Mobility Info - USA
Domestic Wheelchair Lifts
Vertical or through-floor lifts allow a wheelchair user to move between floors at home without the need to transfer to a stairlift. Although there are stairlifts available that take a wheelchair up and down stairs on a platform, these are frequently too big to be fitted on many existing domestic staircases.
A vertical lift is worth considering as an alternative, provided there is sufficient space on two floors to accommodate it. They typically take up an area of approximately 1m x 1.5m but they also require a similar space around them to permit wheelchair access. Some can be accessed from the side instead of the front if this is more convenient for the space and location. Structural alterations to the house are often necessary, so the lift must be installed by a qualified engineer. Afterwards it should be inspected and tested every six months.
Vertical lifts with a shaft are more likely to entail extensive alterations. The shaft itself is commonly made from sheet metal or glass. Such lifts are sometimes big enough to carry an attendant as well as a wheelchair.
Vertical lifts without a shaft demand fewer alterations to the house. The lift car is either partially or fully enclosed and travels on wall-fixed tracks. A partially enclosed lift car is preferable for anyone of a claustrophobic nature. The doors on the lift car usually open and close electronically; they cannot open while the lift is moving, nor can the lift move if the doors are open. A trap door aperture between floors automatically opens when the lift is in use. At other times, the trap door fills the gap in the floor/ceiling and can be decorated to match its surroundings both above and below.
There are two means of accessing a vertical lift. Some require a shallow ramp but others can be accessed from the level, since the mechanism is located just below the floor, leaving the lift car flush with the surrounding area. The lift is operated with push button controls inside the car; illuminated controls can be provided for the visually impaired. It is important to establish that the wheelchair user is able to open the lift door and use the controls unaided, unless they are likely to have assistance whenever they use the lift.
Some lifts can be fitted with a fixed or fold-down seat for times when a wheelchair is not being used, or for an attendant to perch on. Grab rails and other fitments such as carpet are also optional.
Vertical lifts incorporate a range of safety features. In the event of power failure, an emergency lowering system comes into play, operated either using a wind-down handle or via battery-powered backup. An in-car telephone or alarm can be installed for peace of mind, and smoke monitors will warn the lift to move away from danger if fire breaks out. A speed regulator keeps the lift from travelling too fast. While most lifts feature an automatic door locking mechanism, some can be locked shut when not in use; for example, this would stop small children from exploring where they shouldn’t. Sensors on the lift can notice obstructions left in its path, such as toys, walking sticks or pets.
Before having a lift installed, check that the wheelchair and occupant are within the maximum weight limit for the lift. Make sure too that the floor to which the lift is providing access is otherwise wheelchair accessible; there is no point in taking a wheelchair upstairs only to find that doors are too narrow or that the bath, toilet or bed cannot be accessed.
For premises where a wheelchair needs to negotiate a smaller change in level, such as in a split-level hallway, a short rise lift might be a good solution. This is particularly useful where there is not enough room to fit a ramp. The lift can be operated by the wheelchair user independently. A short rise lift consists of a platform with side support rails that, at its lowest position, does not obstruct other people as it is level with the ground. Some short rise lifts have extendable ramps or bridging platforms to facilitate access and to allow the user to exit safely in situations where there are a few steps between levels. Otherwise the lift would need to be installed alongside or instead of steps.
Mobile or portable short rise lifts are ideal for coping with small changes in level that are not accessed very often and therefore do not need a permanent lift installed. This means that structural alterations to the property are unnecessary. They are also useful in houses where there are two or more places where a lift is required on an infrequent basis. These lifts work electrically or by way of a hydraulic mechanism activated by a foot pump. As they are not permanent fitments, they are not sunken into the ground and so require a small ramp to access them. The electric models can be operated by the wheelchair user but those that use a foot pump need the assistance of a helper. Some have wheels to make them easier to transport around the house.
