What is a service dog?

101 Mobility learns about Service Assistance Dogs and More from paws4people!

101 Mobility recently met with Founder, Kyria Henry and Executive Director, Terry Henry of paws4people™, to learn about service canines. Kyria and Terry brought two service dogs with them to demonstrate what these amazingly intelligent and skilled animals are capable of.

What is paws4people™?
The Mission of the paws4people_™ foundation is to enhance the lives of active-duty service members, veterans, children/students, and seniors by utilizing the “special powers” of canine companionship and service displayed by highly trained assistance dogs, through specialized educational, private placement, therapeutic and visitation programs.

What is the difference between my dog and a service dog?
It is important to first understand that there are different types of dogs providing different services to humans.

Community Dogs: Community dogs are dogs that provide companionship to a service member, veteran or a senior who just lost a spouse and needs more than a pet. They receive roughly 120 hours of obedience training and at least three months of social training, meaning guided interaction with other animals and people in different settings.

Therapy Dogs: Therapy dogs receive obedience training and socialization in addition to learning far more extensive commands and facility training. Therapy dogs’ sole mission is to visit nursing homes, schools, and hospitals/hospice facilities and bring a sense of joy to patients. Therapy dogs are allowed ‘limited’ public access according to ADA guidelines, and only allowed in places where they are fulfilling their service duties, such as a hospital or nursing home.

Indirect Service Assistance Dogs: Indirect Service Assistance Dogs are also known as ‘Facility Dogs.’ These dogs are trained, certified and placed with a specific individual such as an educator, therapist or other health professional who will use the dog within his/her profession to provide educational instruction or therapeutic interventions to students with special needs or individuals with physical, neurological, psychological and/or emotional disabilities. These dogs do not live with the student or patient; they are kept with the handler.

Direct Service Assistance Dogs: These dogs are trained starting at just three days old, certified and placed with a specific individual who has a definable physical, neurological, psychological and/or emotional disability or disabilities. The direct-service assistance dog provides the client with assistance in conducting daily living activities, thus enabling them to perform more independently than they otherwise would without their assistance dog (AD). These are the dogs that you may see wearing a harness with someone who is blind (they are serving as a guide dog).

What do the direct service assistance dogs do?
Direct service dogs have full public access as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. paws4people carefully trains each dog on a different set of commands specific to the human’s disabilities or needs. Some dogs are able to detect seizures in their humans eight hours prior and allow the human to take the proper precautions or medications. Other service dogs are trained to guide the blind (although paws4people™ does not train guide dogs, some other programs do) or to alert the deaf or hard of hearing. There are some service dogs trained to recognize dangerous blood sugar levels for humans with diabetes. Wheelchair users also utilize service dogs to assist in daily living tasks such as picking up or retrieving certain items, opening doors, carrying items, and turning on/off lights. One of the newest uses for service dogs has been to help mitigate symptoms of severe PTSD, TBI and other neurological disorders.

A few impressive feats from a direct service assistance dog:

•         Opening a door
•         Knowing over 130 commands
•         Ability to read flash cards: ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ etc.
•         Helping with laundry

How can I get a service assistance dog from paws4people™?
paws4people™ is just as careful in selecting the service dogs they train as the humans they train to properly utilize these special canines. paws4people™ will assess your needs and if selected, you will be matched with the dog that chooses YOU. The dog will demonstrate that he or she accepts your personality, disabilities, smell, assistive devices, etcetera.  From there, the canine will receive the training that is specific to your needs. Unfortunately, there are not enough dogs to go around for everyone, so the selection process is meticulous. To learn more about the service assistance dog application process and to submit an application, click here.

*The information in the blog post is cited from the paws4people™ website and interview with Kyria and Terry Henry. Other Service Dog Training entities may show varying information as no program is exactly alike*

Wheelchair Accessible National Parks and Monuments

National Parks are regarded as America’s greatest national treasures. In 1916, the National Park Service was commissioned; their purpose is to set aside and maintain pieces of land for all to experience and appreciate the natural ecology, wildlife and historical significance. For many years, a large portion of American citizens were unable to view these expansive and awe-inspiring parks. It was not until the American Disabilities Act of 1990 that parks began to provide handicap accessible trails, campgrounds, exhibits and accommodations for wheelchair users.

Statue of Liberty National Park, New York
Lady Liberty is a robed bronze statue of a woman triumphantly lifting a torch to the skies with her right hand as she clutches a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) in her left arm. With broken shackles at her feet and a crown atop her head, this gift from the French represents freedom and democracy for all. The Statue of Liberty has long been accessible on the first floor only. As of July 4, 2013, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty will be totally wheelchair accessible. *The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will be closed to the public until July 4, 2013, due to damages from Hurricane Sandy.

Lady Liberty is a robed bronze statue of a woman triumphantly lifting a torch to the skies with her right hand as she clutches a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence (July 4^th, 1776) in her left arm. With broken shackles at her feet and a crown atop her head, this gift from the French represents freedom and democracy for all. The Statue of Liberty has long been accessible on the first floor only. As of July 4^th, 2013, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty will be totally wheelchair accessible. *The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will be closed to the public until July 4^th, 2013, due to damages from Hurricane Sandy.

Photo by John de Rosier

Denali National Park and Reserve, Alaska
The Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America’s highest mountain peak, Mount McKinley. Denali is composed of over six million acres of federally protected land. This park features a mix of natural habitats, from forests to tundra, rocky mountains to glaciers. Denali is known to be a birdwatchers’ paradise but is also home to grizzly bears, black bears and caribou.

Denali National Park and Preserve features several ADA complaint trails, all of which are composed of compacted gravel and range from three to ten feet wide. A popular wheelchair accessible trail is the McKinley Station Trail. This 1.5 mile, 6 foot wide trail allows visitors to view the diverse taiga forest, several cultural sites, Hines Creek, and the Alaska Range, among other sites! The McKinley Station Trail also connects to the visitor center and a campground.

Photograph courtesy of National Park Service

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park evokes images of Smokey the Bear for some, and ancient boiling springs for others. Yellowstone hosts the globe’s largest collection of geysers. Visitors often stop by to see Old Faithful erupt for a glimpse into one of the earth’s most ancient ecological habitats. Much of the park is laid out into steep mountainsides which are home to wolves, bears, bison and elk, but Old Faithful is totally wheelchair accessible. A 1.5 mile (3 miles round trip) wheelchair accessible trail leads from the visitors center to Morning Glory Hot Spring (pictured below). Wheelchair users should remain alert on the trail as it is shared with plenty of bikers.

Photography by Matthias Kabel

Congaree National Park, South Carolina
The Congaree National Park in South Carolina is one of the world’s largest deciduous forests. The biodiversity noted  are astonishing and the greenery is absolutely breathtaking in this expansive old growth bottomland hardwood forest. Those who require the use of a wheelchair or scooter may enjoy their 2.4 miles wheelchair accessible boardwalk loop. All public facilities at the Congaree National Park are ADA complaint, including the port-a-johns. Plan to visit this park on a relatively dry day as water levels may rise to cover the boardwalk loop during times of heavy and consistent rainfall.

Photo by Ken Lund

• For further information on national parks and monuments with universal design specifications, please visit www.nps.gov. If you are traveling to any of these destinations, remember there may be limited wheelchair rentals available. Carrying your own mobility device on the road may lessen the hassle. Many travelers opt for auto lifts for their car, truck, van or SUV, and some choose to bring a folding ramp and/or install a turning automotive seat for added convenience. To learn more about mobility solutions on the go, visit 101mobility.com and give us a call for assistance in your area.

Mobility Q&A: Do I Need a Fully-Converted Handicap Van?

By Michelle Seitzer

Maybe you’ve asked the question for yourself, or maybe you’ve asked it on behalf of someone you’re caring for: “Do I/we need a fully-converted handicap van?”

The simple answer is no.

There’s no need to spend every penny on converting your vehicle, a process which costs anywhere from $10,000 to over $20,000, according to this CarsDirect.com article. The broad range estimate includes a rear entry wheelchair ramp, undercarriage modifications (i.e. more support for the extra weight and stress on the axles, springs, shocks and brakes), driver’s “cockpit” adjustments — like a place to lock in a wheelchair or a swivel captain’s chair — to a side entry lift. Even purchasing a used, already converted model can be a hefty expense.

We’ve got a more affordable option to suggest, and it’s one that you can adjust to meet your or a loved one’s unique mobility needs:

• auto lifts — Got a sedan, SUV, van, or pickup? There are auto lifts to support whatever style of vehicle you take on the road, with a variety of storage and power options.
• turning seats — Whether you need help getting up and into — or exiting — the driver’s or passenger seat, a turning automotive seat may be a better solution than the costly driver’s cockpit adjustments suggested above.

Just about any vehicle can support an auto lift  or turning seat, and all of these modifications are easy to add or remove as needed. Call the 101 Mobility professionals in your area (find the office serving you here) to help you get on the road again!

For additional information on the subject, check out this post: Movin’ Right Along: Driving Safety Tips & Car Modifications for Seniors.

Sincerely, Your Local Service Technicians

At 101 Mobility, we don’t come to work every day for the thrill of selling and installing chair lifts and wheelchair ramps.

Being a local service technician means being out in the field and helping people in our communities get a piece of their lives back. Customers warmly welcome us into their homes in anticipation of a problem solved. We see what no one else in the company sees on a daily basis. We’ve met with a young man in his 20’s who relied on his mother to drive him places after a devastating spinal cord injury. But then we had the opportunity to watch as the expression of pure joy formed on the young man’s face while he drove his old truck through the use of hand controls. As service technicians, we witness frustrated caregivers who seem to be one ‘can’t do it’ away from heartbreak. And we meet World War II veterans who will never take help from anyone, much less a stairlift. We were there when one came home from the hospital to find another sign of his ‘fleeting mobility’. But – our team later checked on the veteran only to find him using the stair lift to watch a movie upstairs with his grandchildren for the first time in years.

The feeling of being able to help bring back some sense of normality, confidence, independence or activity into the lives of our community members is thanks enough. Just recently, a customer from South Carolina wrote us after a custom stair lift installation to show her sincere appreciation. In response, we can only say, it was our pleasure to be of assistance:

“Our grandmother was coming to live with me (Tamara) and was in need of total care, she has Alzheimer’s and is in the end stages; it has taken away her ability to stand or walk on her own. In order to come into my home you have to go up a set of stairs. I started a quest to figure out how I was going to make it possible for our grandmother to get upstairs with ease.

I (Tamara) remembered seeing commercials with stair lifts so began my search on the computer. I came across 101 Mobility and Amber and I made the call. From the moment our call was answered, we were treated with the utmost care. David, the gentleman that we were so lucky to have help us, listened to all of our mobility needs, explained all our options and went above and beyond to make sure my family was taken care of. He then came out personally to install our grandmother’s lift and adjusted it perfectly to fit her.  To this day he continues to call to make sure all our grandmother’s needs are still being met. 101 Mobility has given our grandmother life again and for that we will be forever grateful.” – Tamara  and sister Amber Valletta

 

Young at Heart Social – Love, Care and Just Plain Fun

On February 13th, 2013, students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington hosted the 19th Annual Young at Heart Social. More than 100 seniors from the community came to UNCW’s campus to socialize and dance with UNCW’s student volunteers.

Due to our local presence in Wilmington, we felt that this is one event that our team needed to be involved with – so we went and tried our best to keep up with the seniors as they danced the jitterbug, waltz, and electric slide among many other  dances. In between favorite songs, we seized the opportunity to speak with the local seniors.

Meet the musician who jammed all night long, from jazz to blues and other classics – this band man was the cat’s meow!

When asked if they were married, the woman with the flower in her hair exclaimed, “Of course we are married! Look at how I am matching his tie!” The couple has been married for 45 years.

This 73 year old dancing queen was a bell of the ball, she enjoyed herself throughout the night and was an amazing dancer. Her words of wisdom were simple, “Always dance.”

Gertrude in the red and Joe in his vest have been happily married for 60 years. Gertrude immigrated from Holland in 1948 and fell in love with Joe. They both danced throughout the night, teaching others how to box step.

This young man politely asked this beautiful woman to the dance floor. She tapped her feet on the hardwood as he scooted her around. After a song or two, the young man knelt down to both knees at eye level. They are pictured sharing an embrace after several songs, both delighted!

This is Maureen Parks. She has had Parkinson’s for 18 years and can’t stand without assistance or assistive technology. Our Marketing Director, Joel Brenner, had the pleasure of escorting Ms. Parks to the dance floor. Joel describes the dance,”She was able to stand as long as I held her and we danced, she told me that dancing with me was the first time in a long time that she didn’t feel old or Ill. She trembled in my hands as the music played, and she was nervous I think about being judged, but we just made a dance out of it and laughed together. When her caregiver came to tell her it was time to go she got sad… I begged the caretaker to wait for the end of the song and she obliged. That caused one of the best smiles I’ve seen.”

“We met in Brooklyn and been married for 50 years!” exclaimed Richard. When asked what has held them together, Betty gushingly says with a smile, “He’s a really good guy.” Richard responds, “She has always been patient with me!”

It was our pleasure to be involved in such a fun-natured event that helped to bridge the gaps between generations. We saw everyone whether they were wheelchair bound or not, young or old grooving to band’s jazzy tunes and smiling. Our belief is that more needs to be done to bridge gaps between the generations. We all have a lot to learn from each other and we can all contribute to making our communities a better place. Happy Valentines Day!

We are active members of our communities. Click here to reach out to the 101 Mobility location closest to you!

Choosing the Best Stairlift for Seniors, Part 3

by Michelle Seitzer

We’re thrilled that Gordon Raney, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and the co-owner/operator (along with wife, Jennifer Raney) of 101 Mobility franchises in Tulsa and Dallas, has shared his expertise about choosing the best stairlift in a three-part series here on the blog.

In part one (read it here), Raney talked about the cost of a stairlift, how it would attach to your staircase, and other fundamental basics. In part two (read it here), Raney covered the difference between curved and straight stairlifts, and what power options are available.

This last post in the series is focused on lift modification options and how to measure for stairlifts.

Can you modify a stairlift if needed?

Raney: If there is a special issue or circumstance regarding stairlift use, an individual should not hesitate to contact a reputable dealer. Manufacturers of some lifts are willing to modify the units in order to meet the needs of their customers, and it’s possible that they’ve developed a solution through their years of experience. At 101 Mobility, we are currently working with one manufacturer to retrofit a larger seat and footrest combination onto an older lift in a customer’s home.

Items such as the stairlift controls and different seating and restraint devices can be often modified to suit a customer’s needs.

How do you measure for a stairlift? 

Raney: Measuring for a stair lift is something that should be done by a professional who has experience in performing installations. I would be wary of groups that offer discounts for taking the measurements yourself, as doing so can lead to disastrous situations. A knowledgeable dealer can also help determine the best location and which side of the staircase may work better for an individual’s home.

Measurements that are generally needed are as follows:

1. Total length of the staircase, also factoring in the appropriate amount of rail overhang at the top of stairs in order to ensure proper seat height.
2. Net tread and rise of the stairs. Several measurements are needed, as not all stairs within a staircase are the same. These measurements will determine the angle of the stairlift rails and also help determine the appropriate amount of additional rail overhang needed to add to the total rail length.
3. Width of staircase should be considered. Instaircases narrower than 32” it becomes difficult to install standard units. Depending on which unit is needed or selected, a wider staircase may be required to allow for proper rail placement and seat clearances.

NOTE: For curved stairlift applications, many manufacturers have developed camera systems that will allow the dealer to perform exact measurements on challenging (i.e. spiral) staircases. This will ensure the best fit and that the stairlift is optimally placed within the staircase.

Browse our selection of stairlifts here.

A Post Hip Replacement Survival Guide

by Michelle Seitzer

Hip replacements are very common; the CDC says 327,000 of them are performed in the US each year. But that doesn’t mean every hip replacement patient will bounce back quickly and painlessly from the surgery. It’s a major procedure, as the hip is one of the body’s largest joints (per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). That means the road to recovery may be a long one, and the healing process can take time.

Armed with the knowledge of what is to come and what options may ease the transition following surgery, you’ll soon be walking, dancing and moving about freely. Consider these post surgery resources:

How long is the healing time?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the hospital stay is about 3 to 5 days, but full recovery takes about 3 to 6 months. The time frame ultimately depends on what type of hip surgery you have, your state of health, and how successfully you move through rehabilitation (physical/occupational therapy), says this article from the NIAMS website. The experts at AAOS recommend the use of a foam pillow between your legs — as a “positioning splint” — during the early days of recovery.

What mobility equipment may be helpful?

Mobility aids such as a walker, cane, wheelchair or power scooter may be helpful during the recovery period. While it’s important to keep moving during this time in order to build up the strength in your lower body and adjust to the new hip, there may be times when rest is necessary — and a power scooter or wheelchair could serve that purpose. If balance or support is an issue, a cane or walker may be the best option.

You know those reacher/grabber tools? If you drop or can’t reach an item, these low-cost gadgets (typically $20 or less) are invaluable as you regain strength and balance.

Depending on the layout of your home and whether or not you’ll have help from a caregiver, the use of a stairlift or wheelchair ramp may be necessary. Check out the options available for rent or purchase at 101 Mobility’s site.

How can I prepare my home?

A great checklist of home modifications for the post-surgery months is available on the AAOS website. We’ll share a few of them here:

• Safety bars or handrails in your shower/bath
• A stable chair with a firm seat cushion, back, and two arms
• A raised toilet seat and stable shower bench or chair for bathing
• A dressing stick, a sock aid, and a long-handled shoe horn for putting on and taking off shoes and socks without excessively bending your new hip

Be sure to remove loose carpets and electrical cords from high traffic areas in the home. A fall can be devastating during these vulnerable weeks and months following surgery. Another great suggestion: set up a “recovery center” in the room/area where you will spend most of your time, keeping the TV remote, books, magazines, medications, and a phone within easy reach.

This bonus tip comes from a recent hip surgery patient: put “slippery” sheets on the bed for an easier transition in and out.

More information: 

• NIH Senior Health: Hip Replacement Information
• NIAMS: Questions & Answers about Hip Replacement
• WebMD: Arthritis and Hip Replacement Surgery 
• Mayo Clinic: Hip Replacement

Pittsburghers Open 101 Mobility to Improve Mobility Across Western PA

Greg Slepecki, Franchise Owner and his son Brad are proud to announce the opening of 101 Mobility Pittsburgh. These Pittsburgh natives are committed to helping Western Pennsylvania families improve their mobility inside and outside of the home. 101 Mobility Pittsburgh represents 101 Mobility’s 22^nd national franchise opening.

101 Mobility Pittsburgh is a locally owned, family operated business. The Slepeckis were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and understand the unique mobility needs of residents from the rough, hilly Pittsburgh terrain. They explained how most homes in the area are two to three level homes with upstairs bathrooms and downstairs kitchens, making stair lifts a must-have for those who plan to successfully age in place.

This charismatic father and son team have seen first-hand how people with mobility challenges have become an under-served demographic. It is their goal to provide the reliable mobility solutions that every Pittsburgh resident should have at their fingertips. Greg adds,

“The residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas are good people, blue-collar families who just want to stay in the home that they raised their children in.”

Greg recalled a personal experience with his late mother to describe how his parents relied on a stair lift to age comfortably in their home,

“My mother was nearly blind to the point of counting steps…she would count each step as she climbed the stairwell. We searched everywhere for something to help and there was no go-to name or business for mobility equipment in Pittsburgh; I think there is a general lack of awareness for what’s available.”

Prior to joining the 101 Mobility family, Greg Slepecki worked in one of Pittsburgh’s oldest companies as the President of Matthew’s International Architectural Group. He ran seven international manufacturing plants from Australia to Canada, California and New York. From constructing the memorial for Elvis Presley’s grave to engraving super bowl trophies, Greg has been a part of it all. Son, Brad Slepecki is experienced in disaster restoration/construction with a talent for exemplary customer care and relationship building. Brad will join the service and sales teams as Greg oversees the operation. The Slepeckis are also happy to have Primio LaLama join their 101 team as the top sales and technical person.  Primio has been providing Pittsburgh families with 101 Mobility products for over three years.

Brad and Greg believe that their broader breadth of mobility products ranging from wheelchair ramps to porch lifts and more, in-depth product knowledge and franchise support system which allows for more ingenuity, will give them an upper hand over any competition. This Pittsburgh duo is working hard to brand themselves as the number one source for accessibility solutions across Western Pennsylvania with the goal of becoming a household name.

Call 412.428.9485 or visit http://pittsburgh.101mobility.com/ for assistance or additional information.

Stair Lift Reviews

According to the United States Census Bureau, there are approximately 22.3 million Americans experiencing difficulty using the stairs while 7.7 million Americans are unable to climb stairs. The stair lifts that are sold, rented, financed and serviced by 101 Mobility can ease difficulties that people with mobility challenges face in going up and down the stairs. 101 Mobility offers top quality stairlift brands  (Bruno, Harmar, and Sterling),  allowing consumers to choose the right product for their financial and mobility needs.

101 Mobility wants customers to be satisfied with their stair lifts and enjoy their new-found freedom to move up and down the stairs safely. Here are some reviews from 101 Mobility customers about their Stair Lift installations:

Reviews of 101 Mobility Raleigh, NC

‘Hi, just wanted to let you know that we had the chance to use the lift for my brother over the weekend. The lift worked great, we had one before when he lived in Arlington, Va. and this model is a lot more stable and doesn’t vibrate like the old one did.

I just wanted to thank you all so much for being able to respond in a short amount of time to enable us to bring my brother home for the holidays as this will be our first holiday in the new house and we wanted to host our family dinner here.’

Thanks again, Devin

Reviews of 101 Mobility Cleveland, OH

‘Joe and Jeff spent the day with my family while installing Mom’s new chair lift. From the moment they introduced themselves at the front door, til it was time to leave we felt that we put Mom in some very safe hands. They were courteous to her; informative to us; they respected our home and have provided us with peace of mind knowing Mom will be safe. They all provided top of the line customer service. Thank you!’

-A. Mincek

Reviews of 101 Mobility Columbus, OH

‘Joe and Felix arrived promptly to install the Elan stairlift. They were totally professional and efficient. They explained everything thoroughly concerning contracts, warranties, and the operation of the lift. Felix was actually from our neighborhood and Joe (like us) is a veteran. They were very sociable and are now our friends.’

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

L. and T. Kliemann

Reviews of 101 Mobility Cincinnati-Dayton, OH

‘Ed,

Thanks for all of your help. The lift looks great and works flawlessly. Your installers did a terrific job. Those guys really earn their money. Thanks again’

-R. Miller

More Reviews

“When Mom first started using the stairlift, it took a while for her to learn to use it independently.  I still check on her while she is on it since there are times she is confused about the sequence and may turn the chair facing the steps before ascending when it should remain facing to the side.  The beeping sound, although annoying at times, is very helpful in alerting me as to when she has turned the wrong way or when she has completed an ascent.  In the beginning, one of the units was overly sensitive with the beeping and also was slightly difficult to turn, but Nate came out and adjusted it and now it is perfect.  His skills are amazing.  I am very impressed with both the engineering of the design and the exacting installation of both the inside stairlift and outside platform lift.  Mom shows it off to every visitor like it’s part of a carnival ride.  The height of the seat is also optimal for her in ease of sitting and rising.”

- L. Proctor

For more details, there is a brochure available online and also in PDF-format, Stairlifts 101: A Consumer’s Guide.

Choosing the Best Stairlift for Seniors, Part 2

by Michelle Seitzer

Gordon Raney, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and the co-owner/operator (along with wife, Jennifer Raney) of 101 Mobility franchises in Tulsa and Dallas, shared his expertise about choosing the best stairlift  in this prior post. He talked about the cost, how the lift would attach to your staircase, and more.

In today’s article, we’ll learn from Raney about the differences between curved and straight stairlifts, and various power options:

What is the difference between curved and straight stairlifts (and what works best)?

Raney: For a majority of staircases, a straight rail stair lift should work appropriately.  This scenario assumes that there is no turn in the stairs and that all stairs are of the approximate same height and tread width.

Should a staircase turn in any direction, have irregular-shaped stairs, or have any intermediate flat landing areas, a curved rail stair lift would be needed.

Curved rail stair lifts become a custom order job as no two curved staircases are the same.  Because of this, detailed measurements need to be taken of the stairs, which will then be given to the manufacturer to custom build a stairlift rail specifically to fit the unique needs of an individual’s staircase. This process obviously adds additional time (approximately 1 month from start to finish) and the costs can range from $8k – $12K for a reputable branded curved stair lift.

Is there a more cost-effective alternative to a curved stair lift?

Raney: Given the cost and production lead time involved with a curved stair lift, we often get asked if two separate straight rail lifts could be an option.  There are several things to consider in order to make an accurate determination:

First, you must determine whether the landing area where the transfer will be made from one lift to the other is an appropriate size. Remember, these lifts will extend beyond the top and bottom steps to which they are attached.

Another important question to ask is this: is there enough room on the stair landing to be able to have both chairs on it at the same time, while giving the individual the appropriate amount of room to make the transfer safely? Generally, the landing platform for a 90-degree turn in the staircase does not provide enough room for this.  A 180-degree turn has a much larger (rectangular) landing area and could potentially be a safe option to install two straight stair lifts.

The most difficult part for many of our customers is finding a comfortable and safe way to appropriately swivel the chair away from the stairs upon exiting the lift. Having two stair lifts obviously increases the number of times the customer will need to perform this operation. I always ask customers to not only consider the present, but also to think about 5 to 10 years down the road: do they believe they will continue to be able to make multiple stair lift transfers? If the transfers are difficult, then a curved option that will take the individual all the way to the top landing should be considered rather than two straight stairlifts.

What types of power options are available for stairlifts? 

Raney: Several manufacturers include additional “power options” that can be added to certain base models of stairlifts. These options include power-folding footrests, power swivel seat options, and even power-folding rails. These options can remove some of the obstacles an individual may face with using a stairlift and make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Learn more from Gordon Raney about measurements and lift modifications in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!

Browse our selection of stairlifts here.