Stair lifts are a simple home modification that makes getting up and down stairs more accessible and safer for aging Americans. While falls are currently the leading cause of death in injury-related deaths in those ages 65 and over, they’re also preventable. Modifications like stair lifts, grab bars, and raised toilet seats make homes more accessible and safer.
As homeowners age, they often face the difficult decision to install stair lifts or move into homes designed for seniors, typically in retirement villages or communities.
If you’d like to age in place, you can consider a few options, including renting or buying stair lifts that can help prevent falls. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of
Renting a Stairlift: Pros and Cons
Hiring a stair lift provides homeowners with lower upfront costs and more flexibility. For example, renting is the perfect option if you only need a chair lift for stairs for a few months.
Renting also provides important essentials such as maintenance, and it’s easy to test out a product before committing to making a big purchase. Yelena Sokolsky, RN and CEO of Galaxy Home Care NY, an expert in senior care, shares that “If the need is temporary—due to recovery from surgery, for example—renting a stairlift can be a cost-effective solution. Rentals often come with maintenance and installation services included, which means less hassle for the caregiver or family”.
The downside to hiring a stairlift instead of buying is there are typically higher long-term costs. If you need the rented stair lift longer than expected, it can quickly exceed the purchase price.
Customization options, such as products that work on curved stairs, are not always available when renting a stair lift. Also, some rental mobility aids may have restrictions, and you may be unable to extend the service.
Buying a Stairlift: Pros and Cons
So, you’re thinking about buying a stairlift to improve the safety of your home? We think that’s a great idea. A recent study by Melissa Hawkins shows that installing assistive devices around the house, such as grab bars and stair lifts, makes homes safer and reduces the risk of falling.
Purchasing a stair lift may be an excellent option if you’re looking for the best long-term, cost-effective solution. After buying, you’ll have complete ownership of the device and can use it in your home for as long as you want.
Those with curved stair lifts or other unique stairs can order customizable stairlifts to suit their space, and installing stairlifts may increase home value in some communities. Oliver Morrisey, an Australian lawyer and director of Empower Wills and Estates Lawyers, believes that “From an estate planning standpoint, owning the stairlift positions it as a long-term asset that could potentially increase the property’s value or make the home more accessible and livable for the owner in their later years.”
The cons of purchasing a stair lift over renting are the higher upfront costs. You’ll pay more upfront and be responsible for hiring professionals to help repair or maintain the device.
What to Consider Before Renting or Buying Stair Lifts
Before buying or hiring stair lifts, consider how long you’ll need them. If you need them for a month to a year, it’s likely safe to rent, but longer lengths of time may require purchasing.
If you can’t afford the upfront costs of buying a stair lift, the lower costs of renting are an excellent way to make your home accessible without breaking the bank.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you and what you’d like to do to make your home safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent versus buy a stair lift?
On average, a stair lift rental costs between $175 and $400 per month, while buying a stair lift generally costs between $2,500 and $30,000.
Where can I buy or hire a stair lift?
Companies like Independent Home Solutions offer different home modification services, such as chair lifts for stairs, wheelchair ramps, and walk-in showers. We provide high-quality service and offer rental and purchasing options for mobility aids like stair lifts.
What areas does Independent Home Services serve?
Independent Home Solutions services many areas in Kansas City including 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.
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