Reports from USA Today suggest that one out of eight (13%) Americans is above the age of 65 years. Slips and fall accidents on stairs are a common problem among the elderly and people with mobility issues. Installing a stair lift is an ideal solution to ensure their safety and enhance their mobility and independence. There are models for both straight and curved staircases. Savaria’s Stairfriend Stairlift is the ideal option for smooth and easy access over stairs with multiple landings, steep angles or round corners.
Savaria’s Stairfriend – Top Features
Among seniors, falls on stairs can be a very serious thing as it can significantly impact their ability to maintain good health and live independently. Stairlifts such as the Stairfriend are specifically designed to overcome this problem and that too, without affecting interior aesthetics.
Designed to be installed on stairs that feature a change of direction, curve or spiral, this model allows safe and easy access to another floor. It features footrest and carriage sensors that automatically stop the lift’s operation if an obstruction is encountered on the stairs. The controls on the armrest along with two remote controls make operating the lift easy.
Integrated with a rack and pinion drive system, the device comes with a total weight capacity of 350 lbs and a nominal speed of 20 ft/min and 12 ft/min over curves. Its double-rail system ensures strength and durability. The chair lift is battery operated with built-in charging stations so that it is ready to work even during a power failure.
The Stairfriend is also equipped with a wide range of safety features. A safety switch for the swivel seat prevents the curved stair lift from running if the seat is not locked in the riding position. It also comes with a manual lowering handwheel that can be inserted on the motor shaft to bring the lift to the next landing in the event of an emergency. Some of the other features of this system include:
• Upper and lower safety limit switches
• Retractable seat belt to ensure safety
• Overspeed brake (optional) to stop the lift if the normal downward travel speed is exceeded
• Open lower back seat design for excellent comfort
• Onboard diagnostics to identify any service issues
• On-board controls with soft start and smooth stop operation
• Motor – ¹/2hp, 24V (DC) power that charges on standard household power
• Folding seat and footrest (helps to save space)
• Emergency stop button (optional)
To purchase this durable, reliable and easy to use stairlift, find a reliable dealer in accessibility equipment. The right dealer will perform a site assessment and provide customized installation so as to ensure a perfect fit on your stairs.
