Home elevators have been around for a very long time. However, the elevator industry has played a significant role in the development of technology, which has been instrumental in making these elevators more accessible to people with disabilities and older adults.
The Need For Accessibility
In the United States alone, there are over 16 million people who live alone. If you’re one of them, you know how difficult it is to get around. It’s not unusual to find yourself trying to get up and down the stairs, or climbing the stairs, to get to your destination. With this being the case, it’s important to consider how to make your home elevator handicapped and elderly-accessible.
Home Elevator Safety Guidelines
When home elevators were first introduced, they were seen as a luxury and were only installed in the most upscale homes. With this being the case, safety concerns were not something that was considered.
As a result, many of these older elevators did not meet today’s safety guidelines, which are designed to protect you from getting stuck in the elevator shaft, dropping from the platform, or from being injured when coming into contact with moving parts.
To make your home elevator safe, it’s important to install a brake system to prevent the elevator from moving until you let go of the controls. A simple way to ensure that the elevator is safe is to install a door stop system and a safety bar system along the bottom rail of your elevator shaft.
Making Your Home Elevator Handicap Accessible
If you have an older home elevator that does not meet today’s safety guidelines, you’ll likely want to consider making your home elevator handicap accessible. While it may be inconvenient, it can be done without having to replace or tear down your home elevator. There are several options available to make your home elevator handicap accessible. You can:
Install a Handicap-Accessible Lift Chair
Home elevators can be a great way to get up and down different levels of the home, but they can be challenging for people with disabilities or elderly relatives. Installation of a handicap-accessible lift chair can make life much easier for these individuals.
This can go inside the elevator car to provide a place for the wheelchair to sit, or it can be installed on a staircase in your home.
Install A Special Delivery Service For Groceries Or Packages
A home elevator can make it easier for an elderly person or someone with a physical disability to get groceries or packages delivered. The delivery person can help the customer onto the elevator and then take them to their floor. This service can be especially beneficial for people who live in apartments or condos where there is no lift available.
Installing Wide Doors
There are many benefits to installing wide doors in your home elevators. These doors make it easier for people with disabilities or mobility issues to use the elevator. They also make it easier for elderly residents to use the elevator. Wide doors can also reduce noise levels in the elevator, which is important for people who have hearing impairments.
Install A Wheelchair Ramp
Wheelchair ramps are a great way to make home elevators accessible for people with disabilities and elderly residents. They can help people with mobility issues get around easily and make their lives easier. It’s important to note, however, that wheelchair ramps should only be installed by a professional installer. If you’re not sure who to call, contact your local home improvement or building supply store.
Install An Automatic Door Opener
One consideration for those looking to install an automatic door opener is the level of access that will be granted to those with disabilities or elderly members of the family. Home elevators can present a significant challenge for those requiring assistance, as many elevators are not equipped with automatic door openers. If accessibility is a key consideration, it may be best to look for an elevator that features one or more accessible options, such as an automatic door opener.
Making Your Home Elevator Elderly Accessible
If you have an older home elevator that is safe and meets today’s safety guidelines, it may be time to consider installing a remote control system that allows you to operate the elevator using your cell phone or a wireless keypad.
By installing an elderly-accessible home elevator, you can make your home more comfortable by allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home rather than trying to navigate your way around your home to get where you want to go.
Installing an accessible home elevator is a great way to make your home more comfortable for those with disabilities or elderly family members. By choosing an elevator that features a remote control system or an automatic door opener, you can ensure that everyone in your home can access the elevator without difficulty.
