What are the Benefits of a Wheelchair Lift?

Outdoor wheelchair lift

Though a spotlight has been shone on accessibility in recent years, and has certainly come on in leaps and bounds, we still have a very long way to go – especially in ensuring wheelchair users can get around easily and safely. Uneven surfaces? Narrow corridors? The challenges are endless, and both homes and public spaces have to be looked at through a different lens if they’re to ever become fully accessible to those with limited mobility.   

One big problem? Stairs.

A ramp just not cutting it? Though you might have started to consider your options when it comes to overcoming the obstacle that is stairs, how do you decide on the best one for you? A stairlift? A platform lift? A home lift? What you choose will ultimately come down to your needs and the space available in your house, so let’s talk mobility.  

Mobility

While some wheelchair users are able to get in and out of their chair independently, is this the safest and most comfortable option when it comes to their independence? A stairlift would mean getting out of the chair and into the stairlift at the bottom of the stairs and then getting out again and into the wheelchair at the top. In practical terms, would this work for you?   

Space

Now for space. Is a home lift a possibility? Is there room for a shaft? Would the mechanics work for your home, and would the lift, ultimately, solve the accessibility problem faced? 

If you’re not sure about either of these options, a wheelchair lift could be just the solution you need. 

The benefits of a wheelchair lift

Making steps a problem of the past, it’s not for nothing that wheelchair lifts have started springing up across the country, their ease of use and compact nature when stored making them the perfect solution for any staircase. A couple of stairs or an entire flight? Straight, curved or even spiral? A wheelchair lift means the difference between accessibility and inaccessibility for wheelchair users. So, what are the benefits of getting a one?   

  • Independence

Unlike a stairlift, a platform (or wheelchair) lift allows users to roll straight in on their chair, granting them the independence of easy transportation from floor to floor at the push of a button. 

  • Easy to Use    

Operated at the push of a button and folded up at the push of another, wheelchair lifts make life much easier when it comes to tackling stairs. Every platform is fitted with a ramp, making it easy to roll onto and off, and a remote control does all the heavy lifting. 

  • Cost-effective   

Cost-effective when compared to other home alterations that provide the same benefits, wheelchair lifts can be fitted in a matter of days. Considering moving home? Building a home lift or even an extension? Look into the benefits of a wheelchair lift before you make any decisions; it could cut out all that fuss and bother, keeping you in your home; safely. 

  • Flexibility

Designed to suit every type of staircase, from curved to straight and even if there are several landings, wheelchair lift rails are tailor-made to fit your stairs. Speaking of which, take a look at your stairs – which side would the lift fit on best? Though we’d have to take a look at the technical specifications, either side is an option, which means all the more places they can be installed. Even the controls can be chopped and changed, positioned according to whether users are left- or right-handed. 

  • Easy to Install   

Need a wheelchair lift? You won’t be waiting weeks or months for designs, mess, and building work to be completed. Quick and easy to install, wheelchair lifts are no bother, so once your custom lift is ready to be fitted, our professionals will likely only be with you for a couple of days. 

  • Indoor and outdoor use 

Patios, porches, and even decking can pose a problem when you’re in a wheelchair, but an outdoor wheelchair lift means all-around accessibility. 

Still not convinced? Find out more about the different models of wheelchair lifts we supply here, or give us a call – we’re more than happy to talk your options through with you to get you the complete independence you so deserve.