It’s easy to see why so many people choose to live in the state of Maryland for the long haul. Aging in place has significant benefits over the alternatives, and MD has much to offer individuals of all ages. But many people fear they will not be able to age in place due to accessibility concerns which are especially pertinent for those in wheelchairs. Here at Signature Elevators and Accessible Design, we have specialized in the installation of wheelchair lifts throughout the state of Maryland for years. Today, we’ll help you to pick the best wheelchair lift for your MD home.
What Are Wheelchair Lifts?
Wheelchair lifts are ubiquitous in public places. They are devices that transport individuals in wheelchairs up a vertical space that is typically smaller than one for which an elevator would be appropriate. Similar technology helps people in wheelchairs enter vehicles, but we specialize in those suited to residential settings.
Chair lifts are another accessibility option for MD homeowners, but they are not sufficient for individuals in wheelchairs. This is because they only lift the individual—not their wheelchair.
Vertical Wheelchair Lifts
Let’s start with the kind of wheelchair lift most people are familiar with: vertical wheelchair lifts. If your Maryland home’s staircases are on the smaller side, this kind of lift is probably what is right for you. A vertical wheelchair lift does exactly what you’d think; it travels directly up and down. For reasons we’ll get to later, they are often considered the more aesthetically pleasing option.
They do not have to be installed along a flight of stairs. So long as there is an area that can be designated as the landing site for your vertical wheelchair lift, installation should not pose too much of a hassle. Freedom of placement is one of the biggest benefits of selecting this kind of lift for your MD home.
Inclined Wheelchair Lifts
Inclined wheelchair lifts behave quite a bit differently from the alternative. As you can imagine by the name, they move along an incline—not straight up and down like a vertical lift. For this reason, people sometimes refer to them as ‘magic carpets.’
Certain space restrictions can make the installation of a vertical wheelchair lift or home elevator impractical. Inclined lifts can be installed along pre-existing structures such as staircases or ramps, in a manner not too dissimilar from a chair lift. So, as long as your stairs or ramp are wide enough to accommodate the lift, you don’t have to worry too much about placement.
The Maryland area has a colorful array of different kinds of houses. From Victorian townhomes, to old farmhouses and more modern living arrangements, there is plenty of variety. The wheelchair lift you choose for your MD home should reflect both personal preferences and the layout of your home.
Contact Signature Elevator & Accessible Design Today for Your Wheelchair Lift!
Signature Elevators & Accessible Design, LLC works with leading manufacturers to provide you with the beautiful residential elevator that you need. Located in Rockville, MD and serving Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia areas, we have years of experience with incorporating elevators into multi-story homes and working with customers to ensure the elevator meets their specific needs. With styles from modern tubes to wood paneled cabs, Signature Elevators has all the tools you need to build the perfect elevator for your home! Visit our website or contact us at 301-251-1658 for more information. The manufacturers we represent are:
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators https://www.vacuumelevators.com/
Stiltz Lifts https://www.stiltzlifts.com/
Waupaca Elevators https://www.waupacaelevator.com/
Cambridge Elevating https://www.cambridgeelevating.com/
