Occupational Therapists

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Guide to Vertical Lifts & Stair Chair Lifts For Occupational Therapists

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Introduction to Western Elevator Ltd.
Stairlifts Drawings
Stairlifts Questions & Answers
Porchlifts Drawings
Porchlifts Questions & Answers
Permits, Codes & Taxes
Warranty & Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Stairlift

1. What is a stairlift?

The stairlift is a seat on a rail that is bolted to the stair treads on a stairway. The stairlift is sometimes referred to as a stairway lift, stairchair or stair glide.

2. What type of client would require a stairlift?

The stairlift is appropriate for a client who has difficulty walking up and down stairs but still has the ability to walk a short distance.

The stairlift is also seen as appropriate for clients when mobility is stable and not progressive. If the client has a progressive type of mobility problem e.g. multiple sclerosis, the stairlift is seen as a short-term solution to meeting the client's needs. Some of the common mobility problems that may require a stairlift are: aging, arthritis, heart conditions, breathing problems, strokes, and surgery

3. What does a battery-powered stairlift mean?

A battery-powered stairlift is a stairlift that runs on a battery. The stairlift battery is charged by a battery charger that is plugged into a regular 110 electrical wall outlet. In order for the unit to work the unit must be charged after each time it is used. Units are charged when parked at the top and bottom of the rail. Each manufacturer offers different units with different features.

4. Is a battery-powered stairlift better than one that is not?

This is a client's choice. All stairlifts have different standard features and costs will vary. If a client lives in an area where there are frequent power failures, the client will often choose the battery-powered unit.

5. How much space is needed on the stairway, for the stairlift to be installed?

This space usually varies from each manufacturer. Dealers are required to know the specifications of each unit and interpret these findings to each stairway. Stairways can be as narrow as 30 inches. If the feasibility of the stairway width is in question, have your client sit on a hard chair with his back approximately 8 inches from the wall. Do his knees touch the wall in front of him?

6. What are the stair tread and the stair riser?

The tread is the flat part of the stair that you step on; think about the tread of your shoe or a tire tread. The riser is the support section of the stair and is found between 2 treads. There is always one additional riser in a set of stairs. The number of risers making up the stairway determines the length of a standard stairlift rail.

7. What is the cost of a straight stairlift for a standard set of stairs?

This varies from unit to unit and from dealer to dealer. A budgetary figure for a straight set of 16 steps or less is $4,000.00 to $5,000.00.

8. Does a stairlift have to be CSA approved?

CSA approved normally refers to the electrical components of the stairlift and yes, it is required in Canada. UL, which is the American Standard, is usually accepted as equal in today's world. There is a CSA standard called B 613 M87 for Elevating Devices for the Handicapped in Private Residences. All products installed must meet or exceed this standard. This is a standard that is not inspected by a governing body, please choose a company that believes in and follows these standards.

9. Do you need a building permit when a stairlift is installed?

At the present time the province of BC does not require the unit to be inspected or licensed by the government. This applies only to the installation in a private residence. Commercial installations MUST be licensed, registered and inspected by the Elevating Devices Branch of the Province of BC. All commercial installations must be installed by a registered licensed Elevator company.

There are ongoing discussions at this time that the Province of BC may soon require a licensed installer to do residential installations and for all residential units to be licensed and inspected by the government.

10. Can a stairlift be installed outside a home?

Most manufacturers offer an exterior package for outside installations, however, what features make up this package may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Putting a unit outside is really a judgment call on behalf of the people involved. Most areas in Canada have a great deal of snow, rain and ice during the winter months and in these cases it is usually not recommended.

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