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Category: Stairlift

Hurricane Dorian Follow Up

Hurricane Dorian was kinder to our area than last year’s Florence, however the huge storm brought plenty of rain and wind. We hope you and your loved ones made it through the storm safely.

Hopefully, you did not receive a great deal of damage during the storm, however if you notice any problems with your unit, they will need to be addressed.  As always, we are committed to providing timely service to all our customers, and we urge you to contact us today at 888-634-1717 to schedule a service or repair if necessary.

As we handle any resulting issues from the storm, we remind you that you just like your car, furnace or air conditioning system, a residential or commercial elevator requires regularly scheduled maintenance.  We recommend a bi-annual service for all of our products, which consists of fine adjustments and lubrication and test of operational function.

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Common Types of Elevators

Usually, when we think of an elevator, the image of pushing the button and waiting for the doors to open, stepping inside and being whisked up into the building comes to mind. This lift is the most common; a passenger elevator in a multi-story, commercial building, designed to carry people from one level to another. Many people are surprised to find that elevators and lifts actually come in a wide variety of styles and options, for commercial and personal use, and even for homes with only one flight of stairs.

To begin with, there are the passenger elevators built for commercial use. Aside from the one mentioned above, there are express elevators, which do not service all floors of a building, and usually move passengers from the building’s lobby to the top floors.  Urban transport elevators carry passengers through open urban space, like from the bottom of the hill to the top. The size and number of passengers a commercial elevator carries depends on the building’s use, structure and design. High-rise office buildings, hospitals, and government buildings and other commercial spaces are required to have elevators so that accessibility is guaranteed. In addition, freight, stage, vehicle and boat elevators, though not built to move passengers, are also commonly used in the commercial world.

On a smaller level is the residential elevator, which is designed primarily for home use and enhances the mobility of the homeowners.  Residential elevators are available in several price points, from utilitarian to luxury and several points in between. There are indoor and outdoor residential elevators, which are built into the structure of the home, and home stair lifts which attach to the stairway and allow the user to sit and be lifted up the stairs.  Each of these residential types take the place of stairs so that the homeowner can move easily throughout the home.

Not only are there several different types of elevators, but they each operate in several different ways.  Aside from where the elevator will be used, the differences in these types also comes down to the way the operating system works.  Hydraulic and electric or cable-driven elevators are the two most common types.  Each of these two types can be found in both commercial and residential settings.

Hydraulic elevators have a basic design of a car attached to a lifting system. The car, inside the shaft 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 hydraulic elevator is a safe and reliable option, but a big drawback of this design is that it requires a large “machine room” to house a 20-gallon reservoir filled with petroleum-based hydraulic oil in a separate room in your home, which takes up valuable floor space. They have a high risk of fluid leaks and are quite expensive to repair due to the abundance of complex engine parts. In addition, studies have shown they use 30 times more energy than an traction elevator, driving up energy costs over time.

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.

Electric or cable-driven elevators do not use hydraulic fluid, making them more environmentally friendly and the required maintenance needed less frequently. They do not 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 will be 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. The system also features a programmable 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.

In addition to electric and hydraulic elevators, other systems include pneumatic, winding drum, and counterweight. Some of these require a machine room which is either below or above the hoist way. These rooms are for storing the hydraulic pump or electric motor along with the controller cabinet. There are smaller elevator systems that don’t use a machine room as all components fit inside the hoist way and car. In small commercial systems a cabinet with a computer is often added above.

With offices in New Bern and Charlotte, NC, Liftavator Accessibility Solutions offers residential and commercial elevators and lifts across North Carolina and many areas of the Southeast.  No matter your budget, we will can help you find, install and maintain the perfect unit for your needs, and we look forward to helping you make your home or office more accessible. Explore our website or give us a call today to learn more about the many types of high-quality solutions we offer.

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Now is the Time to Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Holiday Visitors

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner! Now is a good time to start thinking about preparing your home for anticipated guests who may need a little help maneuvering the stairs. If you have elderly, disabled or injured friends or family that might need a ‘lift’ while they are visiting, a Liftavator stairlift might be the perfect option for you.

We have two great stairlift options at Liftavator. The K2 stairlift is your best choice for straight stairs in the home. With the smallest folded up size on the market, it is out of the way when not in use, yet ready to carry up to 350 lbs. whenever you need t, so it is a perfect option for the times when you have short-term guests in your home.

In addition, our SL-1000 stairlift works on straight stairs to glide up and down in comfort and safety using the onboard controls or with the help of remote-control operation, providing barrier-free access.  With its extra comfort seat, adjustable width arms and high capacity, this stairlift is feature-packed. The constant-charge battery operation means that your stairlift works even through a power failure giving you peace of mind.  The  SL-1000 installs quickly and easily and its onboard diagnostic display alerts you of any service issues.

Life can be difficult when you can’t get where you need to go. Liftavator can help you ensure that your guests can easily and comfortably get where they need to be in your home while they enjoy their visit with you.

Liftavator stairlifts are affordable and quick to install. We are always ready to help our clients realize their accessibility goals!

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How to Choose Between a Stairlift and a Platform Lift

The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that by 2030, the United States—for the first time ever—will have more 65-and-older residents than children. All boomers and one-fifth of the total population will have reached the traditional retirement age of 65. The agency’s projection marks a milestone for our society, and it reflects the ongoing impact of the giant boomer generation born in just after World War II.

Boomers may be getting older, but they have no intention of being aged out of their homes. Nearly 75% of people hope to stay in their homes as they age, according to a poll of 1,616 people age 45 and older conducted by AARP. And the older people get, the more likely they are to want to stay put.

Caring for a relative with limited mobility can be a challenge, but plenty of solutions are out there. For those unable to climb stairs due to a disability, a progressive illness, or simply due to aging, a stairlift or platform wheelchair lift is often the best solution.

The first thing to do when evaluating the need for a lift is to consider the user’s level of mobility. This way, you’ll feel at ease knowing you’re making the best possible choice for their situation with safety as the top priority. You can also ensure your loved one enjoys their independence for as long as possible.

Since the most popular mobility solutions are platform lifts and stairlifts, let’s take a look at their features and differences.

Stairlifts

Sometimes called chairlifts, stairlifts are great for people still able to walk easily, but may have trouble climbing stairs. It’s also a good choice for those who can easily transfer from a wheelchair to the stairlift seat by themselves.

The stairlift is a simple set up and is easily installed. The track takes the seat up and down the stairs which allows those with mobility issues to move themselves comfortably.

Stairlifts can be installed on either a straight or curved staircase. The equipment is motorized and battery-operated, so it works even during a power outage. There are two main types of stairlifts: Straight rail and custom curved rail. The straight rail variations are perfect for stairs without any turns, curves, or landings and can often be installed in a day or two since they don’t need customization.

Custom curved stairlifts will be needed for nearly any other stair case—whether you have a split-level house, a curved stair case, or a number of other design elements. Due to the uniqueness of curved staircases, this type of stairlift must be custom made. Because the process is more complex, it may take a few weeks for the installation to be complete.

If you have a loved one who is relatively agile for their age, but can still use some help climbing stairs, the stairlift is your best bet. He or she can maintain independence at home but have assistance when needed.

Platform Lifts

A platform lift is what most people think of when they think about a wheelchair lift. Although similar to elevators in terms of accessible design, platform lifts are much easier to add to an existing home because they don’t need remodeling work to be installed—they’re also much cheaper than an elevator. Platform lifts are the best for those who can no longer transfer out of their wheelchair by themselves.

The most common kind of platform lift is the vertical lift. It carries a person while on a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid on a platform, directly from one floor to another. A platform lift won’t take up as much real estate as an elevator, but it may require adjustments in layout and design.

Now that you know the differences between a stairlift and a platform lift it should be much easier to come to a decision as to what’s best for your loved one. Not only can the staff at Liftavator recommend the best stairlift for your situation and home, but we’ll be on hand to answer any questions you have as you start using your new lift.

When you’re ready, a member of our team will visit your home to determine which stairlift or platform lift meets your specific needs. When a final decision is made, we’ll book a day for installation.

We’re proud to offer a five-year warranty on all our products. If service is ever needed, our technicians will ensure it’s in perfect working order—giving you the peace of mind your lift 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.

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

(Sources: Liftavator; AARP; U.S. Census Bureau; Disabled Living Foundation; Consumers Advocate Organization; and Retirement Living, LLC.)

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Mobility Help Available to Disabled Veterans

As a disabled veteran, remodeling for better accessibility can keep you in a home you love; but, the process can be beyond budgetary resources for many disabled service members and their families. If you desperately need a chair lift or wheelchair lift, what can you do?

Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has grants available to assist with renovation or to even buy a new home to accommodate disability. These grants supplement other funding options available to the general public, and the money can be used to make major modifications to improve independence or just add small aids such as grab bars, wider doorways, or a handicap ramp.

If you’re a disabled Service member or Veteran, find out if you can get a grant to help meet your housing needs.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

The SAH provides up to $67,555 to veterans injured in service so they can create a home that is fully accessible. The money is available to veterans who were disabled permanently and totally as a result of activities during wartime service (100% service-related disability). The majority of veterans who qualify are confined to a wheelchair and require modifications to existing house plans for wheelchair access.

This grant may be used for new home construction or for substantial housing modifications that help eligible veterans function independently in their own homes.

You may be able eligible if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time), and you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true: You own or will own the home and you have one of these service-connected disabilities (disabilities related to your service):

  • The loss or loss of use of both legs, both arms, or an arm and a leg;
  • The loss or loss of use of a lower leg along with the residuals (lasting effects) of an organic (natural) disease or injury;
  • Blindness in both eyes having only light perception along with the loss or loss of use of one leg;
  • Certain severe burns; and/or
  • The loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities (feet or legs) after September 11, 2001, that makes it so you can’t balance or walk without the help of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

This grant can be used for any home improvement that will help those with service-connected disabilities (100% service-related disability) increase mobility throughout their existing homes. Maximum grants are currently $13,511 and are available to veterans with permanent and total disability (blindness or loss of limbs) as a result of military service. The majority of those who qualify are confined to a wheelchair and require modifications to existing house plans for wheelchair access.

You may be eligible for the SHA grant if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time) and you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true: You or a family member own or will own the home and you have one of these service-connected disabilities (disabilities related to your service):

  • Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less);
  • The loss or loss of use of both hands;
  • Certain severe burns; and/or
  • Certain respiratory or breathing injuries.

For FY 2018, you may be able to get up to three grants—for a total of up to $16,217—through the SHA grant program.

Home Improvements and Structural Assistance (HISA) Grant

The HISA program offers home improvement and modification grants of $2,000 to $6,800 for veterans with service-related and non-service-related disabilities, respectively. This program is open to a wider range of veterans and includes those who are disabled as a result of non-service-related conditions. The money may be used for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for the veteran’s disability access to the home and to essential sanitary facilities.

To receive this grant, the Veteran must have a prescription from a VA facility or from a physician providing covered care to VA patients outside VA facilities. Some of the provisions that HISA will pay for include:

  • Lowering electrical outlets and switches;
  • Allowing entrance and exit from the Veteran’s home;
  • Improving access to sanitary facilities;
  • Improving walkways and driveways; and
  • Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters.

The HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability. The HISA program does not cover major modifications that are generally covered by the SAH grant program. For instance, handrails installed in showers are covered under HISA, while widening a bathroom doorway is not.

A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a SHA grant or a SAH grant.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

If you need money to make changes to a family member’s you’re living in for a short period of time, you may be able to get a TRA grant if you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true: You qualify for an SAH or SHA grant and you’re living temporarily in a family member’s home that needs changes to meet your needs.

How to Get Help

You can apply in one of four ways:

If you have any other questions, please call (800) 827-1000.

The knowledgeable staff at Liftavator is also on hand to answer any questions you have as you look at mobility improvements. If you’d like, a member of our team is available to visit your home to determine which of the solutions we offer can meet 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 installations 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: Department of Veterans Affairs; Military.com; USA.gov; and Julian Gray Associates.)

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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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