Posts Tagged ‘Vertical’

For any one who is confined to the wheelchair, a vertical platform lift is the best way of moving around. However, for those who are able to move around on their feet, this is a great dilemma. They cannot decide between a wheelchair vertical platform lift and a stair lift.

According to them, both have similar functions that of moving up and down, so how are they different? Well, since they perform the same functions, they are basically the same but it depends on your purse and your household needs which one you want.

Comparison and study

These aids perform similar functions but as with the different objects, there is always a space for comparison. However, to compare any two things we need to have a better understanding of the things individually.

Only then can a true unbiased comparison be made. So let us study these two models of lifts thoroughly before getting into, who is better and why. The stair lift has been more common than the wheel chair vertical platform lift and therefore more people will know what exactly a stair lift is.

A vertical platform lift is a self contained, elevator type lift which has found wide usage in commercial buildings. The benefit of using these lifts in public buildings is generally the cost factor.

These are very cheap and the installation is also easy. Further, any new type of construction is not required for the installation. You just have a bit of modification to accommodate the lift and that’s it.

The best part of this lift is that not only can it lift the person concerned but also their nurse, the scooter they use and any other thing that they may require. But the problem is, such a weight will not go above twelve feet.

If you want it to go higher then you will have to make sure that it is properly secured to your stairs and to the ground as well. You will not want unwanted disasters when you are only trying to make life more comfortable for the disabled.

In the stair lift, there is no such problem. The lift is positioned in a horizontal manner and with steel tracks that are attached with the staircase of your house. It will use a chair or one small platform for the movement of the person and no more.

In fact finding a stair lift will be much easier than finding a wheelchair vertical platform lift. But it is entirely up to you what you want. But if the vertical lift seems pricey to you, you should go for the stair lift. But there will be not room enough for anything more than the person.

Thankfully, there have been dozens of inventions made in the past several years for those who are facing physical struggles outside the home as well as inside. Wheel chairs started out as manual mobility devices and have been upgraded to battery charged or electrically powered devices. Lifts were then designed to glide through staircases so that users don’t need helpers to carry them. Today, these devices have been made so much easier to use. The vertical wheel chair lift is now being used in virtually every kind of building application. Whether you are in the home, office or simply visiting a place, everyone deserves to have easy access and comfort while traveling.

What is a vertical wheel chair lift?

A vertical wheel chair lift is basically a platform where a wheel chair-or anybody for that instance-can be lifted upwards or downwards to a new area. It resembles an elevator and is in fact considered a home elevator to most users.

What are the kinds of vertical wheel chair lifts?

There are what you call electric vertical wheel chair lifts and hydraulic vertical lifts. An electric vertical wheel chair lift requires electric power while a hydraulic one does not-prices may therefore differ; so choose wisely according to your specific needs.

There are various vertical wheel chair lift models. There is the usual elevator-style lift that is fitted within four walls (minor renovation may therefore be needed in your home). Then there is the enclosed model, which has a platform that automatically encloses with four walls when the wheelchair is on it and ready to be lifted. Other models are smaller in size, have no ceiling, or have only platforms to raise the wheelchair to shorter levels such as when elevating to get into a vehicle or single floor step. Again, costs may differ because of the varying structures, but remember, there are some features you may or may not need.

Where can I use vertical wheel chair lifts?

There is more than one answer to this question. The vertical wheel chair lift is being used everywhere from homes, auditoriums, hospitals, offices to old buildings.

Residential Homes – Homes with more than 2 stories can definitely benefit from a vertical wheel chair lift for easy access to the top floor.

Schools and Universities – Auditoriums, which are usually found in schools and universities, are known to have many steps and so can be very difficult for students who are physically challenged. A smaller sized vertical wheel chair lift would be appropriate for these types of setting.

Establishments – Older buildings often do not have elevators that are as spacious as the modern ones. Therefore wheelchairs usually cannot fit into their elevators. Older establishments can easily install a vertical wheel chair lift.

What features should I look for?

Safety – A good vertical wheel chair lift should have an anti-slip platform for maximum safety, especially if the area is busy or outdoors. It should be low enough for wheelchairs to easily roll on and off of it and have safety railings.