Complete Consumer Guide for Stair Lifts in New Jersey
Stair lifts are important pieces of accessibility equipment that provide unique benefits to their users. However, many homeowners or caretakers may overlook them because they worry stair lifts are too expensive or complicated. Williams Lift Company provides stair lifts and other accessibility equipment for homeowners in New Jersey. Our stair lift guide will help you better understand how these mobility assistants work and why you should consider one.
Understanding How Stair Lifts Work
Stair lifts are in-home additions that allow people with mobility concerns to reach different floors. These devices are built for strength, security, and comfort, making them a smart idea for anyone who is sick of struggling to get up or down stairs. Their design is much simpler than you might expect.
Stair lifts are made with two main parts: the track or rail and the chair. The track is a thin yet strong metal section that moves up your staircase at an angle. The chair, which is built into the track, offers a comfortable seat that provides stability as users move up or down. Most stair lift chairs include additional features like foot and armrests, allowing users to relax their lower and upper body during use.
What Are the Benefits of a Stair Lift?
There are many reasons that stair lifts are becoming more popular in homes across the country. First, they provide a sense of independence, allowing users to take on the challenge of steps and stairs with ease and without needing to call for assistance. This is important because many people with mobility issues don’t want to have to rely on help from others to manage daily tasks. Stair lifts also make navigating one’s home safer and quicker. Rather than suffering a fall climbing up or walking down the stairs, this device lets you avoid the risk altogether.
Another advantage of adding a stair lift in your home is that it makes everyday tasks easier. Carrying drinking glasses or large or heavy items between floors can be inconvenient for those who struggle with mobility. Stair lifts allow you to sit in the chair and hold your belongings while you travel up or down the stairs. Moving up or down stairs can also take a lot of energy and effort, something that stair lifts can help alleviate.
Who Are Stair Lifts For?
Thanks to the many benefits of stair lifts, it’s no surprise that so many find these supplies helpful. Some who might find them useful include:
Older People
As we age, our bodies take on more stress during daily activities. Going up or down the stairs safely can take a toll on older individuals. Seniors and those who care for them will be happy to learn how simple and effective stair lifts can be.
People With Injuries
If you have a back or leg injury, the discomfort or pain you feel changing floors might be enough to make you stop trying altogether. Regardless of where your injury or aches occur, having a stair lift installed will help prevent the pain from keeping you sheltered.
People With Heart or Lung Conditions
Even if your body is strong enough to ascend the staircase, if you have trouble breathing or managing life with a heart condition, it may be too taxing. Being able to take a seat in a padded chair and move up or down can make a big difference.
People With Disabilities
There is a wide range of disabilities that can make stair usage difficult or even impossible. You should never feel like you’re stuck within your own home, which is why stair lifts are so crucial to so many.
What Different Types of Stair Lifts Are There?
Since staircases come in many different shapes and sizes, so do stair lifts. Suppliers like Williams Lift Company help provide homeowners and caretakers with options, allowing them to make the right decision for their circumstances. Types of stair lifts include:
Straight Stair Lifts
Straight stair lifts are generally easy for professionals to install because they feature one angled section of track that doesn’t need to maneuver twists and turns. Williams Lift Company features a selection of straight stair lifts from some of the most trusted brands on the market.
We offer the Bruno Elan Straight Rail Stair Lift, which is designed with wireless call/send controls, and the Bruno Elite Straight Rail Stair Lift, which provides an elegant appearance and can support up to 400 pounds. The Brooks by Acorn Straight Stair Lift is another option we offer. This model features a lockable swivel seat and a seatbelt to mix convenience and safety.
Curved Stair Lifts
If you have a nontraditional staircase, you’ll need to consider alternative options. Fortunately, our professionals are proficient with the installation, repair, and maintenance of curved models. Curved stair lifts work in much the same way as straight stair lifts, but their tracks bend to match the stairway. These options can accommodate curved, L-shaped, or U-shaped staircases. We carry the Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail Stair Lift, which features an offset swivel seat to allow easy entry and a direct drive motor/gearbox that reduces the need for maintenance.
Custom Stair Lifts
Custom stair lifts are another choice for unique staircase layouts because they deliver the flexibility required for special situations. When working with Williams Lift Company, we’ll send out an expert to assess your space, being sure to take precise measurements and take note of your preferences. Once you’ve decided, we can get working on your personalized stair lift. When it has been manufactured, our installation team will come back out and get it set up for you in a matter of hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Lifts
How much does it cost to have a stair lift installed?
This answer will depend on the type of stair lift, the size, any added features, and other factors. However, in general, straight stair lifts are the least expensive and can average around $ $3,500. Curved options are usually more than twice as expensive, and custom models are the most expensive as they require more from the design team and often involve more complex installation.
How do I operate the unit?
Stair lifts are designed for easy operation. Once installed, they require only the flip of a switch or the push of a button to allow users to transport themselves between floors. Models with separate remote controls even allow users to send items up or down stairs on the seat.
Do stair lifts run on electricity?
While some stair lifts do run on electricity directly from your home, many of today’s models feature battery power or battery backup power. These units have built-in batteries that power their motors. Many of these batteries are even able to charge when they are not in use. This means the stair lift can always be ready, and the loss of power due to an accident or inclement weather won’t prevent you from getting up or down your stairs.
Do stair lifts get installed on my wall?
In most cases, stair lifts are only attached to your stairs themselves, saving you from having to worry about potential wall damage. This also means you’ll be able to keep any handrails in place, which is helpful for those who don’t need the chair lift but would like a little extra stability.
Can stair lifts be removed?
Should you no longer need a stair lift in your home, Williams Lift Company can uninstall them easily in only one or two hours. Our experienced professionals have the skills and training needed to remove all components without causing any unnecessary damage to your space.
Can I attempt to install a stair lift on my own?
Our team of technicians can do the job quickly and easily, and we don’t recommend you try to install a stair lift by yourself. Since these pieces of equipment are used by seniors and those with disabilities, any slight miscalculation or design flaw could lead to a serious injury. This is why manufacturers like Bruno only allow their products to be sold and installed by factory-trained dealers like Williams Lift Company.
Are there adjustable features?
Yes, there are. People come in all shapes and sizes, so manufacturers have worked hard to provide stair lifts that can adjust to fit nearly anyone. Between adjustable seat heights, adjustable armrest heights and widths, and swiveling seats, you can make your unit work for you and your available space. It is also important to note that many models allow users to fold up the footrest, armrests, and seat itself, allowing others to easily access the stairs without the lift impeding them.
What Services Can You Expect When You Choose Williams Lift Company?
At Williams Lift Company, we understand how frustrating it can be to struggle to maneuver around your own living space. That’s why our professionals are prepared to work with homeowners and their family members or caretakers to discuss their options. We will meet with you in your living space to talk over our offerings and take accurate measurements of your stairway. This allows us to provide you with an estimate of the work, helping you plan for the potential cost.
Once you’ve agreed to our services, our team will get started, preparing a stair lift that fits your parameters. The time needed for us to get everything ready will vary, but you can expect it to take no longer than a month or two for a custom unit. As far as installation itself goes, our team of professionals has over 50 years of experience, allowing us to handle big or small jobs in only a few hours.
Stair lifts are equipment that gets used every day, so it’s best to consider regular maintenance. Our factory-trained technicians can service Bruno, Harmar, and Brooks by Acorn stair lifts, even if they were purchased or installed by someone else. We can also perform reliable repair services on all models from these popular manufacturers, so you can trust our expertise. We realize just how important your stair lift is for your daily life, which is why we’ll come out to fix it as quickly as possible, usually arriving within a day or two after getting the call. We’ll show up with a fully stocked truck ready to tackle any job that comes our way.
What Makes Us Special?
Aside from our vast knowledge and highly trained team, Williams Lift Company provides customers throughout New Jersey with some of the best stair lift models on the market. With an inventory full of Bruno, Brooks by Acorn, and Harmar stair lifts, you can trust that your unit will last for years and give you all the helpful functions you need.
We also provide stair lift rentals for people who need a temporary solution. This is especially great for those who are recovering from a surgical procedure, have suffered a recent injury, or are expecting to host visitors who have mobility issues. Our stair lift rentals are a smart choice if you only need one for up to six months, and they come with low monthly payments to make them more affordable.
If you want a more permanent solution but are worried about the cost, why not consider our used stair lifts? These are gently used lifts that we have bought back from customers through our buy-back program. Not only will you save money on your purchase, but we’ll do a detailed inspection of the lift and its components to make sure it’s in great condition before offering it to anyone else.
Make Us Your Choice for Stair Lifts in New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey and are interested in learning more about stair lift options, make sure you look to the experts at Williams Lift Company. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to request an estimate.