortgages. Below are different alternatives in financing for a stair lift.

•Area Agencies for Aging – There are agencies meant to help the aged. They are established to provide funds for the elderly of America which they are entitled according to the Older Americans Act. According to the third title they can ask for funds to do some renovations for their homes. You need to call the locator for the eldercare to get the list of agencies in your area.

•Banks and other lenders – There are specific banks that offer consumers loan in financing home renovations like having a ramp or installing a stair lift and for widening a door. There are mortgages that work in reverse that allows the owners to have some cash for the value of their house. You can call the lending groups or banking groups near the area. They can give free advice even on the telephone.

•Department of Housing and Community – There are several cities using grants from the Community Development Block. These helps the people to do some upgrade on their houses. You can call the local agencies for community development nearest your area.

•Health Insurance – There are also come companies for health insurance that covers some home renovations and this should be checked with the company first.

•Internal Revenue Service – There are some modifications for the house that can be deducted from the total tax you should pay because this is part of your expense. You should ask a tax accountant or someone who knows a lot about filing taxes. You may also get a copy of the publication number 502 from the IRS branch near you.

These are just some financing alternatives you can consider so you can have the ideal stair lift that will suite your needs. The stair lift has become a necessity especially for a disabled person. Having a sense of freedom in mobility and accessibility is an important part to healthy living.

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Stair Lifts are chairs with motors that run on one track that should be placed in a secure manner. This should be attached on the stairs with good screws. ThyssenKrupp is a company that has been providing stair lifts for the handicapped and elderly for many years. All Thyssenkrupp stair lifts won’t require modifications on the stairs or homes of the buyers. The units are very user friendly and just touching a button would secure the person on the seat and after using them the unit can be folded thus making it very compact. The safety of the consumers and convenience is the primary priority of the company.

After using the seat the footrest is foldable so it doesn’t take up a lot of space on the stairs. Each Thyssenkrupp unit can usually be folded that it only uses fourteen inches of the space. When the stair lift is being used it can open and take up twenty five inches of space.

Each stair lift by Access is also helpful for someone who uses a wheelchair since the arms can be adjusted and raised up. The height of the seat is also adjustable. The seat is also padded for a comfortable ride.

The units are known for their versatility. It can be an elegant unit as well like the Stair Glide model. This model offers consumers more flexibility and more features can be customized. The Stair Glide is made for curved staircases even the spiral stairs. It can fit the curved stairs perfectly without bumps and sudden stops. Each travel is a gentle ride for the end-user. There are many good features installed in the Stair Glide from Thyssenkrupp like the following:

1.The Stair Glide features a nice seat that gives comfort to the users. It can swivel and can be locked in ninety degrees from the landing on top. It lets the user enter and exit the unit with much ease.

2.The buttons are made with state of the art technology. They are strategically place at the tip of the armrests for easier use. The joystick is also available for the use of those who have a hard time using their hands. The control can be used with just touching the buttons so the stair lift can be called when needed.

3. The look of the whole unit can be personalized. The customers can choose the upholstery of the seat which can come in seven different colors.

4.Another advantage in buying the Stair Glide is the fact that it has a compact style which folds up to thirteen inches and a half inches of the space.

5. There are sensors that detect objects that can become an obstruction ahead of time. These objects can block the path and when the sensors sense them it tells the unit to stop to avoid damaging the system.

The Stair Glide stair lift is a good brand that represents Thyssenkrupp’s ultimate goal of providing the consumers with the a mobility aid that has excellent quality.

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Curved stair lifts are considered to the most sophisticated stair lifts since they are made according to the stairs’ unique specifications. Lift Able has the technologically advanced Contour model. The Contour’s most obvious feature is the huge and stylish chair which most users find very comfortable. It actually looks attractive in any type of house. It runs on a battery therefore making the operation smoother and free of noise. There is also no need to worry of having a power outage since the battery is rechargeable.

The stair lift runs on a thirty six voltage power supplied by a battery. There is a rack and pinion drive inside. The speed is usually .135 milliseconds. It can carry up to one hundred twenty kilograms. This product has been certified by TUV and passed CE standards. There is an overspeed controlling governor. It comes with a joystick so passengers can have full control. The angle of bends it can turn can reach up to fifty two degrees.

The footrest reaches the ground level therefore making stepping out much easier for the passenger. It parks at the topmost level so dismounting will be made without much effort. The Contour stair lift comes with a one of a kind system of the ability to level itself on its own. It moves along one track and then it automatically makes adjustment on its speed to keep the seat leveled for each bend ensuring a safe ride.

Contour stairlifts come with safety features which include a switch for turning the unit off in case of any emergency. This can be pushed when the user needs to stop.The whole carriage along with the footrest has sensitive ends preventing objects along the way to get trapped while the lift is moving. After using the unit the whole lift can be folded with ease giving more space for the others to pass by. There are still so many things that can be added on the stair lift and below are the other options.

1.The rail can be folded

2.The seat’s squab can be folded after usage.

3.The seat can be fixed or swiveled

4.The seats can either have a soft back or a hard one.

5.The color of the fabric can be chosen by the customers.

Stair lifts does is not only a mobility aid it is a preventive aid as well. It helps prevent accidents at home specifically for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

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There are several brands of stair lift units in United Kingdom that people can easily avail in their markets. It is essential to read each product brochure of a stair lift first before buying a unit so you know that the product you are buying is the one you really need. Other consumers have specific stair lift needs they want to be met and it is important to note them before going out to buy one.

The first thing to consider when buying a stair lift is the staircase. The staircase is the major factor in choosing the lift. The space is the next consideration. There are some basic features in stair lifts offered in United Kingdom. It is very significant to remember the weight of the unit you need. You should get the weight of the intended passenger and the maximum load the unit can carry. In United Kingdom the brand with the biggest load capacity is the Minivator’s model 2000.

If you are looking for a stair lift unit for heavy duty usage then look for a unit where the weight capacity can be stretched. There are some stair lift brands that are meant for heavy usage like Bison’s 45 DLX and 50 DLX where the capacity is 28 stone. The next with the biggest capacity is Stannah’s Saxon model and Stannah’s 260 model. Stairs lifts usually have a swivel chair that works automatically upon reaching the upper level. A swivel seat makes it safer and easier for passengers to get off and ride the unit. Most of the brands in United Kingdom have a swivel seat already and you need to ask the seller first.

There are units in United Kingdom that has standing and perch features. This gives more convenience to people who have a hard time bending down. This feature keeps them standing up while the stair lift goes up. This feature is offered in most of the models except the Thyssen Flyte, Stannah 260 Sarum, Thyssenkrupp Flow, Free Lift and Bison eighty. The staircase should also determine which brand of stair lift you would buy. The Thyssenkrupp Flyte is by far the one which can be folded the slimmest.

The stair lifts available in United Kingdom also comes with displays that can detect the problem of the stair lift and notify the user. This helps the users to tell the maintenance what repair needs to be done. This is also a troubleshooting feature since it updates users the current status of the unit without the need to call a person to repair it.

Most brands in the United Kingdom comply with the international standards made for safety. Most brands function well and are guaranteed to last for many years.

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Stair lifts are an important device for anyone who finds ascending the stairs very difficult. Today many stair lifts are installed with parts that are guaranteed safe. They also use the latest technology available so users will feel more comfortable. There are many suppliers or dealers for stair lifts all over the world.

In United Kingdom one of the leaders in supplying stair lifts independently is Dolphin stair lifts. The company offers varied choices of the excellent brands of stair lifts out in the market. They have many branches all over United Kingdom as well as Ireland. Dolphin can definitely help everyone with different needs for a stair lift. They are an authorized agent for many stair lift manufacturers like Bison Bede, Meditek, Freelift, Wessex, Minivator and Stannah.

Dolphin started its operation in the nineties. They offer different kinds of stair lifts and as years passed by the company was able to offer more and newer brands. Later on they were able to offer stair lifts for rent. The company’s goal is to provide the most honest suggestion to what stair lift is best for every potential customer they encounter.

The company also prides itself of enjoying the independence of suggesting a brand to their customers. They can suggest the best equipment that will best fit the requirements of the customer without having to compromise any standard of excellence and safety. The salesmen of Dolphin are not pushy. They are trained to never rush the customers in coming up with a decision in buying a product.

Dolphin keeps their overhead costs at a minimum so that they could give the customers a lower price that would be beneficial for them. They also have many distributors found all over United Kingdom. There is no need for much advertising since it will only eat up most of the overhead cost for the units.

Dolphin also gives each customer a one year guarantee that each unit will perform well. This guarantee applies for the brand new and refurbished units. This guarantee can also be extended as requested by the buyer. They can also offer contracts for maintaining the products.

They also give each person inquiring about the product friendly and helpful advice. All employees are very professional and courteous. Dolphin prides itself of giving the best service. The company has twenty branches. Dolphin also has a website where the people can order right away. Dolphin also provides lifts for different buildings which started in 2000. They assist different branches of the authorities, hospitals, shops, offices and schools. These buildings and establishments comply with the Act against discrimination to the disabled which in 2004 came to effect.

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