Many Waldo homeowners prefer to age in place rather than move to housing designed for aging adults, such as one-level bungalows or assisted living facilities.
A chair lift for stairs ensures your home remains accessible and that you can get up and down the stairs safely as you age. In this article, we’ll explore the different types, the installation process, and pricing for a chair lift for stairs in Waldo.
Straight, Curved, or Outdoor: Which One’s Right For Your Home?
The first thing you’ll want to consider is what type of stair lift you’ll need. To answer this question, you can look at your staircase.
- If your staircase goes straight from one floor to the next with no turns, you need a straight stair lift.
- If your staircase has a turn, a landing, or an L-shape, you need a curved stair lift.
- If you have a set of outdoor stairs going to your backyard or a steep front staircase, you’ll need an outdoor lift (which can be straight or curved).
What Does Stair Lift Installation Include?
Before installing a stair lift, the process starts with a free in-home assessment to determine which model works best for your home. You’ll schedule an appointment, and a technician will come out to measure your staircase and share a no-charge, no-obligation quote.
During installation, the technician returns and installs a straight stair lift in a day. Curved stair lift units take longer, between one and two days, and the stair lift dealer will likely have to custom-order the stair lift so it fits the curves.
Your walls remain untouched during installation, as the units go into the stair tread rather than the wall. Before they leave, the technician will show you how to use the device and answer any questions.
Stair Lift Pricing Breakdown
Stair lift costs in Waldo:
- Straight stair lifts cost between $3,400 to $10,000, but can run higher if you need add-ons or extra features.
- Curved stair lifts often cost between $10,000 to $27,000.
- Outdoor stair lift units vary widely in price, ranging from $3,400 to $27,000.
There are other costs to consider besides the initial purchase price. You should budget a couple of hundred dollars per year for maintenance, such as a service call. For example, service calls from Independent Home Solutions run $175+ for Waldo residents.
Replace batteries every two to three years; each typically costs between $15 and $50. Costs like electricity are low, and many homeowners spend $15 to $25 per year to operate a stair lift.
How to Finance Stair Lifts
Stair lifts can be a big investment, especially if you require extra features that drive up the bill above $20,000. There are financing options or programs that help with payments you can consider.
Medicare generally doesn’t cover stair lifts, and neither do most private insurance plans. They aren’t classified as durable medical equipment under insurance definitions.
You may be able to use funds from an HSA or FSA if a doctor prescribes the lift as medically necessary. Veterans may qualify for Special Home Adaptation grants through the VA. Missouri Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services waivers sometimes include home modification benefits for eligible individuals.
Independent Home Solutions also offers financing through Wisetack. You can apply online and see monthly payment options before committing.
What Do Bruno Stair Lift Warranties Cover?
Independent Home Solutions exclusively installs Bruno stair lifts.
Bruno’s indoor units come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering the motor, gearbox, and static rail (available only to the original owner), two years of comprehensive coverage, and a 30-day labor guarantee after installation.
Bruno’s warranty covers parts, and labor is a separate cost (which is standard for stair lift manufacturers).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do stair lifts last?
Most stair lifts last about ten years, but they can last even longer with proper care, maintenance, repairs, and timely battery replacements.
Can I move stair lifts to a different home?
Straight lifts can be uninstalled and installed in a new home if the staircase dimensions are compatible. Curved lifts are built for a specific staircase and can’t realistically be relocated.
Do stair lifts fit a narrow staircase?
Most modern lifts fit a narrow staircase, which can be as slim as 28 to 30 inches. The stair lift seat, footrest, and armrests fold flat when not in use, so others in the home can still use the stairs normally.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, stair lifts have weight limits that depend on the brand and model.
