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People who can not easily walk or move often have difficulty bending their knees. This is often the result of joint disorders such as arthritis. Arthritis is common in those who are older and people who are over 65 are at a much increased risk of falls and injury. This is one reason that using the stairs can be so difficult and potentially dangerous.

People who have an increased risk of falling down the stairs have often found that they must avoid using the stairs all together or perhaps wait for someone to come and help them up and down the stairs. This can mean simply not using a large portion of your residence or having to pay a caregiver to come in and help. Those that rely on their family might feel like they are putting an undo burden on them. In cases where the person helping you up the stairs is also mobility impaired or older, you are doubling the people who might potentially be hurt or fall.

A stair lift is one of the best ways to prevent falls down the stairs and dramatically reduce the risk of injury. They are in essence devices that attach directly to the stairs and use a car to carry an individual to the top of the stairs and back down again. They are easily installed and provide a large measure of safety and reliability. Best of all, however, they allow a single individual to use the stairs without any outside assistance. This means that there is no need to rely on a nurse or other paid individual when you wish to go upstairs to sleep and you are also not putting your loved one at risk as they help you up the stairs.

Most newer stair lifts have several safety features that are meant to prevent accidents while using the stair lift. One of the most important safety features is a series of sensors that detect objects that might be on the stairs and could potentially hinder the travel of the stair lift. This might include a purse or bag and as soon as the stair lift sensor detects the objects it will stop and wait for the object to be removed, or allow you to move the stair lift in the opposite direction. Another safety feature involves the way the unit is operated. Constant pressure must be used on the switch in order for the chair to move. If you stop pushing the button, then the stair lift will cease to move. This ensures that in the event of an emergency, the stair lift will not run over its occupant. Many units also include lap belts and most can be outfitted with them if needed.

Stair lifts provide a very important resource for people who could otherwise not be able to safely and independently walk to the top of the stairs and back down again. Their ability to reduce the risk of falls is well documented and an important way to increase safety while using the stairs.