If you or someone you care about has trouble walking, whether due to age, arthritis, or muscular diseases, than it is likely that the stairs can present a very large obstacle. Traversing the steps can be both painful and potentially dangerous, so they are often avoided. While many people in these situations simply avoid the stairs or rely on an assistant or aid to use them, many instead purchase a stairlift.

Stairlifts are devices that make it possible to use the stairs without any assistance or help. A rail system is attached to the stairs and a chair or small platform is sent up and down the stairs. Stairlifts either utilize batteries or direct electric current to power the unit and are very safe and reliable. They are available for all types of stairs including curved stair cases. Curved stairlifts are very expensive and require professional in home estimates and measuring, but if you have a straight stair case than you can do both the installation and measurements on your own.

If you have a straight stair case than measuring the stairs can be done with only a measuring tape and possibly an assistant. The measurements are very important because the dealer will custom cut the track to fit your stairs. The first measurement you should take is the overall length of the stairs. Start at the top step and measure all the way to the bottom landing. Next measure the complete distance from the top step to the bottom step. For both of these measurements ensure that the measuring tape is taunt and does not sag. Next measure the width of your steps and the distance from the bottom step to the closest wall or other obstruction. Then measure the height and length of a step as well as the distance from the edge of one step to the edge of the next step.

Once you have these measurements you are ready to begin shopping and may wish to contact a dealer of stairlifts. They will be able to find the stairlift that will best fit your stairs and your pocket.