Vertical Platform Lift
Just like you have a wheelchair platform for the van, a home can accommodate a vertical platform lift that does much the same thing; get the wheelchair up to where it should be. In many cases people just can’t get in and out of their wheelchairs very easily. This happened to dad in his later years and the lift was a life saver. Here are some things to look for.
Generally vertical platform lifts utilize either what is referred to as a worm drive or worm gear or a hydraulic pump system. Units that use a hydraulic pump system can be extremely expensive, both to purchase and in the event that any work needs to be done on them. Hydraulic units work by compressing heavy oil, called hydraulic oil, in cylinders. The pressure is then released which lower the units.
A vertical platform lift is a mini elevator, which raises a platform vertically up and down the distance of the steps. One of the advantages of a vertical platform lift is that it can be used to carry an individual in a wheelchair or mobility scooter up the stairs, where a stair lift can only be used to carry a seated person. A vertical platform lift is designed to support the weight of a mobility device, like a scooter mobility, and its rider. Most do not support less than 500 pounds and several of them can support as much as 750 pounds. While very similar to elevators, a vertical platform lift is completely self contained, so there is no expensive construction or installation. These types of lifts are most frequently used on the front steps of homes and are able to transport a standing person or a person who is in a wheelchair or electric scooter.
The Bruno vertical Platform lift is one option for accessibility in your home. A platform is utilized that raises and lowers vertically the distance of a set of stairs, or areas of different elevations. They are installed alongside of a set of steps, most often the front steps, and send a small platform vertically up and down the stairs.
Sometimes wheelchair ramps are not enough and the need for passenger lifts in places with multiple floors is essential. They can also be made as an enclosed lift, or an open lift which can be used when the distance between the travel points is minimal. With straight through access you drive your wheelchair strait onto the lift and once lifted drive straight onto the stairs landing. This is also an important consideration if you are planning to use the lift to help carry household supplies and groceries.
Seniors and the disabled just need to sit on these chairs which are attached with a metal track that runs along the staircase. The metal tracks are bolted to the steps and they are present all along the length of the staircase. Hydraulic wheelchair platform lifts are more costly than electric wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair user simply rolls onto the lift platform, pushes the lift button to rise to the deck or porch level and then rolls off the lift. Depending on the height the lift platform needs to travel, the whole process shouldn’t take more than 30 to 60 seconds.
Most full stairways are not wide enough to accommodate a platform lift. Vertical lifts or wheelchair lifts are a great investment if you or someone you love is in a wheelchair or has trouble walking. Vertical platform lifts are increasingly popular, not only as companies strive to comply with disabled-access regulations, but also because they’re simple to fit. Today’s home accessibility products are versatile, easy to assemble and operate, and are designed to be maneuverable (in many cases, portable), so you can improve accessibility and safety without breaking the bank.
Tags:Electric Scooter, Elevators, Front Steps, Hydraulic Oil, Hydraulic Pump, Hydraulic Units, Mobility Device, Mobility Scooter, Scooter Lift, Stair Lift, Stairs, Vertical Platform, vertical platform lift, Wheelchair Platform, Wheelchair Ramps, Wheelchair Van, Wheelchairs