While surprising, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 28.7% of people in the US have some form of disability. Among them, 12.2% of adults face mobility challenges, making it difficult to walk or access stairs. These statistics highlight the need for effective mobility solutions for people with limited mobility. Here, residential vertical platform lifts are an excellent solution for improved home accessibility.
This piece of equipment provides a safe and convenient way for elders and those using wheelchairs or walkers to move between different levels of their homes. Besides their functionality, these platforms also increase the overall value of a home. In this guide, we will explore why residential vertical platform lifts are considered a smart investment for home accessibility, highlighting their benefits, features, and factors to consider before investing in one.
Why Are Residential Vertical Platform Lifts a Smart Investment?
While home vertical platform lifts provide a safe and convenient way to access different levels in your house, they have proved to be a smart investment due to their unique features. Here are some of the reasons that make them stand out:
Increased Property Value
Homes with mobility features or transfer aids for the disabled, such as vertical lifts, are highly favored by prospective buyers, especially those seeking accessible living options. Installing vertical platform lifts makes your home more attractive and increases its resale value in the long run.
Accessibility for All
Vertical platform lifts are not only a convenient way for disabled and elderly individuals, but they are also an added benefit for all household members to move between floors with ease. These residential vertical platform lifts are safe to navigate the home without, ensuring inclusivity for everyone.
Space Efficient
Unlike traditional elevators, vertical platforms or home ramps for the elderly are compact and require less space. This makes them an ideal choice for homes with limited space. You can easily install these lifts in tight spaces, often next to staircases or in corners.
Future-Proofing
As homeowners’ needs change over time, especially in aging households, mobility equipment like vertical platform lifts makes it easier to accommodate mobility issues without complex renovations. As a result, it ensures that your house remains suitable for long-term living.
How Residential Vertical Platform Lifts Help People with Disabilities?
Vertical platforms offer numerous benefits to elderly and disabled individuals, making daily activities easier for them:
Enhanced Accessibility
Residential platform lifts provide a smooth and safe transition between floors for people with mobility challenges. These lifts are mainly beneficial for those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. This is because it allows them to access different levels without requiring assistance. As a result, people establish a sense of independence, making it easier for them to roam around their homes.
Increased Safety
Beyond accessibility, transfer aids for the disabled, such as vertical platform lifts, provide a safe and secure environment for transferring between floors. With its advanced safety features, including non-slip platforms, safety gears, and emergency stop buttons, it reduces the risk of falls & injuries caused by stairs. By offering a safer alternative to traditional stairs, these lifts create a secure environment for users.
Personalized Features
Users have the option to customize their platform lifts to meet their specific needs and preferences. Whether you want to adjust the lift size to fit your wheelchair or incorporate extra safety features, these lifts can be tailored for comfort and convenience.
Cost-Effective:
Unlike its alternatives like large elevators or ramps, vertical platforms provide a more budget-friendly solution for home accessibility. While ramps require a large amount of space and may not be an ideal fit for smaller homes, vertical platforms take up less space and are more affordable to install. Therefore, residential vertical platform lifts provide functional lifts without requiring a huge amount of investment.
No Relocation Mess
Many people need to relocate their house just because their homes are incompatible with their mobility needs, leaving them with the stress of relocation. However, with residential vertical platform lifts, disabled people and seniors can live in their current homes without worrying about the money and stress involved with relocation. Instead of searching for a new accessible home, people can invest in a lift that improves the accessibility of their current space.
Low Maintenance
Residential vertical platform lifts require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient option for people with disabilities. Maintaining complex equipment can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues, but these lifts are designed to be low-maintenance. Since vertical platform lifts are made of high-quality material, they require little maintenance, ensuring seamless operation.
How to Choose a Residential Vertical Platform Lift?
Before you decide to install a residential vertical platform lift, consider the following factors for smooth installation:
Weight Capacity: Ask about the weight limit of your mobility equipment. Verify that the lift can handle the user’s weight and the equipment they use, including a wheelchair or walker.
Platform Size: Ensure that the selected vertical platform is large enough to accommodate the user’s mobility equipment easily. Contact the professionals; they will measure the dimensions of the equipment and advise you on the suitable fit for your home.
Outdoor Durability: Decide if you want to install the lift outdoors. If yes, then your lift should be weather-resistant and can withstand various weather conditions.
Advanced Safety Features: Choose the platforms equipped with the latest safety features like non-slip surfaces, safety gates, and emergency stop buttons. These elements can help prevent potential accidents and ensure the user’s safety.
Conclusion
Residential vertical platform lifts are great mobility solutions that help individuals with limited mobility, offering them enhanced accessibility, safety, and independence. These lifts not only help people navigate the home but also maintain the aesthetic appeal of their property, thus increasing the overall value of the house in the long run. With customizable features, cost-efficiency, and minimal maintenance, these lifts provide a practical solution without major home renovations or relocations.
However, before making a purchase, users should consider factors like platform size, type, and weight capacity to ensure a smooth installation process. If you have elders in your house or know someone needing vertical platform lifts, contact us. At HomePRO, we provide a wide range of vertical platform lifts, suiting each individual’s needs.
