The M2 Vertical Platform Lift

Stairs, decks, porches and elevated platforms often pose a barrier to the elderly and people in wheelchairs, and ramps and/or home stair lifts may not be suitable for all applications. Vertical platform lifts (VPL)  are commercial or residential elevators that allow wheelchair users to move from one level of the building to another without leaving their assistive device.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, our M2 VPL makes accessibility convenient and affordable.  With a capacity of 750 lbs, the M2 lift easily accommodates a wheelchair or other mobility equipment. A complete solution, the M2 lift includes a flush solid gate for the top landing for your safety and code compliance.

Durably built with rust-resistant aluminum components, you can count on this lift to perform and look great for years to come – even in cold and coastal climates.

Ideal for home use as a porch or deck lift, the M2 lift installs quickly and is easy to operate. A reliable chain drive system provides smooth, quiet operation. It is available in 3 lifting heights: 40″, 60″ and 75″.

The M2 lift comes with several standard safety features including emergency stop button, under pan sensors to stop the lift operation (if an obstruction is detected in its path), alarm on car, and slack chain safety switch. A battery-operated unit charged through a standard electrical outlet allows the lift to be operated even during power outages.

We invite you to `contact us for more information about the M2 VPL.

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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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To learn more about our many product offerings, or to speak with a member of our team, give us a call or simply complete our contact form. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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