Cool ways to go upstairs
DOES the thought of warmer weather ahead bring worries about exerting yourself on the stairs? A stairlift will restore your confidence. When a heatwave arrives, you won’t be stuck on one floor, but will be able to nip upstairs for a snooze or a shower without any difficulty. A stairlift can be fitted with minimal fuss, in just a few hours. And as the rail fits to the stair treads, not to the wall, there is no need to redecorate or re-carpet. An alternative is a home lift — now more affordable than in the past and a great way to improve your lifestyle. This kind of lift carries up to two or three people and a wheelchair if required. It can be placed almost anywhere, as it will take up little space. Running on a rail, it won’t require a supporting wall. Tuck it in a corner, place it in a cupboard, or send it up to a mezzanine or a landing. With a small footprint of less than seven square feet, it gives freedom and flexibility. A home lift is very quiet and the remote control assists you in using it to move items such as laundry, vacuum cleaners, boxes or anything else that you need an extra pair of hands with. Safety features include a battery backup, full-height lighting, full or half-height doors, obstruction sensors, a key lock and an optional seat and grab bar. Plus, the floor lid is safe to stand on upstairs when the lift cabin has travelled downstairs. Less expensive and disruptive than moving, a stylish and luxurious home lift can add value and convenience, with minimal running costs.