How Can You Get a Disabled Person Downstairs?

When it comes to moving a disabled person downstairs, there are several options you have to choose from. One of the conventional transportation methods for disabled people is using a stairlift or stair rail. Both of these modes of transportation come with their own benefits as it relates to how easily you can move downstairs or anywhere else with a disability.

Before installing any sort of transportation assistance system in your home, you must ensure that it comes from a reliable distributor authorized to provide installation, maintenance, and upkeep services for the specific machine you have.

Living with a disability is something that no one chooses, however, whether you know someone who has been affected by a disability or are living with one yourself, it’s essential to understand precisely how you should go about transporting that person throughout your home or any other area they need to access.

Accessories and Systems for Disabled People

There are several different accessories and systems made especially for disabled people, which are designed to make moving around hassle-free. One of the most convenient ways to move someone with a disability is by picking them up; however, this can be very uncomfortable.

If the disabled person is ok with being lifted, you should learn the proper techniques that will allow you to move them as comfortably as possible. For those disabled people who don’t like being moved downstairs, you may want to consider relocating your entire living arrangement downstairs so that you won’t have to worry about relocating to do simple things.

To help you understand how to get a disabled person downstairs safely, we’re going to provide you with a detailed look into all of the important information you need to know.

Stair Climber For Wheelchair Users

woman on wheelchair getting downstairs

Stair climbers with wheels enable disabled people to be moved on stairs both inside and outside the home. These stair climbers may be manually or electrically operated. However, not all wheeled stair climbers can carry wheelchairs.

Some stair climber models have a seat for carrying a disabled or elderly person who can transfer without assistance. A gait belt may help caretakers assist and lift persons more easily into stair climbers.

A gait belt or transfer belt is a device put on a patient who has mobility issues, by a caregiver prior to that caregiver moving the patient. Patients may have problems with balance or move from one foot to the other, and a gait belt may be used to aid in the safe movement of a patient, from a standing position to a wheelchair, or transferring into a stair climber, for example.

Climbing stairs in one’s own home can be a necessary part of day to day life, however, the inability for a stair climber to safely carry a wheelchair-bound person up the stairs in their wheelchair presents a few issues; like how the wheelchair users mobility will be effected once up the stairs if their chair isn’t carried up with them.

Some of the Best Ways to Get a Disabled Person Downstairs 

man bringing a disabled person downstairs

If you decide to use stair climbers to transport a disabled person, it’s important that you ensure all of the right safety protocols are in place to avoid any accidents during the transportation process. There are several variables that you should make sure are in order to maintain a safe environment when transporting disabled people by way of a staircase or stair climbers.

Here are some rules you can use to enhance your stairs’ safety and accessibility for disabled people who need to use them:

  • Make sure your stairs are clear of any obstacles or debris
  • Always wear shoes that have an accurate fit
  • Maintain focus when moving down the stairs
  • Your movements should always be slow and careful to avoid encountering any accidents
  • Maintain solid stair coverings
  • Avoid using the stairs whenever you feel dizzy or uneasy

These are all very effective ways for you to make sure that the process of transporting the disabled person in question is as easy as possible.

One of the best ways to carry a disabled person downstairs is by installing some sort of stair rail accessory.

Some of the Most Common Stair Rails That You Can Install on Your Staircase Include:

stair climber for wheelchair users
  • Long Hardtails
  • Grab Rails
  • Newel Rails
  • Moveable Stair Rails

Another viable option for moving disabled people downstairs is by using a stairlift. Stairlifts come in various models, including stairlifts with a seat, stairlifts that have a wheelchair platform, and those stairlifts that allow you to stand while being moved downstairs.

Stairlifts come with several benefits that make their operation and functionality much more seamless compared to other options available for disabled people’s transportation. Some of the primary benefits of installing a stairlift include rechargeable operation, control switches, adjustable height, mounted seats, control switches, audible signals, and many others.

Making Sure a Disabled Person Gets Downstairs Safely 

Safety is one of the most important features to consider when installing any sort of stairlift or transportation accessory. Make sure you assess the current condition of the disabled person you are trying to transport to choose the optimal approach compared to what solutions are compatible with your existing space.

It is best to ask before offering assistance with standing, walking, rising, lifting, or other activities. Let the person know that he or she can ask for assistance when it is needed. If assisting with balance, take direction from the person being assisted about his or her specific needs.

Regardless of what kind of assistive tool you decide to install in your home to help disabled people move downstairs, always obtain more than one installation quote so that you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. You also need to make sure that the service provider you select is one that is a verifiable distributor.

FAQ: People Also Ask 

How Do I Make My Wheelchair Stairs Accessible?

There are several different ways to make your wheelchair one that can access stairs, some of the most popular methods include: stair climbers, threshold ramps, accessibility ramps, handrails, or grab bars.

What Is a Stair Chair?

A stair chair is a device that allows you to transport patients who are only able to move in a sitting down position. They also enable people to move down staircases, which may be narrow or confined in space.

What Are the Top 5 Barriers for Persons with Disabilities?

The top 5 mobility barriers for individuals with disabilities include disability awareness, high unemployment, fair housing, accessibility to doctor’s offices, and public transportation barriers.

Understanding How to Get a Disabled Person Downstairs

We’ve covered all of the vital information that you need to know about the various options available to those who need to move a disabled person downstairs. Before deciding which tool or accessory installation will be right for your disabled transportation needs, ask yourself these two simple questions “What is the disabled person’s most comfortable mode of transportation?” and “What disabled transportation accessory will work best for my home’s existing setup?”

Improve your Wheelchair, Improve your Mobility

With over 35 years of technological advancements – including multiple proprietary and patented designs – a Redman custom-tailored wheelchair allows for uncompromised mobility and accessibility to interact more fully with the world around you.

The Redman Power Chair gives mobility back to the men, women, and children who need it most. To help you stand, recline, tilt, and stretch as you deserve. Our in-house team works directly with your medical providers and insurance companies to find the most cost-effective point possible.

Learn more and get started on improving your mobility today by continuing to explore our website.

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