When shopping for your new lift, make sure to take a closer look at the seat on your new stair chair. Since this will be different for each and every consumer, it makes sense to buy chairs and lifts from companies that offer features to suit your distinct preferences.
Think about it: you want your lift seat or stair chair to be something that you can easily use and adapt to. For this reason, stair chairs merit a little extra attention. Think about your investment as something that you will have for years to come – which makes satisfaction with the seat especially important. Talk to mobility experts to find the right chair – and lift – to suit your needs, preferences, and living situation.
Let’s take a closer look at the seat of your new Stair Chair, shall we?
Design
Examine the design of the chair and factors such as the shape of the arm-rests and height of the back when buying. Be cognizant of weight recommendations to ensure smooth operation and safety. Look for high-end details that could add convenience and overall satisfaction, such as quality materials and padding. Consider aspects such as where you will be primarily using the device if there is terrain to be concerned and any existing physical limitations that may point toward the best options.
Comfort
Speaking of padding, comfort is key when shopping for your stair chair. If possible, take a seat and try it out; if not, read customer reviews and feedback to assess the overall level of satisfaction with the comfort of the style. No consumer ever thinks ‘I wish I had gotten a less comfortable chair’ but often wish they had kept comfort in mind before buying.
Maintenance
Is your new stair chair going to be easy to clean and maintain? When buying devices and aids, it is always recommended that you purchase from a retailer that stands behind their product, offering service, support, and installation. Keeping this in mind, routine maintenance may involve inspections and servicing from a qualified mobility professional. To have a company that supports consumers after the sale is integral and pays for itself in overall maintenance convenience.
Versatility
Another aspect to consider when contemplating your options is versatility; is the seat adjustable at all? This could be prudent when seats are used by more than one person, or when you are making an investment for the long-term, such as for a stairlift. The more options, features, and details that you have to consider in your stair chair, the more likely you are to be satisfied with it for many years to come.
Brand
What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to mobility equipment, quite a bit could be riding on the brand and manufacturer. This is not the time to opt for obscure names that may offer an alluring price point; stick to the companies that have been relied on by consumers for generations like Bruno, Mac’s, and Pride products. These names have earned a reputation for performance, longevity, and quality over the years – with clients just like you!
Thinking of increasing accessibility? Tips before you buy
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for mobility aids, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and research your options first. Since the primary goal is to increase access, any idiosyncrasies or characteristics that impede use or deter the user defeat the whole purpose of utilizing mobility aids; keep some basic buying tips in mind to ensure you are satisfied after the sale:
- Some mobility aid retailers offer equipment for consumers to rent; this could provide you with the option of trying various aids before you buy a new one.
- Make sure that the company you choose to shop with assesses your needs before selling you equipment. This may include a brief discussion, questions, and some information relevant to providing you with the best mobility options for your distinct situation.
- Be wary of buying mobility aids from second-hand sources, such as from private individuals. These devices won’t be backed by service and satisfaction guarantees and could potentially pose safety hazards if not installed professionally. It is simple: buy new.
Pay some extra-attention to where you will be sitting when buying mobility aids, and don’t afraid to sit for a spell to find the best fit. Discuss options with mobility experts, who can assess your distinct needs, to find you the best stair chair for your home. Accessibility aids only help when they are utilized, so make sure that the seat of your lift doesn’t impede, hinder, or deter you from using the device once installed in your home or dwelling. After all, the goal is to find devices that fit in with your lifestyle and habits; buying the right seat or stair chair is a fine start to increasing access and preserving autonomy for those with physical limitations or disabilities.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)