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Stairlift Track – The stairlift track is fixed in most cases directly to the stairs and not the wall. The stairlift unit is then fixed upon the track enabling the stairlift to move up and down the stairs. Stairlift tracks are usually around 4-5″ wide and are made from aluminum.

Powered / Manual Swivel Seat – A swivel seat is a device that enables the top half of the stairlift (where the user would sit) to be rotated away from the staircase so that the user is facing another direction. It’s designed to make getting on and off the stairlift easy and safe. It’s main use is usually at the very top of the stairs for direct access to the landing area. They come in two options, manual and powered. Manual swivel seats are the standard option on most current stairlift models. Powered swivel seats are an upgraded feature.

Width When Folded – The majority of stairlifts come with folding arms, seats and footrests. “Width when folded” measurements are to give the user an idea of how much room will be available on the stairs once the stairlift is folded away after use (arms, seat and footrest all folded together against the wall).

Diagnostic Display – Most stairlifts now come fitted with a diagnostic display as standard. This enables the user to identify a problem with the stairlift via the handbook and also gives stairlift engineers a quick guide to any problems.

Weight Capacity – This refers to the maximum user weight that the stairlift is able to carry up and down the stairs.

AC Powered – AC stands for Alternating Current and is commonly associated with older electric driven stairlifts.

DC Powered – DC stands for Direct Current meaning battery operated. The majority of today’s stairlifts are powered this way due to the many advantages over AC powered stairlifts.

Toggle Controls / Joystick – Usually located on the stairlift arm, the toggle controls / joystick is a simple device that enables the user to operate the stairlift by lightly pressing left or right to control the direction up or down the stairs.

Parking Points / Charging Points – Parking points are usually located at the top and bottom of the stairlift track where the user would end their journey and are a common feature on DC powered stairlifts. Charging points are usually fitted in the same place so that when the stairlift is parked either at the top or bottom, the stairlift batteries are charged automatically.

Manual / Powered Hinge Track – Occasionally, the design of hallway and positioning of doors at the bottom of the stairs, means the stairlift is unable to park at the very bottom. A hinge track can overcome this problem as it’s designed so that the bottom part can be folded down when in use and up when not in use. They come in two options, powered and manual.

Manual / Powered Footrest – Footrests are a standard feature on all stairlifts and offer support and comfort while travelling along the stairs and when alighting the stairlift. Manual footrests can be raised or lowered via the footrest handle, powered footrests can be operated by the press of a button and are automatically lowered and raised by a motor.

Stand And Perch / Perched Stairlift – Ideal for users who cannot bend their knees to sit, the seat is higher and the user perches on the seat. This can also be an advantage on narrow stairs to stop the knees protruding out as far.

Safety Edges – Safety edges stop the stairlift immediately if anything is blocking it’s progress along the stairs. This then enables the user to safely remove the obstruction. These are usually located around the footrest and stairlift carriage.

In your day-to-day activities, are you putting unnecessary strain on your back? Here are some ways to protect your back and relieve back pain:

Stand up straight. Good posture will relieve pressure from your lower back.

Stay fit. Exercise is important for keeping your muscles strong and maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight puts more of a strain on the back. People who exercise infrequently also are more prone to back injury because their muscles are not accustomed to the exertion.

Have an ergonomic work area. Your chair should support your lower back and help you maintain good posture. If you work on a computer, the screen should be positioned so that you do not have to tilt your head up or bend your neck down to see it. Sitting in the same position for a long period of time also strains your back. Get up from your desk and walk around several times a day.

Evaluate your mattress. A mattress that is too soft or too firm can be a major culprit in back pain. Flip your mattress several times a year to keep it from wearing out in the spot where you sleep.

Lift properly. Keep your back in its natural position and bend your knees. Do not twist your body or bend at the waist while lifting. If something is too heavy, do not lift it by yourself; ask for help.

Try yoga. Yoga involves special stretching exercises that will loosen the muscles in your back.

Use a pain relieving patch. The Absorbine Jr. Back Patch, for instance, was developed to target back pain with deep, penetrating heat. The blend of menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil goes straight to the point of pain to relieve back spasms and muscle aches. According to the manufacturer, it relieves chronic back pain for up to eight hours.