The Great Debate Solved: Electric Tops Hydraulic

The in-home elevator has become quite a popular accessory thanks to its numerous benefits. Baby boomers looking to “age in place” are installing them to ease the burden of bad knees and bad backs. So are families juggling children, pets, and groceries—both groups can greatly benefit. Builders say lifts are increasingly showing up in home renovations, custom-build homes, and high-end speculative properties.

When it comes to home elevators there are two broad categories: Electric and hydraulic. Both have advantages and disadvantages and a homeowner should be well aware of these before deciding which type to put in the home. Which is best? Which needs more maintenance? Which is most cost effective? Let’s take a look.

Up First: Hydraulic Home Elevators

Hydraulic elevators have a basic design of a car attached to a lifting system. The car, inside the hoistway, is attached to guide rails or a rope. Motion for the car comes from the hydraulic ram, a fluid-driven piston mounted inside a cylinder underneath.

The cylinder is connected to a system of a tank, pump, and valve that pumps hydraulic oil. The pump moves hydraulic oil from a tank to a pipe connected to the cylinder, where the valve is. When the valve opens, the fluid goes back into the tank. When the valve is closed, the fluid goes into the cylinder, where it builds up and pushes the piston, and the elevator car, up. Once the car is approaching a floor, the elevator system sends a signal to the pump. When the car goes down, this process reverses.

Hydraulic elevators need more than hoistways and cars, however. A full system will need to be built into your home—including a pit and machine room. Before the elevator is installed, contractors must survey your home and put together drawings for each of these features. Installation may take a few days, as the hoistway and entrances need to be constructed and power wired to the controller.

A hydraulic elevator is reliable, but a big drawback of this design is that it requires a large “machine room.” You’ll need a 20-gallon reservoir filled with petroleum-based hydraulic oil in a separate room in your home, which takes up valuable floor space. And, in case you weren’t aware, hydraulic oil does not have a pleasant smell. A rubber hose connected to the hydraulic cylinder must be changed every six years. Unfortunately, this hose can leak fluid (leaks may also appear in fittings, seals, or even the oil reservoir) and these leaks are usually not discovered until you smell the pool of fluid that’s collected in your home.

A few more drawbacks should be noted:

• Hydraulic elevators bounce and relevel upon entry.
• The elevator also relevels when pressure is lost which can cause the motor to run at all hours.
• Features more complex components which can lead to maintenance issues.
• Hydraulic elevators use outdated technology.

According to an article written by Henry Gifford for Home Energy Magazine, a hydraulic model uses 30 times more electricity than a traction elevator. As you can see, these units are less energy efficient which means you’ll spend more on electricity—maybe several times more.

Up Next: Electric Home Elevators

Electric or cable-driven elevators use a pulley, counterweight, electric motor, and track to move the car up and down the shaft. The electric motor turns the pulley and moves the cables to raise and lower the elevator car. The counterweight helps the elevator use less energy, and the track ensures the counterweight and car don’t sway.

These types of elevators are more popular than hydraulic elevator systems because they don’t use hydraulic fluid (no leaking oil!), making them more environmentally friendly and the required maintenance needed less frequently. They also don’t demand a pit and “machine room” which cuts down labor costs during installation. Instead, all drive equipment is mounted at the top of the elevator shaft where it’s out of the way and safe from any possible flooding.

An electric elevator installs quickly and seamlessly and provides a smooth, stable ride by incorporating a variable speed drive: It starts out slow and gradually increases speed until the desired floor is reached. The system also features a programable controller with on-board diagnostics. And, if you add another floor to your home in the future, the elevator’s rail length can be extended.
The Eclipse residential elevator offered by Liftavator is a smooth-riding elevator that takes up less square footage and usually takes less time to install than hydraulic elevators. It’s the perfect choice for homes with limited space. Construction requirements for the Eclipse are simpler than most other home elevators—making it easier to install into an existing home.

Safety is the top priority with the Eclipse elevator. Its features include:

• Battery-operated emergency lowering and lighting;
• Hand crank manual lowering;
• Motorized braking;
• Lockable control panel;
• Elevator door interlocks;
• Emergency stop switch in car;
• In-use indicator lights on hall stations; and
• Slack chain brake system.

Liftavator can also show you the many ways you can make the Eclipse the perfect complement to your home with a variety of finishes and fixtures to suit virtually any décor. You can even add Savaria automatic slim doors for superior convenience and a modern appearance.

It’s pretty clear which option we think is best for in-home use. Give us a call and let us help you make your home more accessible.

About Liftavator

Liftavator, the number-one source for residential, limited use/limited application (LU/LA) in North Carolina, designs, builds, and installs only the highest quality elevators and platform lifts. In addition to the company’s revolutionary designs and ideas, it offers a 90-day guarantee on all labor and materials. Liftavator doesn’t consider a job complete until the customer is 100% satisfied.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

 

(Sources: Savaria; Seniors and Boomers Services Alliance; HomeAdvisor, Inc.; InfoSpace Holdings LLC; Contractor Culture; House Design Coffee; How Stuff Works; Household Decoration; and WegoWise, Inc.)

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What to Consider When Selecting the Right Stairlift for Your Home

Choosing the right stairlift for your home may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of the Liftavator team, you can ensure your new stairlift matches your lifestyle, current and future mobility requirements, and the needs of your entire family.

With several options, we thought the following questions will be helpful when selecting the stairlift that’s right for you. These considerations are important to review if you wish to remain in the home you love without the worry of limited mobility. If you have any questions at all, the staff at Liftavator is ready with answers.

Which stairlift best fits my staircase?

Let’s start with practicality: If a stairlift doesn’t fit your staircase, it’s definitely not the one for you! Stairlifts are meant to make life easier for you and your family, so if it becomes an obstacle to free, and most importantly safe, movement up and down the stairs or just doesn’t meet your needs as you thought it would, there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.

Liftavator has installed stairlifts all across eastern North Carolina and we can recommend and place the stairlift that fits each one of your mobility and lifestyle needs.

Is it easy to operate a stairlift?

Think about who’ll be using the stairlift, why it’s needed, and how easy specific stairlifts will be for that person to operate. If you or a loved one has a problem with manual dexterity due to arthritis for example, you’ll need to take that into consideration by looking for a model with light touch controls or a remote-control function that lets other members of your family help.

What safety features do I need?

Installing a stairlift in your home or the home of a loved one is a long-term investment that must satisfy your needs today, tomorrow, and the years to come. Whatever your mobility issues may be, it’s key to ensure your stairlift includes features that will keep you safe, secure, and independent.

Several features should be considered when it comes to the safety of the stairlift. Folding foot rests and seats make the lift more compact and less noticeable. Seat belts are a must, and should be worn any time the lift is in use. Swivel seats make it easier to get on and off the chair. If there’s more than one user, a call-send feature is a must—you’ll be able to retrieve the chair if it’s at the opposite end of the stairs. Every stair lift should also have an emergency stop switch.

Is there a warranty or after sales service?

Not only can we recommend the best stairlift for you and your home, but we’ll be on hand to answer any questions you have as you start using your new stairlift. We’re proud to offer a five-year warranty on our stairlifts.

If service is ever needed, our technicians will ensure it’s in perfect working order—giving you the peace of mind your stairlift will never leave you stranded. We recommend a bi-annual service for all our products where we check all operational functions. The process usually takes about an hour.

How long will I have to wait?

A member of our team will visit your home to determine which stairlift meets your specific needs. When a final decision is made, we’ll book a day for installation and you’ll be able to use your new stairlift the same day!

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: Disabled Living Foundation; Consumer Affairs; SFGATE; San Francisco Chronicle; HomeAdvisor; and Huffington Post.)

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Don’t Let a Fear of Falling Drive You from Your Home

Every second of every day in the United States an elderly person falls—making falls the number one cause of injuries (and deaths from injury) among older Americans. It’s estimated that falls cause the death of approximately 27,000 seniors each year.

Twenty-nine million falls were reported in 2014 causing seven million injuries and costing an estimated $31 billion in annual Medicare costs, according to a new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Older adult falls are increasing and, sadly, often herald the end of independence,” says CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “Healthcare providers can make fall prevention a routine part of care in their practice, and older adults can take steps to protect themselves.”

With more than 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, the number of fall-related injuries and deaths is expected to surge—unless preventive measures are taken.

It Can Happen to You

While many people assume falling down the stairs will never happen to them, statistics say otherwise. Most falls occur at home on the stairs and seniors who suffer a fall are likely to fall into one of these statistics:

  • Of seniors who sustain a fall-related injury, 50% are discharged to a nursing home rather than returning to their home.
  • Of those who fall down the stairs, 25% fracture a hip which may require lifelong nursing care.

Falls, with or without injury, can have a direct impact on quality of life. A growing number of folks fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This unfortunate decision can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness. This need not be the case as a few practical lifestyle and home adjustments can dramatically lower the risk of a fall.

Take Preventative Steps

Reduce tripping hazards in the home by replacing or removing furnishings that can result in falls, including rugs, small tables such as magazine racks, standing coat racks, or unstable furniture.

Increase the home’s lighting by choosing brighter light bulbs to increase visibility and use night lights when possible in the rooms in which you spend the most time. The AARP suggests leaving a light on in the bathroom so you reduce the risk of a fall on those middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet. Adding grab bars to showers, tubs, and alongside the toilet can greatly reduce bathroom-related falls.

When it comes to the greatest risk in your home—the stairs—nobody likes to admit they need help moving around their own home. It’s hard to own up to the fact that you can’t get around like you used to, but you can’t simply stop using the second story of your home!

Consider a Stairlift

Poor balance, arthritis, stiffening joints, and many other medical conditions can make using the stairs a tricky proposition—you risk serious injury if you continue to go up and down the stairs unassisted. The right time to fit a stairlift really depends on your current and future needs. If your staircase has started to cause you or a loved one problems, and you find that you can no longer move around your home like you used to, it would be a good idea to take a look at the options open to you.

Most modern stairlifts can easily and quickly be installed to a straight staircase—usually completed in just a few hours. And, the price is quite reasonable…especially when the alternative is selling your home or being forced to move into an assisted living facility.

Consider just a few of the benefits to installing a stair lift in your home:

Freedom: With a stairlift, you can forgo a move and once again enjoy the freedom to use your entire house, obstacle-free.

Safety: Most stairlifts have built-in safety features that will prevent operation if the device faces an obstruction on the stairs, or if the seat, footrest, or armrests are not in their proper positions. You can also use the lock switch to prevent anyone else from using the chair, especially children.

Comfort: The seat and armrests are padded and adjustable, which allows for optimal comfort. The footrest can also be easily adapted to your desired height.

Accessibility: Because of their slim profiles, most stairlifts don’t block access to the rest of the staircase. The chair and footrest will usually fold away so it will not be a hindrance for other people who will need to access the stairs.

Ease of Use: Today’s stairlifts are easily controlled by a toggle located on the armrest. Many are also manufactured with a remote-control handset so you can call the stair lift from the top or bottom of the stairs. The stairlift also charges when it’s in the park position, so it’s ready to use whenever you need it. And, in case power loss, each stair lift has a built-in battery backup system.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: National Council on Aging; AARP; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization; Modern Senior; CaringForAgingParents.com; and SeniorAdvisor.com.)

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Will Your Senior Loved Ones Feel Safe in Your Home this Holiday Season?

The holidays are a time of fun and celebration, but some elements of the season may be hazardous to elderly family members.

This is the time of year when families and friends come together to reconnect, to enjoy each other’s company, and to celebrate traditions. These holiday events often include beloved elderly family members and friends. Whether these senior guests will be staying overnight with you, or just attending a gathering for a few hours, it’s important to make your home as safe as possible for their visit.

Before your senior guests arrive, ask about specific preparations you can make to ensure their safety. It’s better to inquire in advance, not only so you can be prepared, but to also avoid putting your guest on the spot during the gathering.

Safety Issues to Consider

If you’re anticipating elderly relatives to visit for the holidays, do all you can to set your home up with them in mind. Remember: What might not be a hazard for you may be a big one for them! Make sure your home is safe enough for them to move around freely without risk of falling.

Tripping hazards should be a top concern. Look at your rugs or carpets: Would it be easy for an older person to trip on the edges or to slip and lose traction? Ensure your elderly loved ones can get around in your home with ease by removing or rearranging furniture as needed. Is there enough room for her walker or wheelchair? If they are staying overnight, it’s best to offer a guest room on the first floor so that use of stairs is taken out of the equation.

Holiday lights are festive and candles are romantic, but neither provide adequate light for people with decreased night vision. Overnight guests unfamiliar with your home will appreciate night lights to illuminate the path from the bedroom, down the hallway to the bathroom. Night lights in the kitchen area may also be helpful for those in need of a late-night beverage or snack. (If you choose festive holiday nightlights, be sure they are adequately bright.)

Here are a few more easy, thoughtful preparations to make:

Remove obstacles and clutter that could cause a fall. Falls are a serious issue for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of all people aged 65 or older will fall each year, and many of these seniors are seriously injured. Try and remove clutter quickly—have other family members help pick up wrapping paper, boxes, and bows and make sure new toys for the little ones are not left out as a tripping hazard.

Deck the halls—safely! Position the Christmas tree or other decorations out of the main footpath of the home. And remember, wrapping greenery or strands of holiday lights around bannisters and handrails creates a hazard for guests who might need extra support and stability on the stairs.

Be aware of winter weather hazards. Clear snow and ice from the driveway, walkways, stairs, and sidewalks. If walks are slippery or outdoor lighting is inadequate, accompany senior guests from the car and into the home.

Remember mealtime safety. If you will be serving a meal or refreshments, learn ahead of time whether your guest has dietary concerns or problems with eating, chewing, or swallowing so you can offer foods that your guest can easily and safely eat.

Even for a short visit, consider simple home modifications. Ask your elderly guest or a family caregiver if you should purchase or rent further modifications, such as a raised toilet seat or grab bars for the shower.

Making a Safety Assessment

Maybe your elderly parents or guests are not coming to your home for the holidays. If you’re heading home for Christmas it’s a great opportunity to observe your parents’ physical and mental health to determine if they’re thriving or require greater assistance.

“You’re looking for any obvious signs of change,” says Roger Baumgart, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care. For example, it’s clearly a red flag if your typically well-groomed mother has stains on her dress and disheveled hair, and she’s not self-conscious about this. Watching your parent cross the room can be revealing as well, says Baumgart. “Are they as mobile? Are they struggling more to get out of a chair? Can they still climb the stairs?”

Look around your loved ones’ house or apartment to see if it still meets their needs as they age. Sometimes simple fixes can make homes more age friendly, like changing out door and cabinet hardware to levers, installing grab bars in bathrooms, or even a ramp and railing at the front entrance.

Old age or certain medical conditions, such as diabetic nerve pain, arthritis, degradation of joints and ligaments, or loss of bone or muscle mass, can cause aches and pains in the lower extremities. No matter the cause, this kind of pain can make going up and down stairs a near-impossible process. If your loved one is experiencing discomfort or simple balance issues when climbing stairs to the point it’s limiting their independence, it may be time to consider a chairlift. No one should suffer to move around their home.

When Modifications are Needed

As our parents and grandparents age, it’s natural for them to find it a bit harder to get around on their own. Often, they find that getting from point A to point B can become challenging as each year passes. But less mobility does not automatically mean less independence. Many seniors maintain a safe and independent lifestyle with various home health aids for many years.

A popular and practical aid for many seniors is a chairlift, a collapsible chair attached to a mechanical device that lifts a person up and down a set of stairs. Some are worried that installing a chairlift will block the landing, or take up too much room, or prevent other family members or guests from using the stairs. But, in truth, installation is quite discreet—with no damage or changes to the structure of the home—and systems are designed with folding seats and foot rests to ensure a minimal amount of space is used.

For seniors who can no longer live alone, children or other family often open their own homes as a better living situation. For many, it only takes a few easy modifications to drastically improve safety. A chairlift is one of the quickest and easiest solutions for an elderly loved one’s mobility and can provide peace of mind for everyone—no more worry about leaving Mom or Dad home alone!

The holidays are here, and it’s going to be a festive and busy time until the end of the year. The season may already be demanding enough as it is, but we must look out for our senior loved ones even more during this time. Let’s make sure to make life as safe as possible, whether in their home or ours.

For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

(Sources: AARP; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Care.com; Advance Ohio; Avila Home Care; North Star Senior Advisors; Home Hero, Inc.; and Right at Home, Inc.)

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