How To Choose The Right Wheelchair Lifts For Aging Parents

With the growing trend for aging in place, many people are looking for home upgrades and retrofits to maintain their independence. In some cases, this might include wheelchair accessibility. If your parents have chosen to remain in their home, but require a wheelchair, having two floors can present additional challenges. However, a wheelchair lift can allow them to follow their plan and remain in their homes comfortably. Here are tips to help you choose the right wheelchair lift Calgary aging parents will appreciate.

What is a Wheelchair Lift?

Although most people are familiar with the chair lift for stairs, the wheelchair lift is not advertised as often. The chair lift for stairs provides access to upper floors for people, while the wheelchair lift assists those in a wheelchair. This makes it possible for your parents to stay in their home for as long as possible. They are much easier to maneuver in a wheelchair than a ramp and can be used both indoors and out.

Why Choose a Wheelchair Lift Over a Ramp?

A wheelchair platform lift is actually easier maintenance than a wheelchair lift when it comes to exterior access. There is no worry of shoveling snow, and it just needs to be brushed off before use. You can even consider getting a lift cover to protect it from snow and rain. As well, there is the obvious convenience of a lift which requires less effort to get up to the door. You might even find a lift is not much different in price compared to having a contractor build a ramp. Last but not least, wheelchair lifts maintain their value and can be sold when it comes time to sell the home.

What Features are Important for a Wheelchair Lift?

When shopping for a wheelchair lift, you should consider the following:

• Seamless operation so your parents can easily access their destination
• Easy boarding and exiting with automatic self-lowering and remote control to avoid your parents exerting too much effort to use the lift
• Customizable configurations to fit the layout of their home
• Safety locks for added security, especially when using the lift outdoors
• Non-slip flooring to avoid accidents, also very important for exterior use
• Weather-resistant materials so the lift will remain functional regardless of weather conditions and for added durability
• Safety features to prevent injury as well as damage to the lift such as an obstacle detector
• Stability so your parents feel safe when using the lift
• No need for a mechanical room with all the components contained within the lift area itself
• Foldable platforms are a must for smaller spaces
• Safety handrails for added comfort and sense of security when in operation
• Fold-down seats if one parent is in a wheelchair and the other has limited mobility

These features will ensure your parents can use the lift without issues and feel safe while doing so.

What Considerations are Needed When Buying a Wheelchair Lift?

Before you decide on the lift, consider the following:

• Measurements: Measurements for space it will be installed as well as the lift measurements to make sure the lift will fit. Don’t forget the lift height as well.
• Wheelchair or Scooter Size: In hand with the measurements for the entire system, be sure to measure the wheelchair or scooter your parents use and then the actual platform of the lift to make sure they work together.
• Weight capacity: Lifts come with different capacities, so you need to include the weight of your parents and their wheelchair/scooter.
• Battery backup: Make sure the lift has a battery backup in case of blackouts and emergencies. For example, screw drive models do not offer battery backup.
• Installation: Exterior lifts require a concrete slab in most cases. Be sure the area outside your parents’ home can be leveled to accommodate the concrete.

Speak to your wheelchair lift installer to understand any challenges your parent’s property might present. For exterior lifts, if your parents have a garage with steps, it might make more sense to install the wheelchair lift in the garage if space allows. This keeps the lift out of the weather. Your parents won’t have to worry about parking their car, getting out, accessing the lift, and then leaving the car outside.

Are There Other Choices Available?

For exterior lifts, the wheelchair platform lift is the only choice. However, if your parents are looking for an interior option, they can also look at residential elevators Calgary. This is a better option in homes where your parents need to access more than two floors but can apply to homes with two floors as well.

Experience the freedom to enjoy your whole home again. Experience Ascension Elevators. What began as a Calgary elevator company has quickly become a full-province servicing business, passionate about helping individuals access every corner of their home with ease! From helping you find the right product to expert elevator installation and careful maintenance, we offer quality products with service focused on your experience.