The lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 highlighted many daily difficulties, particularly those faced by some people with reduced mobility living in multi-story homes. Many were indeed forced to make do with a restricted space for several months without being able to receive visitors or leave their homes.
This type of situation highlighted the usefulness of adapting the home for the coming years to gain more autonomy. Installing a stairlift is notably among the first measures to take for this.
Why Buy a Stairlift?
A stairlift, also called a chair lift, is a device that allows an individual to move from one floor to another without using the stairs. This system offers more autonomy to elderly and/or mobility-impaired individuals who live in multi-story residences. They thus depend less on home care assistants and can remain in their homes for several years. It is indeed more beneficial, fulfilling, practical, and economical to live at home.
The chair lift helps prevent many accidents and falls that can be fatal for people suffering from particular conditions such as hypertension or vertigo. In addition, the device is generally equipped with a safety harness to secure the individual in case of problems during transit. The risks of falling are thus reduced.
The stairlift is also useful, even indispensable, for people suffering from arthritis or any other condition causing muscle pain or shortness of breath during movement. This equipment allows them to move freely throughout their home without hurting themselves. It is essential that they continue to live and practice their usual activities to maintain their well-being and good morale. It should also be noted that there are stairlifts adapted to all types of stairs.
How to Choose a Stairlift?
It is important to choose good quality equipment that suits the available space and infrastructure.
It is also essential to know that models adapted for straight and curved stairs are different. It is highly recommended to inquire with the seller or manufacturer to find the appropriate equipment.
What is the Importance of Choosing an RBQ-Approved Device?
The Building Code requires that any lifting device or elevator installed in Quebec has the approval of a member of the Order of Engineers, who then transmits said “approval” to the RBQ (Régie du Bâtiment du Québec). Note that these devices do not cost more than unapproved devices.
The chosen contractor must also hold an RBQ license to perform the work. They risk heavy fines by installing unapproved devices. Similarly, companies with an RBQ license do not intervene to uninstall or reinstall an unapproved stairlift in case of a claim, for example. Furthermore, it is the safest way to benefit from regular maintenance service according to the standards required by the Safety Code.
In Brief
The stairlift is an interesting option to consider for making life easier for elderly and/or mobility-impaired individuals in their multi-story homes. This device is only suitable for indoor installation. It is also important to note that a platform lift would be an interesting and practical option for an individual who uses a wheelchair.
This will be adapted to accommodate this equipment. The most important thing is to respect the law and therefore choose RBQ-approved devices to ensure optimal safety and guarantee maintenance according to standards.
