Most homeowners, if they were told they could no longer use the entire upstairs area of their house, would be devastated.
The reality is that, for many people, this is a fact of daily life.
For seniors and others with mobility restrictions, stairs can be one of the biggest challenges you face when moving around in your home. Having a stairlift installed is a great solution to help you age at home.
Here we look at the benefits of stairlifts, the types of stairlifts you can install in a private house, and the cost of having a stairlift installed at home.
Benefits of Stair Lifts
Safety
A stair lift allows you to get safely up and down the staircase in your home, without risking a fall.
The chair of the lift should be at a comfortable height for you to sit down and stand up, and has safety buckle to ensure you’re fastened in securely during the movement.
Most stairlifts have built-in safety features that stop the lift from moving if the seat, footrest, or armrests are not in their proper positions.
Very important – a locking system will prevent anyone else from using the chair if you live in a family home, especially children!
Freedom
There can be few things more disheartening than having no option but to relocate from your home, if you age or become disabled. With a stairlift, you can stay where you are, and still be able to live in your entire house, just as you always have.
Customizability
A professional installer will need to evaluate the angle and length of your staircase, to fit a rail on the side of the staircase that you prefer. The seat, armrests, and footrests of the chair can also be set at the optimum height for the user.
Contrary to what you might think, stairlifts are fitted to the stair risers, and not to the wall of the stairwell. Generally speaking, you should expect a fairly quick installation that won’t affect your home interior in any major way.
Types of Stairlifts
Straight stairlifts
Straight, indoor stairlifts are the most common type of lifts installed by homeowners. They are designed for any indoor staircase that doesn’t have turns, curves, or landings. This is the least expensive type of stairlift.
Custom curved stairlifts
Custom curved stairlifts have rails that are custom-built to suit a curved staircase. They range from a simple curve, to a lift with multiple landings and turns. If you’ve got the budget, there’s hardly any limit to what you can install!
Custom curved stairlifts have rails that are custom-built to suit a curved staircase. They range from a simple curve, to a lift with multiple landings and turns. If you’ve got the budget, there’s hardly any limit to what you can install!
Outdoor stairlifts
Outdoor stairlifts are designed to withstand the great outdoors. They are durable and can handle sub-zero temperatures, rain, and the sun’s UV rays.
If you have a raised porch, a split-level garden, or a private jetty with stairs, you don’t have to stop enjoying these outdoor features of your home.
The top stair lift brands offer an extensive range of options to suit your needs and budget. Top brands include Acorn, Bruno and Harmar.
Stair Lift Cost
For many people interested in a stairlift, the cost can seem prohibitive. These appliances don’t really come at a budget price! But for some, being able to move safely and freely around all areas of your home is worth the expense.
You won’t have to sell up and relocate, or pay for a carer. So you should do a “stairlift cost-benefit analysis” and decide if it’s right for you!
Most stairlift installations are custom-built to suit your home, at least to some degree. You can expect to pay the least amount of money for a standard, no-frills straight stairlift for a relatively short staircase of 12-14 steps. You’ll pay more for a curved lift, or a rugged outdoor lift.
If you want special features like an extra-strong seat and rail for bariatric users, a powered swivel seat, custom upholstery to match your home décor, or any other add-ons – the price will go up accordingly!
If you’re looking for online bargains, you can probably find more affordable stairlift options at the big e-commerce retailers. However, bear in mind that these lifts might have to be altered to fit your staircase. They’ll also have to be installed by a professional – and the price of these extra services won’t be included.
Below is the price range you should expect to budget for, if you’re in the stairlift market. These prices include installation costs and warranty.
| Type of Stairlift | Price Range (Including Installation) | Warranty Period |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | $2,000 – $5,000 | 1-3 years |
| Curved | $10,000 – $15,000 | 1-3 years |
| Outdoor | $3,500 – $6,000 | 1-3 years |
| Heavy Duty | $3,500 – $8,000 | 1-3 years |
| Custom | Varies widely based on design | Varies by provider |
This table provides an overview of the different types of stairlifts available in the market:
- Straight: These are for stairs without any turns or landings.
- Curved: For stairs with bends or turns, requiring custom-built tracks.
- Outdoor: Specifically designed to withstand external weather conditions.
- Heavy Duty: Built for higher weight capacities than standard models.
- Custom: Tailor-made solutions for unique staircases or specific user needs.
Conclusion
Stairlifts can be made to fit any home, no matter how what kind of staircase you have.
We especially like the outdoor options, for people who want to continue to enjoy their porches, gardens, or jetties!
While a stairlift is a great way to maintain independence and age in the comfort of your own home, it can be a relatively expensive installation.
You’re probably wondering what the downsides are.
For one, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of stairlifts, as they’re considered to be home modifications, and not “durable medical equipment”.
There are other funding options, though, if you’re interested in a stairlift. Senior organizations can often help you fund a stairlift installation. If you’re a military veteran, you might be able to secure funding through the VA.
Many people are under the impression that stairlifts are ADA compliant, but they’re not. The rules and regulations laid out by the ADA don’t cover stairlifts.
This won’t be a problem if you’re a private homeowner who will be using the lift yourself.
If you’re going to use your home as an AirBnB or guesthouse, however, it’s important to be aware of this issue.
All in all, if you make sure you pick the right option for your home, and are fully aware of all the facts, these installations can be worth every penny of expense. After all, you’re young at heart, and you deserve independence and safety at home!