by admin | Feb 2, 2021 | Blogs
When mobility gets limited, either because of age-related health deterioration or a chronic injury or a disability, quality of life takes a huge hit. The freedom of moving around that a person should enjoy at home or elsewhere for that matter is no longer there. Besides, getting around becomes a real struggle. You may need assistance to move from one place to another, which can affect your independence. These mobility challenges, therefore, demand immediate solutions.
Over the years, engineers have managed to help people with limited mobility regain their independence and freedom by innovating accessibility equipment. Now, people with mobility problems can move around safely and comfortably within their homes, as well as the outdoors.
One of the most popular pieces of in-home accessibility equipment is a wheelchair lift, or otherwise known as a platform lift. It helps people confined to a wheelchair or mobility scooter or those who struggle to climb steps access raised platforms, such as decks, entryways, porch, and others effortlessly and safely. Whether you install a reconditioned wheelchair lift or a brand new one, you can rest assured that you can reach the desired height independently and safely with the help of this equipment.
Today, a wheelchair lift can be found in most homes in America, especially in senior residences. However, despite its popularity as a mobility solution, many people are unaware of the different types of wheelchair lifts available.
To help you know your options when buying a platform lift, here are the different wheelchair lifts available on the market:
Inclined Platform Wheelchair lifts
The inclined platform wheelchair lifts are designed and built to be used both indoors and outdoors. You can find these types of lifts in residences, schools, churches, hospitals, and public buildings. For those who struggle with climbing stairs, they are an ideal and cost-effective solution.
Vertical Platform Wheelchair lifts
The vertical wheelchair lifts are the most sought-after mobility solution for wheelchair-bound people, enabling them to access raised platforms, decks, porch, and elevated entryways comfortably and safely. They can be customized to fit any commercial building and home.
Portable Vertical Wheelchair lifts
The portable wheelchair lifts are the advanced model of vertical platform lifts. As the name suggests, they are specially designed to be portable to offer easy functionality in homes, school stages, vertical raised platforms, outdoor bleachers, and other applications.
Looking for a wheelchair lift for your loved one? Let Independent Living Solutions, Inc. help you. We have a complete line of in-home mobility equipment, including but not limited to second-hand wheelchair lift for sale, residential elevators, ramps, and many others. Feel free to contact us today with your mobility requirements, and we will help you in the best way possible.
by admin | Jan 25, 2021 | Blogs
Every day more and more Americans are opting to install home elevators for improved mobility and ease of access for those family members who find it difficult to move around easily across certain areas of a house like stairs, upper terrace, and other areas. Getting up and down the stairs doesn’t get any easier as we age. Therefore, the installation of home elevators for seniors is definitely the best decision you will ever make. However, it can be confusing to select between a hoistway or through floor home elevators.
Choosing the right elevator for your home
Investing in home elevators for sale is one of the most effective ways to ensure the independence of movement and prevent any accidental falls or tripping. However, the process may vary for each home due to the design and preferences of a homeowner. Here are a few factors to consider that can determine the installation process for your home elevator:
Based on these factors, there are two major classifications of home elevator systems.
Hoistway
This is the most common choice and what people envision when they hear the word, “home elevator”. Hoistway refers to the shaft that allows the elevator cab to access each floor of the house. Following are the features of a hoistway elevator system:
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It includes roped hydraulic, winding drum, counterbalance weight, and vacuum-operated.
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It can make multiple stops with a high weight capacity.
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It is more expensive than its alternative (without a hoistway) option due to the extra electrical, construction, and mechanical expenses.
Through Floor (Without Hoistway)
This option is perfect for those with a smaller budget or less space. This elevator option provides up to 5 stops. Following are the feature and benefits of a through floor option:
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It requires minimal renovation with a reasonable installation cost.
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It usually makes use of sensors to detect objects above and below the elevator cab which further reduces the installation time. It requires no hoistway installation.
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It has a substantially lower weight capacity.
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It offers customization and an overall finished look which adds to the aesthetic value of a space.
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It also occupies less floor space.
Home elevators add value to your space while making navigation easier for the elderly and those with limited mobility. Regardless of your concern and reason for purchase, our experts can help you to make the best choice for yourself. For some professional assistance, feel free to dial (303)-463-8200.
by admin | Oct 23, 2020 | Blogs
When someone’s mobility becomes limited, they often see stairs as the biggest obstacle at home. At that time, they begin to consider their options – should they live on one floor and avoid accessing stairs altogether? Perhaps moving to a one-story home is the only alternative. But fortunately, it isn’t. There are plenty of other solutions that allow people with limited mobility to access all floors and live in their own homes. In this article, we will explore two popular options: vertical platform lifts and residential elevators. We’ll examine the key features and benefits of both, as well as their drawbacks, to help you determine which option is best suited for your specific needs.
Vertical platform lifts
A vertical platform lift, which is also popularly known as a wheelchair platform lift, is specifically designed to facilitate wheelchair users to go from one level to another. Users can easily roll themselves on the platform before ascending or descending. These types of lifts are installed outside of a home or at the porch and move vertically between floors. If the mobility around the house becomes a problem for you or someone beloved, a vertical platform lift may be the right choice for you. The installation only takes a few days, depending on the needed structural modifications to get it fit in.
Residential Elevators
Residential or home elevators are an alternative to vertical platform lifts. These types of lifts can be installed within the existing footprint or by adding a tower to the house. They are fully enclosed – which means there are walls as well as a roof encompassing the elevator. Several homes in Aurora are designed with stacked closets by architects with the intent of home modifications like an elevator in the future. An elevator can be installed in your home, looking as if it was a part of the original home design. Make sure to meet the professional to determine the choice of materials and create a proper plan. The installation of residential elevators may take a few weeks to a month.
When deciding between a vertical platform lift and a residential elevator, cost can be a significant factor. Generally, vertical platform lifts are less expensive than residential elevators. The cost of a vertical platform lift varies depending on the model and the height it needs to cover. In contrast, residential elevators are more expensive due to the additional construction required for installation, such as building a shaft, adding a machine room, and installing a roof and walls. However, the cost of the elevator depends on the size, features, and materials used. It’s important to consider the long-term expenses as well, such as maintenance, repairs, and energy consumption, when making a decision. A professional contractor can help you compare the costs and benefits of each option to determine which is the best fit for your needs and budget.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between a vertical platform lift and a residential elevator, there are several factors to consider, such as mobility needs, home design, and budget. Both options provide safe and reliable access to multiple floors, allowing individuals with limited mobility to remain in their homes and maintain their independence. Consulting with a professional installer and evaluating your specific needs can help you make an informed decision on which option is best for you. Regardless of the choice you make, the installation of either a vertical platform lift or a residential elevator can significantly improve the quality of life for those with limited mobility.
Depending on the expected use, space available, timeline, and budget, you can determine whether a vertical platform lift or residential elevator is the best option for you or your loved one. Both options offer accessibility solutions to your home in Aurora.
At Independent Living Solutions, we provide the best stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, and elevators at budget-friendly prices.
by admin | Oct 15, 2020 | Blogs
While you may not experience any pain or discomfort when you move up and down the floors in your house, ask your aging loved one struggling with mobility issues or anyone in general who has mobility issues how difficult it is for them to move about in their own house.
Understanding the plight of seniors and those who have mobility issues, Independent Living Solutions, Inc. developed both curved and straight stairlifts. These stairlifts have allowed people to move up and down the floors in their own house without seeking anyone’s help. Seniors feel independent and confident with the help of these stairlifts. In spite of such a huge success of these stairlifts, there are a certain group of people who refrain from having these stairlifts installed in their house.
These are people who believe in the myths associated with the usage of stairlifts on the Internet and online forums. In this blog, we’ll uncover these ludicrous myths and tell you why you should have the best straight Stairlifts in Arvada installed in your house. Let’s get started.
- The first misconception many people have about stairlifts is that these lifts are only meant to be used by extremely old people. This is obviously not true. Haven’t you seen people injured in road accidents not being able to walk properly even after many years? Aren’t there sports players who injured themselves in such a way that they have trouble walking about? Don’t these people need assistance moving up and down the stairs? They obviously do! Stairlifts are for everyone struggling with mobility issues regardless of what age group they belong to
- The second misconception is stairlifts can only be installed on certain types of stairs. Again, this is absolutely untrue. There is a stairlift for every type of stairs. There are curved stairlifts and straight stairlifts. Depending on what kind of stairs are there in your house, either of the stairlift types can be selected
- The third misconception Is the installation of a stairlift will pose problems. You’ll be surprised to know that a straight stairlift can be installed within 2 hours. The machine is put on the stairs, not on the wall, so it is rather easy for the professionals to do the installation. Yes, a curved stairlift can be quite tricky to install but it wouldn’t take more than a day to install it in the majority of the cases
So there you have it. These are the myths people used to believe in but as you can see, these myths have no basis whatsoever. So, whether you need straight or curved stairlifts in Arvada, feel free to get in touch with Independent Living Solutions, Inc. to know more about these lifts and how they can help you or a loved one with their mobility issues.
by admin | Oct 9, 2020 | Blogs
Watching our parents, grandparents, or loved ones growing old is no less than a challenge. It’s tough to see how they suddenly become dependent upon us for little things – like climbing the stairs. As they get older, their bodies lose strength and sense of balance, increasing the risk of accidental falls. The easiest way to help them move freely around the house is to install a stair chair lift.
If you’re not sure whether stair chair lift installation is a smart decision or not, read below that warning signs that indicate your parents or other loved ones are facing mobility issues.
Fall accidents while climbing up or coming down the stairs
Falling is the most visible sign, which indicates that your parents need assistance while climbing stairs. When they are not steady on their feet, they find it difficult to navigate the stairs. While a fall accident can happen to anyone, more than one incident implies mobility difficulty.
Parents don’t want to leave the house or their room anymore
When you notice that your parents are not as active as they were before, it means something is troubling them. The reason could be a lack of confidence when navigating in-house steps or outside stairs. To help them remain active and independent, without any fear of falling, consider the installation of stair chair lifts at home.
They have mobility concerns or health issues
Knee pain, joint pain, and excessive stiffness are some common reasons that keep seniors from accessing the stairs. Besides, other health problems like back pain and breathing difficulties discourage them from using stairs frequently. To help and support them, you must address their concerns and issues, and seek solutions like installing a stair chair lift.
If you notice any of these signs, wait no more to get stair chair lifts installed in your home. At Independent Living Solutions, we offer the best stair chair lifts in Denver at affordable prices. Get in touch with us today.
by admin | May 15, 2020 | Blogs
Installing a residential elevator in the home is an excellent investment. It can enable people with mobility challenges to reach multiple floors of a home. Just like any other equipment, it also requires routine maintenance to keep running smoothly. Over time, it’s likely to go through wear and tear, which can shorten its life. But with regular maintenance, not only will you extend its lifetime, but you will also save on repair costs.
Here is how you can keep your best used residential elevators for sale in good condition:
Schedule inspection
To ensure that your elevator works safely and smoothly, an annual inspection by professionals, preferably from whom you bought the best residential elevators for sale, is crucial. These professionals have an eye for issues and skills to take care of them in little to no time. From performing safety testing to ensuing smooth operation, they keep everything in check during the inspection. Make sure you schedule an inspection once a year for your safety.
Don’t overlook common problems
When you buy the best used residential elevators for sale and use it day in and out to access different floors of the home, certain problems are bound to happen. Some of the common issues are bumps during travel, increased noise due to lack of lubrication, and issues with locking mechanisms. While they are not serious, they should not be overlooked at any cost. Over time, they can snowball into serious problems, which may require expensive repair or you may need to buy the best residential elevators for sale. As soon as you notice such issues, no matter how insignificant, call your elevator supplier immediately.
DIY Troubleshooting
Repairing your elevator system yourself is not recommended since some things should be left to the professionals. For example, tinkering with its control panel or electrical wiring may not only void the manufacturer’s warranty but may also be dangerous if you don’t know about how its components work. However, here are a few things you can troubleshoot while professionals arrive at your home to fix them:
- Check the circuit breaker in your main electrical panel if your elevator has lost power
- Make sure all swing doors and cab gates are fully closed
- Reset the elevator using a disconnect switch, usually located near the main control panel
Final Note
Keeping your residential elevator in good condition for years to come doesn’t have to be hard as long as you know what you need to do.
If you need help with the installation and repair of new or the best used residential elevators for sale, get in touch with us today.
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