If getting up and down the stairs has become a hassle, you’re likely looking into different mobility tools to reduce the stress, worry, or burden of difficult stairs. While chair lifts for stairs aren’t the only option, they’re an excellent choice for those who know they want to age in place and, ideally, not move into a retirement or assisted living facility.
In this article, we’ll cover chair lifts for stairs from top to bottom, including different types, features, components, pricing, and more.
Are “Stair Lifts” and “Chair Lifts for Stairs” the Same Thing?
Yes, “stairlifts” and “chair lifts for stairs” refer to the same mobility device. Stair lifts are motorized seats that sit on a track and glide up and down the stairs at the push of a button. They help those with mobility issues move safely from one level of a home to another.
Types of Stair Lifts
- Straight: Straight stair lifts are the standard option and the most chosen mobility device. They’re quick to install on straight staircases as they have a standardized rail that can be cut to fit any average staircase. Bruno manufactures some of the best stairlifts, which are of high quality and have a stairlift warranty. Most straight stair lifts can be installed in one day and have a weight capacity of 300 to 600 lbs.
- Curved: Some staircases have turns, curves, or intermediate landings. These staircases require curved stairlifts to navigate those turns. They’re custom-built by manufacturers to perfectly fit your staircase. Those with intermediate landings on their staircase might find it more affordable and get faster installation if opting for two standard straight stair lifts.
- Outdoor: Outdoor stairlifts come in straight or curved forms and are made to withstand the elements such as snow, wind, and rain. They also have an outdoor cover for an extra layer of protection.
Is It Safe to Use a Stair Lift?
Yes, they’re safe to use if installed by professionals working for a licensed company. Stair lifts make traveling up and down a staircase easy for those with mobility issues. While stair lifts may not be for everyone, they’re an excellent option for anyone who can still sit and stand independently (without assistance).
An Independent Home Solutions expert can provide a free in-home assessment to help you decide if a stair lift is suitable for you.
Stair Lift Components & Features
Here are the main features and components of a stair lift.
Features
- Safety features: A stair lift’s most important features include a seat belt and obstruction sensors, making it even safer to use. While the seat belt straps you in tight, the sensors will stop the unit if it detects an obstacle, which is great if you have children or animals running around your home.
- Swivel seat: Stairlifts have swivel seats, which allow safe exit and entry at the top landing or bottom of the staircase. A swivel seat can rotate up to 90° by pushing down on a level next to it, and it locks into place once fully swiveled.
- Seat, footrest, & armrests: Like a standard chair, the stair lift has a seat, footrest, and armrest. These components can typically be folded when parked at the top or bottom of the stairs to take up less space.
- Remote controls: Stairlifts have one or two remote controls that “call and send” the chair up or down the rail. Remotes are ideal when more than one person is using the lift.
Components
- Rail: The rail is the base of a chair lift. It’s what the chair glides up and down on and covers the entire side of a staircase. Stairlift rails can vary in design from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the most popular brand, Bruno, utilizes narrow rails that don’t take up too much space on a staircase. Rails are mounted to the tread of the stairs and require no wall support.
- Chair: Depending on the manufacturer, the chair may also come in different shapes and sizes. Stair lift chairs have folding components, a seat, armrests, and footrests. Chairs can typically be upgraded and contain the motor and batteries.
- Power source: Most stair lifts contain rechargeable batteries. Bruno stair lifts contain 12v batteries and a “smart” battery charger with standard power outlets. When docked at the top or bottom, a stair lift should be recharging, and you should never have to worry about it.
Stair Lift Options
In addition to stairlift components and features, you can also get add-on safety features that increase usability and comfort. Certain stair lift options upgrade the experience and make it safer. Please keep in mind that some options below may not be available for all stair lift models offered by Independent Home Solutions.
Power Folding Footrest
There are two types of power-folding footrests: standard and arm-activated. Standard footrests are popular for those using a lift who struggle to bend down to fold them up.
The standard power-folding footrest works as follows: You use the stair lift as normal, and when you lift up the seat, the footrest automatically folds up. When you want to use the stair lift again, push the seat down, and the footrest comes down automatically.
The other option, arm-activated, is also easy. You can push a button, and the armrest folds neatly.
Power Swivel Seat
Most stair lift models have a swivel seat that the user must manually turn. However, if mobility issues mean you can’t safely swivel the chair, a power swivel seat is encouraged. It’s a safe way to use the chair without causing injury.
A power swivel control will be on the chair’s arm. It’s simple to use and enhances safety.
Larger Footrest
Standard footrests are sometimes too small. Those requiring a larger footrest for their feet have the option of upgrading their footrest to a larger size.
Folding Rail
You can add a manual or power folding rail during stair lift installation. Folding rails allow you to move the rail and push it up against the wall, allowing you more space on your staircase. They are a great additional safety feature because they prevent your staircase from becoming a tripping hazard, especially on staircases with heavy foot traffic.
Folding rails can typically be installed on straight stairlifts, but some curved stair lift models can also add folding rails. It may be difficult to decide between a manual or power folding rail. Our stairlift experts can help you choose the best stairlift options for your home.
Upholstery Selection
If the standard stair lift colors don’t match your home’s color palette, you can request upgraded colors. Upgrading the upholstery is possible for certain stair lift models. Please inform us before installation if you’d like an upgraded option. We want you to love and feel confident with your stair lift choice.
Stair Lift Benefits
Stair lifts offer benefits to anyone with mobility issues and their loved ones or caregivers. The main benefits include:
- Peace of Mind: Giving yourself and loved ones peace of mind is a gift. With a stair lift, you can reduce stair-related injuries and have the confidence to safely move up and down the stairs. They also help reduce anxiety for those having a hard time climbing up and down stairs.
- Independence: Maintaining independence is one of the main reasons folks choose to have stair lifts installed in their homes. When someone’s independence becomes limited due to complex staircases or steps, it impacts their quality of life. Installing a stair lift allows you to access every room in your home and regain total independence.
- Safety: Those with mobility issues likely have concerns with missing a step, slipping, or tripping on objects on the stairs. A simple way to avoid these issues is by installing a stair lift with safety features. Simply sit on the stair lift chair, use the seatbelt, and glide easily up and down the stairs without worrying about safety.
- Affordable Solution & You Can Stay in Your Home: When comparing the prices of a standard stair lift to the monthly cost of living in assisted living facilities or independent senior living communities, it’s clear that the most cost-effective option is a stair lift. Pricing data from assistedliving.org shows that the average monthly cost of an assisted living facility is between $3,500 and $10,500, while the cost of a senior independent living community runs between $1,500 and $4,000. When choosing to install a stair lift, it will have paid for itself in a few months, and you’ll get to stay in the home you know and love.
Chair Lift for Stairs Pricing
It’s difficult to give an exact price for stair lifts because there are different brands, types, configurations, and available upgrades. For an accurate quote, contact us for your free home consultation.
Straight stair lifts generally cost between $3,400 and $10,000 (new or used). Curved stair lifts cost between $10,000 and $27,000, while outdoor stairlifts (curved or straight) go anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000.
You can also get an idea of pricing with our pricing estimate tool.
How to Find a Reliable Stair Lift Company
Finding a reliable stairlift company may feel challenging, but there are a few key factors to consider. When searching for a company, read reviews on sites like Google or Trusted Pilot. Check if a company is licensed and insured and ensure their installers are professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare or health insurance cover stairlifts?
Sadly, no. Most Medicare and health insurance plans don’t cover stair lifts. However, some Medicare and Medicaid plans may have extra coverage. We recommend calling your insurance providers to see if they cover any associated costs.
What are alternatives to stair lifts?
There are different alternatives to stair lifts, including wheelchair lifts, stair climbers, residential elevators, and wheelchair ramps. These assist those struggling with mobility and getting up and down different levels of a home.
What’s a good stair lift company in Central Pennsylvania?
Call our team at Independent Home Solutions to get help as soon as possible with any mobility issues you or a loved one are facing. We know how hard it can be to navigate tricky stairs. That’s why we offer a fast, free, in-home assessment for your staircase as quickly as possible.
Our service areas in Central Pennsylvania include Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, and York. We also offer help with other mobility issues and install walk-in showers and wheelchair ramps.
Are stair lifts safe to use?
Yes, if a licensed professional installed your stairlift, it is a safer way to get up and down the stairs. Stairlifts are an excellent option for those with limited mobility who can sit and stand with no assistance. While they may not be a fit for everyone, they can help many people remain in their homes longer. Independent Home Solutions experts can help determine if a stair lift is right for you or a loved one.
Most stair lift models have built-in safety features, such as obstruction safety sensors and seatbelts, to ensure their safety.
