Wheelchair and walker users may be surprised to learn they can use stair lifts safely in their homes. With extra planning, you can safely navigate multiple levels of your home. Here’s what you need to know before buying a stair lift.
Using a Stair Lift With a Walker
Walkers and stair lifts work well together for most people. The key is how to transition from one to the other, not the ride itself.
When using a stair lift with a walker, you park the walker at one end of the stairs, ride the lift to the other end, and pick up a second walker that is already waiting there.
Many stair lift users keep one walker on each floor for exactly this reason. It takes some adjustment at first, but most people get comfortable with the routine quickly.
A few stair lift features make this easier:
- Swivel seats. Most Bruno stair lifts come with a power or manual swivel seat that rotates toward the landing when you reach the top or bottom of the stairs. This makes it much easier to stand up and reach your walker without twisting.
- Footrests. A folding footrest gives your feet a stable place to rest during the ride and makes it easier to stand when you get off. Make sure yours is in good working order.
- Armrests. Locking armrests give you something to push off of when standing. If yours feel loose or wobbly, that is worth getting looked at before you start using the lift regularly.
The staircase width matters too. Standard stair lifts require about 28 to 30 inches of clearance. If someone in your household still walks the stairs while you use the lift, the folded seat and armrests leave enough room for them to pass safely in most cases.
Using a Stair Lift With a Wheelchair
Wheelchairs are a bit trickier to use with a stair lift than walkers. We also want to note that a stair lift is not the same as a wheelchair lift, as the two serve different purposes.
Wheelchair users who can transfer themselves independently (or with minimal assistance) can use a stair lift. It works by rolling to the stair lift seat, transferring yourself to the stair lift seat, riding it, and transferring to a different wheelchair at the other end. Same concept as with a walker: one wheelchair on each floor. A grab bar near the lift or a sturdy railing can make a significant difference.
Those who can’t transfer themselves in and out of their stair lift seats will likely need a different mobility device. In that case, a vertical platform lift or home elevator would be worth exploring instead. These carry the wheelchair and the person together.
What to Look For in a Stair Lift if You Use a Mobility Aid
If you’re using a mobility device like a walker or wheelchair, there are certain features you can look for, including:
- Weight capacity. Standard models handle up to 300 pounds. If you need more, bariatric models go up to 400-600 pounds. Make sure the model you choose matches your needs.
- Seat height. A seat that is too low makes transfers harder. Ask your installer about adjustable or higher seat options.
- Swivel seat. As mentioned above, this is close to a must-have if you are transferring to or from a mobility aid. It reduces the amount of twisting required to stand up safely.
- Landing space. There needs to be enough clearance at the top and bottom of your stairs to complete the transfer comfortably. During your free home assessment, the technician will look at this.
- Remote controls. Handheld remotes let you call the lift to your level without walking to the base or top. That matters when you are managing a walker or a wheelchair at the same time.
A Note on Planning Your Home Setup
If you are going to use a stair lift with a mobility aid, it helps to think through your whole routine, not just the lift itself.
Where will you store the second walker or wheelchair? Is there enough room on the landing? Is the floor surface at the top and bottom of the stairs easy to navigate? Are there any thresholds or transitions that could catch a walker wheel?
These are the kinds of things that come up during a home assessment. Our technicians are used to working through the full picture with homeowners, not just taking measurements and leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special stair lift if I use a walker?
No, you can use a standard straight or curved stair lift. You’ll want to ensure the stair lift has certain features, such as a swivel seat and sturdy armrests, which make a big difference. Most standard Bruno models include these features.
Can a stair lift replace a wheelchair lift?
No, a stair lift and a wheelchair lift aren’t the same thing. If you can’t transfer yourself from a wheelchair to a stair lift, then you cannot use a stair lift. In that situation, you’d want a vertical platform lift or home elevator.
Will the stair lift get in the way of my walker on the stairs?
A stair lift shouldn’t block the staircase because the seat, armrests, and footrest fold up when not in use. But it may or may not block your wheelchairs. Most stair lifts leave 22 to 24 inches of clearance.
Is it safe to use a stair lift alone if I have balance issues?
Many people with balance concerns use stair lifts safely because the lift does the work. The seat belt, swivel seat, and armrests all add stability. If balance is a significant concern, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about whether a stair lift is appropriate for your situation.
Is there a reliable stair lift company in Kansas City?
Independent Home Solutions has different service areas across Northeastern Kansas. Currently, we serve residents in Fairway, Kansas City, Leawood, Lenexa, Mission, Mission Hills, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Roeland Park, and Westwood in Kansas and Blue Springs, Belton, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Independence, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, and Waldo in Missouri.
Call Independent Home Solutions at 913-228-3039 for a free assessment.
