Blue Springs homeowners often have multi-story homes, and stairs can be challenging for those hoping to age in place.
Medical devices, such as a chair lift for stairs, allow homeowners to remain in their homes without giving up their independence.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of a chair lift for stairs, including installation and pricing.
Which Stair Lift Type Do You Need?
The type of stair lift you need depends on your staircase. The different types include:
Straight Stair Lift
Straight stair lifts work for staircases that are straight, without any turns or intermediate landings. They’re the most affordable option and the fastest to install, often within a few days of your first call.
Curved Stair Lift
Curved stair lifts are for staircases with curves, turns, or split landings. The rail is custom-manufactured to follow the curves of your stair lift, which adds both time and cost. You’re typically looking at a four- to eight-week wait for the custom fabrication.
Outdoor Stair Lift
Outdoor stair lifts are made for stairs to a porch, deck, or side entrance. The materials are built to withstand year-round weather, which matters more than most people expect.
What Happens During Stair Lift Installation?
Before the actual stair lift installation, a technician will visit your home for a free assessment. During the assessment, they’ll determine what type of stair lift you need, measure the staircase, and share the options with you. There is no obligation to purchase a stair lift after this free consultation.
Stair lift installation usually takes one day and the trained installer mounts the rail to the stair treads, hooks up the electrical system, and tests the unit. They’ll also show you how to use the stair lift.
Curved stair lifts take longer to install, typically one to two days.
How Much Do Stair Lifts Cost in Blue Springs?
- Straight stair lifts run between $3,400 and $10,000 installed. Where you land in that range depends on your staircase length and the features you select. Power swivel seats, which rotate the chair to face away from the stairs at the top landing, are a popular add-on that makes getting on and off considerably easier.
- Curved stair lifts start at $10,000 and go up to $27,000. The custom rail is the biggest cost factor, not the chair itself.
- Outdoor lifts fall anywhere in the $3,400 to $27,000 range, depending on the scope of the installation and any extra features.
Ongoing Costs
Stair lifts come with additional costs, such as routine maintenance. Most stair lift dealers recommend budgeting a couple of hundred dollars per year for maintenance and repairs.
Replacement batteries cost an average of $15 to $50 and need to be replaced every two to three years. Other costs, such as electricity, are low, averaging $15 to $25 per year.
Financial Assistance For Stair Lifts
Most insurance plans don’t cover stair lifts, including standard Medicare. They fall outside the definition of durable medical equipment, so typical coverage doesn’t apply.
A few avenues are worth exploring before writing off outside help entirely. If your doctor documents a stair lift as medically necessary, you can often pay for it using HSA or FSA funds, which carry a tax advantage. Veterans with service-connected disabilities should ask their VA representative about Special Home Adaptation grants. Missouri Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services program offers waivers that sometimes cover home modifications for eligible people.
Independent Home Solutions offers financing through Wisetack. The application is online and shows you your actual terms and monthly payment before you commit.
Bruno Stair Lifts (and What the Warranty Covers)
Independent Home Solutions installs Bruno stair lifts, which carry some of the strongest warranties in the industry. The original owner of an indoor Bruno unit gets a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the motor, gearbox, and static rail. Every unit also comes with two years of comprehensive coverage and a 30-day labor guarantee after installation.
Parts are covered under warranty. Labor for repairs is a separate cost, which is consistent with how most stair lift warranties work. Bruno’s coverage tends to go further than competitors’, which is part of why IHS works with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a stair lift last?
Stair lifts typically last 10 years, but with regular maintenance and battery replacements, they can last up to 20 years.
Can I get a stair lift if my stairs are narrow?
Modern lifts are designed for staircases as narrow as 28-30 inches. The seat, armrests, and footrest all fold up when not in use, so the staircase stays usable for everyone else in the house.
Is a stair lift loud?
Most stair lifts are relatively quiet, sounding about as loud as a dishwasher in another room. It’s a noticeable sound, but it shouldn’t disrupt your household.
What’s the weight limit?
Most standard stair lift models support up to 300 pounds. Bariatric models are also available and typically hold 400 to 600 pounds.
Can I take my stair lift when I move?
Yes, straight stair lifts can be removed and reinstalled in a new home, provided the staircase is compatible. Curved lifts are built for one specific staircase and generally can’t be relocated.
Schedule a Free Assessment
Call Independent Home Solutions at 913-228-3039 to schedule your free in-home visit. You’ll get accurate pricing based on your actual staircase and a clear picture of which options make sense for your home.
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.
