Stairs are frequently a substantial challenge for the aging, making power assist chairs for the elderly a necessity for both patients and their caregivers. This device is designed to evacuate those unable to safely navigate the stairs during emergency situations such as a fire or power failure, as well as for basic day-to-day use inside a residence, public building, or medical facility.
Waiting until an emergency arises is not an option. Residential and professional caregivers should carefully consider the mobility of the people they care for and plan accordingly. Advanced planning could potentially be a compassionate lifesaving act.
Usage and Features of Power Stair Assist Chairs for the Elderly
Whether it is in a multistory house, apartment building, townhome, a multistory commercial facility, or a medical facility, at some point professional caregivers will likely need access to review emergency protocols and equipment that will allow them to transport patients safely via the stairs.
Elderly family members living on their own, oftentimes find themselves contemplating moving to residences without stairs in order have fewer obstacles to overcome in their daily routines. The use of medical equipment such as power stair assist chairs allow the elderly the option to remain in the same home where they raised their children and made a lifetime of memories. This connection to the life they have built and the joy that it brings them may contribute to an overall higher quality of life that would have had to be sacrificed without safe stair navigation.
In addition, this stair chair assist unit is specifically designed to be user-friendly, functional, and dependable via key features such as:
- A lightweight aluminum alloy frame
- Safety night light for dim hallways or staircases
- Cushioned head support and extended footrest
- washable neoprene seat covers
- A four-point belt harness (shoulder and waist) for the patient’s safety
- Adjustable, ergonomic lift and extendable guide handles for better grip and lift abilities
- Durable, rubberized treads made for great traction on many surfaces
- Swiveling front castors to increase range of motion, particularly in tight spaces
- Dual locking rear wheels to aid with loading and unloading
- Commercial grade, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery good for 250 + flights of stairs on a single charge
- Easy maintenance and compact storage
Aging individuals who are restricted to a wheelchair are not without options. Ask your EMS/ medical equipment dealer about their inventory of battery operated climbing trolleys for wheelchairs. These stair climbers are designed to enable a person in a wheelchair to be transported up or down stairs and can be used in homes, hospitals, ambulances, and more.
How Power Stair Assist Chairs Can Help Protect Caregivers
Those who have devoted themselves as caregivers to friends, family members or the community at large via their job in emergency medical services often experience chronic back issues. This is caused by consistently bearing the weight of patients when it comes to transporting them via the stairs in a residential or commercial environment. In most cases, back pain or injuries can last for days or weeks, leaving caregivers unable to aid the elderly they are responsible for.
Power stair assist chairs are specifically designed to help minimize the physical burden on these caregivers so they can continue to serve where they are needed without the risk of back issues. Some of the features of power stair assist chairs for the elderly that make this possible are all terrain functionality (carpet, cement, and wood) and a powerful motor that allows variable speed control for increased comfort.
A manual stair evacuation chair can only go down the stairs and typically requires two operators for maximum control, which can be a challenge in a situation where only one caregiver is present. In sharp contrast, power stair assist chairs and battery powered wheelchair trolleys for stair assist can go up or down the stairs and may be operated by one caregiver since power operation replaces manual lifting.
Advantages to Choosing Power Stair Assist Chairs Over Brand Name Medical Device Equipment
When it comes to a family or professional caregiver facilitating the transportation of an elderly individual up or down a flight of stairs, they have several options. However, it is important to note that going with a common brand name may not deliver as many of the added user-friendly features or savings as going with other emergency equipment that is not a brand name.
Some of the specific advantages to choosing power stair assist chairs without a popular name include:
- A more powerful motor
- A battery charge that lasts up to 250 flights of stairs depending on the ground surface, the incline of descent, and the weight of the patient
- Less room required to turn the emergency transportation equipment in between flights of stairs (standard is usually 42 x 42 inches of space to turn, but some power stair assist chairs may allow turning in a more compact space of 38 x 38 inches)
- Tech support and dependability
- Significant savings of two to three times less than better known brand names who may charge more due to brand recognition
Aging individuals who are restricted to a wheelchair are not without options. Ask your EMS/ medical equipment dealer about their inventory of battery operated climbing trolleys for wheelchairs. These stair climbers are designed to enable a person in a wheelchair to be transported up or down stairs and can be used in homes, hospitals, ambulances, and more.
Choosing a Medical Equipment Provider
Power stair assist chairs are potentially lifesaving equipment. For this reason, it is critical that buyers ensure the medical equipment provider they are using for purchasing is reputable and trustworthy.
Look for a national distributor and manufacturer of medical equipment that ships directly from the factory to the consumer, rather than going through a third-party seller. This may cut down on time for delivery as well as save the buyer money.
Select a distributor that offers a wide variety of medical equipment and devices. Professional caregivers frequently have needs for additional items to better serve those in their care. By purchasing a power stair assist chair through a multifaceted provider, it allows for a one stop shop with a trusted provider for all your current and future needs.
Choose a provider who offers expert customer support. This is essential for those will be operating power stair assist chairs. Customer support may be able to offer assistance with medical equipment operation or troubleshooting as needed.
Make the well-being of patients and loved ones a priority by looking into power stair assist chairs for the elderly. The action you take today might just save a life tomorrow.
