The purchasing a stair lift chair sometimes can be tricky and emotionally challenging. I hope this piece will aid in introducing you to the subject by discussing three important things: I. Whether to use a local company; II. The different types of stair lifts; and III. The various power sources.

To use or not use a local company is an important decision. Local companies might know of some local funding sources that could take care of part of all of the price. Also, an in-home visit is very likely, and in general the service will be more personalized. Lastly, local companies have the best grasp of recycled equipment that might be available. (Note that the demand for used stairlifts is fairly high.) Non-local companies, on the contrary, might have more connections to financial institutions and might be able to offer financing. As well, the unit will be less expensive if it is not sold via a reseller.

You may doubt the sufficiency of space in your home for the equipment, or wonder whether equipment exists that can meet your specific stair configuration. There are several different options to choose from when purchasing a stairlift chair. For straight staircases with ample space, a straight stair stair lift is appropriate. If you have this situation, you are in luck, because these devices (a) are the least expensive, (b) have the greatest installation flexibility, and (c) count for the greatest proportion of models on the market. An added bonus is that if you are particularly price-sensitive, some straight stair stairlifts can be assembled and installed by the customer. For example, the Acorn stair lift chair is a good choice for straight staircases.

But, if your staircase is complex, has multiple landings, or has other tergiversations, you will require a curved stair stair lift. These devices require custom installation, the work effort of which can attest for about 25% to 50% of the price. Finally, if you have a situation where the staircase is very narrow, and certain that a full chair will not fit, you might want to look into a perch model, which is a type of stair lift platform where the rider either stands or perches on a small seat which resembles a bicycle seat.

Stairlifts can draw their power in one of two ways: They can either be directly connected to the house's power, or use a battery pack. The former type of device is less expensive, and can be made to look smaller and more elegant, since the need is obviated for storing a battery pack. However, in the event of a power outage, it will no longer be able to carry the rider up. Not to worry, even a powerless device is made to gently glide back to its landing station at the base of the stairs. The latter type, a battery powered stair lift, is more expensive, because of (a) the initial cost of the battery and (b) the cost of replacement batteries years down the road. Of course, it will continue to function in the event of a power failure. If the rider's mobility impairment is not very severe, that he or she may still be able to ascend the stairs without the use of the lift, then a directly-powered unit would suffice.

I hope that by having touched on these three points, you're a bit more comfortable in this new subject. The first and most important decision is whether to go local or global; then, what kind of power source do you need? You also are now aware of the three basic types of stair lifts.

For more information about stair lift chair manufacturers, go to the Stair Lift Chair site; and for prices information, stairlifts prices is a good reference.