With an aging population and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are looking for ways to “age in place.” The good news is they don’t have to look far to find solutions like stairlifts. This guide is designed to help answer the most commonly asked stairlift questions.
Table of Contents
What is a Stairlift?
A stairlift is a motorized chair that runs along a rail that is attached to the steps of a staircase. Sometimes people also call them stairglides or chair lifts.
Stairlifts are designed to safely transport a person up and down stairs while safely seated on a motorized chair.
Who Should Use Stairlifts?
Anyone who is able to walk but is having difficulty navigating stairs at home should consider a stairlift. In some cases, people who rely on wheelchairs but can still stand and transfer can also benefit from a stairlift.
Seniors
According to the United States Census Bureau, about 50% of homes in the United States have stairs. stairs pose an increased threat to aging people who want to stay in their homes.
The number one source of injury to the elderly population is falls. Falls resulting in a broken hip often make it impossible to ever fully recover.
Often, mobility limitations or balance issues are to blame. However, vision problems are also responsible for a large percentage of falls on stairs each year.
People with Limited Mobility
Although seniors are the group most often associated with stairlifts, stairlifts are also a help to many people who are younger but have a mobility limitation due to an injury or disease.
If you are unsure if a stairlift is right for you, call us at (810) 213-6377 or click here today.
Types of Stairlifts
Straight Rail Stairlifts
Straight rail stairlifts are basically what their name implies – stairlifts with a straight rail. They are most often used on staircases that do not have turns or bends, but that’s not always the case (more to come on that later in this guide).
This option allows for the rail to be removed and possibly sold or reused in another home.
Curved Rail Stairlifts
Stairlift manufacturers developed curved rail systems to handle stairs that have curves, bends, or landings between floors. The chair and motor function the same as a straight rail system, but the manufacturing process is very different.
Each curved rail stairlift is customized to your specific staircase.
Because they are custom-made, be prepared to pay more. Also, make sure you plan as far in advance as possible as most lifts will take a minimum of six weeks to produce..
Each curved stairlift is one-of-a-kind, so curved stairlifts cannot be moved or sold. If they are removed, scrapping is the only option.
Straight Rails on Staircases with Turns (A Possible Alternative)
For those looking for a cheaper and quicker alternative to a curved rail stairlift, it might be possible to use more than one straight rail to accomplish the goal. This might be possible if:
- The staircase has a landing in-between floors.
- The rider is able to transfer between two chairs.
If both of the above statements are true, your staircase might be a candidate for a two straight rail setup.
We strongly urge anyone who is considering this configuration to evaluate future needs. In other words, the rider might be able to transfer now, but will they be able to transfer on their own in a year? Five years?
Stairlifts for Wheelchairs (IPLs)
Incline platform lifts (IPLs) are made for people who are wheelchair-bound. IPLs feature a roll-on platform that carries the wheelchair and its user up the stairs.
Get even more information by requesting a free stairlift evaluation by calling 810-213-6377 or click here.
How Much Do Stairlifts Cost?
It’s not uncommon for clients to be surprised by the price of a stairlift. The sticker shock is partly due to advertising by manufacturers of low-end stairlifts.
Unfortunately, the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here, and a “cheaper” stairlift might come with future repair costs and frustrations that are not what you bargained for.
We’ve done our homework, and the price ranges below are what you can expect to pay for a quality stairlift.
Straight Rail Stairlift Prices
Straight rail stairlifts are the most economical option. For a quality straight stairlift, you can expect to pay $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the options you choose.
Curved Rail Stairlift Prices
Curved rail stairlifts are custom-made for each individual staircase. Because they are more expensive to produce, you can expect to pay more for a curved rail system. The pricing will vary from staircase to staircase, but $10,000 is a common place to start.
Regardless of price, a stairlift is a big investment, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into. All too often, people are attracted by a low price tag, only to regret it later when the lift fails and getting service becomes a challenge.
When considering stairlift cost, it also makes sense to consider the cost of the alternatives. How much would it cost you to move? To live in a senior or assisted living community? To pay for medical bills if you have a fall?
Affordability Options
Financing
We offer financing options with affordable monthly payments through Security Credit Union. In most cases, loan approvals are given within an hour of application, so you can get your new stairlift installed as quickly as possible.
Used Stairlifts
Occasionally, we have used stairlifts in stock. We make sure they are clean and in working order prior to installation. Used lifts are a great way to save money.
Stairlift Rentals
Sometimes a stairlift is needed for a period of time short enough that it’s cheaper to rent. Ask us how a stairlift rental might be right for you by calling 810-213-6377 or click here.
Are All Stairlifts Created Equal?
If you’re new to the stairlift market, the options can be a little overwhelming. There are a lot of manufacturers out there, but they aren’t all the same. Just like buying a car, the one with the lowest price tag isn’t necessarily the most reliable or cheapest option in the long run when you factor in possible repairs.
When it comes to your ability to safely get around your home, you don’t want to take any chances. Product reviews are a great way to know what you’re getting yourself into.
Check out these stairlift reviews from Consumer Affairs. (Note: COR Freedom does not sell or service Acorn Stairlifts.)
Common Stairlift Myths
Myth: Stairlifts attach to your wall.
Many people are concerned about damaging their walls when they install a stairlift. Good news! Stairlifts don’t actually touch any part of your wall. Instead, the rail feet mount to the steps themselves.
So, with carpeted staircases, the stairlift can be removed in the future with virtually no trace. For wooden staircases, small screw holes will be left, but there are ways to fill and camouflage them.
Myth: Stairlifts block the entire staircase.
Some people worry their stairlift will block the staircase from people walking up and down. In reality, most stairlift seats and footrests fold out of the way leaving plenty of space for pedestrians.
There are other options to leave even more space.
Myth: If the power goes out, you're stuck.
Sometimes people assume stairlifts won’t work if the power goes out, but that’s not the case. Most stairlifts actually run off of a battery that charges via connections on the rail. If the power goes out, your stairlift should have the ability to make multiple trips up and down your staircase to get you by until your power is restored.
Conclusion
Purchasing a stairlift is a big decision. Deciding becomes a lot easier when you can a rely on a professional to give you advice on what will work best for you and your home. Ask us how a free home evaluation can answer your questions and help you make the right choice.
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4 Responses
I appreciated it when you shared that it is great to have a stairlift if your loved ones are having difficulty navigating stairs in their home. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is worried about her parents who are dealing with difficulties walking up the stairs to go to their room. I will suggest to her getting a stairlift for them from a reliable supplier.
Thanks for the reminder that a little bit of space management is also important when it comes to getting a new stairlift. I’d like to have on in my house soon because my grandfather is currently living with me. It would be best to get some adjustments in my home that will aid his daily life would be ideal.