Rliding the stairs preserves independence BY Howasrd V Walker When advancung years or infirmuty make that flight of stairs to the second-floor bed- room one challenge too many, some obvi- ous options spring to minc: move go a bun- galow, build a ground-levcî bedroomn and bathroom or instaîl a stair lift or possibly an Clevator. As the majority of Canadian seniors (jvc in single detached houses - 60 per cent according to Statistics Canada - these are ehoices many readers are factng or will face in the near future. Equally well-estabtjshed is the desire to (jvc independent, productive lives for as long as possible in famitiar sur- roundings. The family home is invested with memortes; moving can be both trau- matic and costly. Substantial expense is involved, also, in the construction of ground-floor facilities. The stairway lift or glide has been around f'or a long time, although today's version is g'reailv mllprov'îl oVor IFh,-o u' Ch,îrleý jLtLgli4l1ul s r asublechracter iode in tirat m-emnorabte scene trom the movie classtc Wjgness for the Prosecur ion.' The two basic models provide vertical means of access for users tn a seated posu- tion on the unit or on a platform in their wheelchair. Tbcy glide on a steel l-beam track botted directly to the stair tread, on top of the carpet or other floor finish. Total projection into the stair wjdth averages only 30 cm. Tracks can be designcd to make turns at landings or for curving muns. Installation is normally simple and quickty accomplisbed. Convcniently, standard bousehold electruc current is quite adequate. Features jnclude user-friendly fingertip pressure controls, plus remote 'catI" and - send' controls f'or use by others uf arthrutuc or physicat condition prevents scîf-opera- tuon. Dorothy Walton of Ottawa fjnds her lift "wonderfut and easy - it bas givcn me total independence in my own home." Her hiiuhanrd sý rils' ý,r ris-ui hrrh for 1hi hs'ncii (o Iris wrile loi lowing lrsr stroke anrd lof (li reduced demands now placed upon hum. In the same cjty, artist John Balî's single- storey house bas steps in the entrance lead- ung up to floor levet; he has severe spinal problems. Para Transpo brings him from hospital to front door in bis wbcelchajr. Installation of a platform lift (reccssed in tbe floor wben inactive) now provîdes a comfortable transition bctwecn the two levels. 'l'ire tax-exempt cost of these access stajr lifts ranges from $3,500 to $4,500 for straigbt flights, according to style and fin- ish. Reconditioned units are less expensive: $2,500 to $3,000. Stair platform lifts begin at $7,000. Att come wjth warranties, usuat- ty ose year for parts and labour. Check to sec wbether your stajr lift will qualify as a medjcal deduction for income-tax purposes. 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