Understanding Stair Chair Lifts: What You Need to Know
Do you or a loved one need help getting up and down the stairs? Then you may need a stair chair lift.
Whether you’re trekking up and down the stairs because you forgot your glasses, a book, or other essential items, they help you safely access every level of your home. They’re ideal for older adults or anyone with mobility issues as they reduce the risk of falling.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four adults older than 65 fall yearly; of those, more than 1 million result in fall-related hospitalizations.
How can you protect yourself or loved ones against injury while aging in place? Install mobility aids and devices that prevent falls while maintaining healthy habits such as strength training, walking, and following a healthy diet.
Today, we’ll dive into stair chair lifts and how they can help you move freely around your home.
What Are Stair Chair Lifts?
If you’ve been wondering what “stair chair lifts” are, you’re not alone. Stair chair lifts are not to be confused with lift chairs.
Stair chair lifts = Stair lifts or chair lifts for stairs
Stair chair lifts, aka stair lifts, lift a person up and down a staircase in a motorized seat on a rail. They should be installed by professionals and cost, on average, between $3,400 and $10,000. They are not cheap but can greatly improve your quality of life.
Lift chairs = Lift chairs
On the other hand, lift chairs are regular chairs with a motorized portion that lifts and tilts the chair forward so a person can stand. They help older adults or those with mobility issues come to a standing position without the risk of falling over.
There are different types of lift chairs, including infinite position lift chairs, two-position lift chairs, and three-position chairs.
Why Invest in a Stair Lift?
Deciding to buy a stair lift for your home is a big decision. They’re a big ticket item and are not always covered by insurance plans like Medicare or Medicaid.
Many experts on aging in place, like Brenda Scott, owner of Tidy My Space, believe that “Stair lifts can be a great help to anyone with mobility issues that lives in a home with different levels. I have a client with two units, one for each staircase, and she loves them. They are slim, the armrests are foldable, so it’s easy to sit down and takes up less room for others using the stairs. On top of that, she can take them with her when she moves if needed. They also make a great selling feature if someone may have a senior parent living with them that needs help.”
Whether or not you purchase a stair lift is a personal decision. If you’re struggling to decide, consult a medical professional you trust to determine if a stair lift is right for you.
Stair Lift Pricing
There are three types of stair lifts: straight, curved, and outdoor. Each costs between $2,500 and $30,000.
Most standard stair lifts start at $3,400 and go up to $10,000, while curved stair lifts typically begin around $8,000 to $10,000. Outdoor stair lifts generally cost a few thousand more than standard stair lifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there alternatives to stair lifts?
There are a few alternatives to stair lifts. These can include handrails or grab rails, stair climbers, wheelchair lifts (vertical lifts), or home elevators.
Other options include home modifications, such as adding a bedroom to the main floor or moving to a single-level home.
Are stair lifts worth it?
Many older adults and people with mobility issues believe stair lifts are worth the investment. You’ll have to decide if they are right for you based on factors such as cost. You can get a free estimate with our tool and explore financing options.
