For those who rely on a wheelchair for mobility, multi-story homes can be extremely difficult to live in. Naturally, you will require some way to move safely between floors of your home. While many people use a stairlift for this, in more recent years, home elevators have become a popular choice. They are particularly popular among wheelchair users because, unlike a stairlift, an elevator allows you to stay in your wheelchair and move it between floors with you. Keep reading to get some safety tips on navigating a home elevator in your wheelchair.
Ensuring Proper Elevator Design
Safely using an elevator begins with ensuring you’ve selected the right elevator for your needs and your space. Make sure that the elevator is designed for easy wheelchair accessibility; this includes having a wide doorway, ample cabin space to maneuver your wheelchair inside, and handrails at appropriate heights. Buttons should also be easily accessible from a seated position.
Additionally, make sure that the elevator’s weight capacity can easily handle the combined weight of you and your wheelchair. Exceeding the weight limit on an elevator can cause the equipment to malfunction, which is a safety hazard.
Entering and Exiting the Elevator
Home elevators are, naturally, smaller than most elevators you’ll encounter in commercial buildings. This means it requires a bit more care to navigate your wheelchair in and out. Approach the elevator entrance slowly and ensure that it is completely level with the floor. Use the control panel to open the doors completely before trying to enter. Once inside, make sure that you lock the wheelchair’s brakes to prevent it from shifting during the ride; some elevators may even have safety belts or straps you can use to secure yourself and your chair. Make sure the elevator comes to a complete stop and is level with the landing floor before exiting.
Familiarizing Yourself with Emergency Features
While you may certainly hope you’ll never have to use emergency features on your elevator, it’s essential that you know how to do so in case you ever need them. Familiarize yourself with any alarm buttons or emergency stop functions before you even enter the elevator for the first time. Knowing how to use these features can be crucial should an emergency ever arise.
Scheduling Routine Maintenance
A home elevator is an investment into both your property and your own mobility—and as such, it deserves to be properly cared for. Schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional to ensure the elevator is in good working condition. Routine inspections can help identify and fix potential issues before they cause damage to the elevator, leaving you without a means of moving about your home, or worse, injuring you in the process.
With these tips, you can safely use your home elevator in Louisiana and regain more independent mobility at home.
