Remember: Always account for the cost of removal/installation of the stair lift, in case you end up moving homes in the future.
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Here is a question I’m asked quite often by older adults and their caregivers: How much does a stair lift cost? The truth is, there isn't one straightforward answer, as mobility aids like stair lifts come in all shapes and sizes. So, when determining the cost of a stair lift you need to take into consideration the unique needs of the older person and the type of staircase that needs to be installed.
If you’re interested in buying a stair lift, here are three primary factors to consider:
As a general rule, older adults should plan on setting aside somewhere between $2,000 and $7,000 for a professional straight-rail stair lift and $7,000 to $15,000 for a curved-rail stair lift. The more customized the lift, the more expensive it gets.
Remember: Always account for the cost of removal/installation of the stair lift, in case you end up moving homes in the future.
A stair lift is a motorized chair that helps older adults move up and down the stairs of their home unaided. Older adults can comfortably and securely be seated on this chair, which will take them up and down the steps on-demand with the help of power-operated motorized gear. It's also often called a stair chair, a chair lift, or a stairway lift.
Some stair lifts are meant to move in a straight line, while others can navigate bends, and still others can be used on uneven outdoor terrain. You just need to find the one that best fits your mobility needs and living situation.
Made of aluminum or steel, a stair lift can be controlled using buttons on the armrest, or sometimes even a remote control allowing multiple people to use the lift. Usually, these machines also have a battery back-up which will activate in case of a power cut.
As you approach your golden years, you may find it difficult to climb up and down your stairs. In fact, limited mobility is said to be the most common disability among older adults in the US. You can't just stop accessing parts of your home because you are unable to navigate the staircases. Consider purchasing and installing a chair lift for yourself or the older adults in your care who typically use a walking cane or walker to get around. It allows those with prosthetic joints or significantly reduced mobility to access every bit of their multi-level home without having to depend on caregivers. These stair lifts also are a much more sensible option than paying through your nose for moving to a single-story home or an assisted living facility.
While stair lifts are an invaluable tool for older adults, they’re also an expensive investment. So, I went ahead and conducted some research on the different types of stair lifts. This information can help you compare and shop for the machine that will minimize your effort and risk of falls when negotiating a flight of stairs.
Straight Rail Stair Lift | Curved Rail Stair Lift | Outdoor Stair Lift | |
---|---|---|---|
Average starting price (incl installation) | $2,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 |
Water, Temperature and Dust Resistant | No | No | Yes |
Used For | A straight flight of stairs without any turns | Stairs that have a turn, curve, or change in direction | Stairs what are located outside of your home |
Note: For those who use wheelchairs, there are heavy-duty lifts that even carry your assistive devices with you on the lift.
Need help getting to a bedroom on the next floor or the basement, via a staircase that goes straight up or down? The straight rail stair lift is perfectly suited for such scenarios. Straight rail stair lifts are standardized products that get installed much faster than their counterparts. These are also easier to resell since they’re a one-size-fits-all solution.
If your stairway follows a curve, then you need to get a curved rail stair lift. The tracks of these stairlifts will have to be specially customized to your staircase specifications. For this reason, cured rail stair lifts take a lot more time to install. For a precision fit, photos and measurements of your stairs will need to be taken into consideration before installing the stair lift. Some brands such as Acorn Stairlifts, also offer modular curved rails that can be installed much more quickly.
This third kind of stair lift is a variant of the curved and straight rail stairlift, except it can be used in outdoor scenarios. Typically, it is installed onto staircases of patios, decks, and docks. Its unique feature is the ability to withstand harsh weather (rain and extreme temperatures), salty air, and the like.
Did You Know: Many brands, such as Stannah Stairlift and AmeriGlide, offer pre-owned lifts at a discounted price.
Most reputable dealers have installation professionals in all major markets to serve buyers, wherever they may be. Although there are DIY (do it yourself) stair lift projects, we recommend that you get a professional to do the work. Stair lifts are extremely complex machines and should only be handled by those who are technically skilled.
Oftentimes, in order to save costs, older adults choose online retailers who offer stair lifts with DIY installation. Ultimately, they get stuck with a stair lift that neither fits their staircase nor works as expected. Just imagine the risk a faultily installed stair lift poses to your life.
Before making a purchase, here are some questions to be answered about installing a stair lift:
If you do not wish to worry about these issues (and more), we recommend that you have a professional do the work. Also, for what it’s worth – We make the same recommendation for walk-in bathtub installations. With heavy-duty, costly equipment, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Trained technicians will visit your premises and attach the stair lift to the stair treads with clamps. There is usually little or no need for home modifications to be made to accommodate this mobility-enabling device. All you need to ensure is that an electric outlet is available near the lift.
Buying a stairlift is a high-involvement purchase, especially since one in four older adults in the US end up falling, every year. So, look for a dependable stair lift brand that has world-class engineering and design. Strong warranties and industry-leading customer service are an added advantage. Here are some of the other product features to keep an eye out for:
After much hands-on research with different stair lifts in the market, I have put together a list of four options that rank high when it comes to the safety and convenience of older adults. Here is a quick snapshot of their salient features, so you know what to choose:
Bruno Elite Curved Indoor Stair Lift | Acorn 130 Straight Stair Lifts | The Starla Straight Stair Lift by Stannah | AmeriGlide Horizon Plus- Outdoor Stair Lift | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $9500 – $12000+ | Customized quote on request | Customized quote on request | $2,568 |
Type | Curved | Straight | Straight | Outdoor |
Warranty | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Maximum weight | 400 lbs | 280 lbs | 265 lbs to 350 lbs | 308 lbs |
Unique features | Custom-made | 5 safety sensors to detect obstructions | Seat-load sensor
Automatic hinged rail option |
Footrest safety sensor
Waterproof and insulated seat |
Diagnostic display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Folding footrest | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery-powered | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Remote control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Swivel seat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Installation included | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Turns out that 90% of older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age. If you are one of them, consider buying a stair lift to avoid staircase related accidents, while enabling an independent lifestyle. When choosing a stair lift model from a vendor, be it Bruno, Ameriglide, Stannah, or Acorn, be sure to consider the mobility and specific needs of the user and type of staircase. Consider feature upgrades such as power folding rail, power swivel seat and power folding footrest for enhanced safety or convenience.
In case a new stair lift feels like too much of an investment, or if you do not plan to stay in the same home for too long, I would also suggest renting it out or purchasing a professionally refurbished device that is certified and/or warranted by the original manufacturer.
If you are injured or have a disability, some health insurance plans may cover the cost of the stair lift. Sometimes, veterans are also eligible for part or full coverage for stairlifts. If that doesn’t work, know that many stairlift dealers offer financing plans.
Especially for older adults, it would be prudent to get your stair lift installed by a trained professional. Additionally, you want to avoid any future expenses related to incorrect installation.
On average, stairlifts can accommodate users weighing between 251 lbs to 308 lbs. Some heavy-duty machines can also bear weights up to 400 lbs.
Many brands come with two remote controls that can be positioned at either side of the stairlift so that users can call for the lift when they need to use it.
Some stair lifts are built for outdoor usage, featuring waterproof seat covers, rubber foot mats, and completely insulated electrical parts. This will ensure that the stairlift is protected from all the elements.