The Benefits of Stair Lift Elevators for Your Home and Their Costs

Mobility accessibility has never been more important. In the US alone, 12% of adults have serious mobility difficulties, such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

That’s why mobility aids have been a godsend that can be life-changing. While there are many mobility aid options available, stair lifts can be the best solution for homes or facilities with multiple levels or inadequate space for an elevator.

If you’re considering one for your loved ones, here’s all you need to know about stairlifts.

What Is a Stair Lift?

People with mobility issues like many seniors need help moving up and down the stairs. A stair lift offers a solution to these challenges.

It’s a mechanical device mounted on the stairs or stair railing. It has a chair or a platform that carries the person up or down the stairs, and the chair is powered by a motor and can be operated by a switch or remote control.

The chair or platform can stop at any point along the rail, so the person can get on or off as needed.

For people with mobility problems, it can maintain their independence and mobility. It also prevents injuries and reduces the risk of falling.

What Are the Different Types of Stair Lifts?

A stair lift is designed as a practical solution for many individuals that need mobility assistance. They can be installed on various staircases.

As for the available types, the main types are straight and curved.

Here are the differences between the two types:

• Straight stairlifts are designed for stairs that have no curves or bends. They are the most common type and installation is relatively inexpensive.
• Curved stairlifts are designed for stairs that have curves or bends. Installation is more expensive, but they provide a comfortable ride and can accommodate more complex staircases.

Both types can be used indoors and outdoors. Outdoor versions are usually made of weather-resistant materials and have a wider rail to be more durable against the elements.

What Are the Benefits of Stair Lifts?

People with limited mobility or the elderly will benefit the most from a stairlift installed in their own homes. It solves major problems while preventing major risks.

Here are some of the benefits of installing a stair lift.

1. Enhances comfort

There are a number of ways a stair lift can make an individual’s life easier:

• They provide a safe and convenient means to move from one floor to another. This can be especially important for people with mobility problems who find it difficult or dangerous to climb stairs on their own.
• They can reduce the risk of falls. The stairs are one of the most common places where falls occur. Having a stairlift in their own home can reduce the risks by providing a safe and secure way to move up and down.
• They can improve the quality of life. Stairlifts can make it easier for people with mobility difficulties to get around their homes. This can give them access to a more active lifestyle while being able to live independently and have a positive impact on their physical and emotional well-being.
• They can give peace of mind to family members. A family member with mobility difficulties or an elderly can make other people worry about their safety when using the stairs. With this installation, family members can get peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe and able to move around their home independently.
• They can make your home a safe haven. Some elderlies often do not have the resources nor the preference to live in a nursing home or in a senior living facility. Installing a stair lift can help them remain in the comfort of their own home without worrying about their mobility and safety.

2. Prevents risks of injury

Many seniors and people that have mobility challenges have higher risks of injuries when going up or down the stairs. But having a stair lift can prevent these injuries by:

• Providing a stable and secure platform to move up and down stairs. With a stair lift, you just need to sit on the chair and let the equipment carry you up or down. Balance and physical effort are no longer needed.
• Having safety features that can prevent accidents. Most stairlifts have sensors that stop the lift when it comes into contact with another person or object.
• Reducing fatigue. Climbing a staircase, even straight stairs, can be very tiring, especially for the elderly and those that have problems with mobility. And this could lead to accidents and injuries. Having a stair lift can reduce fatigue and is a more efficient way to move.

3. Improves accessibility

Accessibility can be a major issue in a multi-level home or even bungalows with an elevated patio or porch. This is where having a stairlift can improve accessibility and make life easier.

For multi-level homes, it gives access to a different floor of the house without climbing stairs. The same applies to bungalows with an elevated porch or patio.

More importantly, it gives them independent access and greater movement around the house without the assistance of other people. This means they can have improved mobility and more independence in their own homes.

4. Restores independence

Stairlifts offer the independence and freedom that people lose as they age. For people who are mobility challenged, it also frees them from being dependent on other people to move around.

With this device, they can independently move safely and conveniently without the help of others.

This is also beneficial for those that don’t want to leave their homes and move into an assisted living facility.

5. Boosts confidence

When you’re unable to move freely and are dependent on other people’s assistance to move around, it’s normal to feel all sorts of emotions like fear or anxiety.

But a stairlift can boost an individual’s confidence. It allows them to move around the house with ease, giving them a better sense of freedom and independence that they lost due to their mobility issues.

More importantly, this can lead to a more active and independent lifestyle, improve their well-being and elevate their quality of life.

6. Space-saving solution

Unlike home elevators, stairlifts save space since they attach to your existing staircase, even your outdoor stairs. They take up a fraction of the space of an elevator.

Furthermore, you can even custom-fit the device to your existing home design. For example, if you have a narrow staircase, you will still be able to install a stairlift that can fit this type of setup.

Since there is no need for any additional space or modifications, the installation of a stairlift offers an easy and cost-effective solution for people with mobility problems.

7. Easy to operate and maintain

Stairlifts are designed to be user intuitive since elders or people with mobility difficulties of various ages should be able to use them easily.

Typically, the device is operated using a simple switch or by remote control. They’re also configured with safety features like stopping automatically when there is an obstruction.

Plus, they’re energy-efficient and easy to maintain. They’re made of durable materials that can withstand everyday use.

The maintenance schedule will vary depending on the model and manufacturer. But it’s generally recommended that stair lifts be inspected and serviced once a year by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that the stair lift is in good working order and that it is safe to use.

In addition to the regular maintenance schedule, there are a few things that you can do if you want to keep your stair lift in good working condition:

• Avoid overloading the stair lift. The stair lift is designed to carry a certain amount of weight even if they’re capable of lifting more than one person. Overloading the stair lift can damage it.
• Don’t use the stair lift if it is not working properly. If you hear any strange noises or if it doesn’t seem to be working properly, don’t use it. Call a qualified technician like Ascend to inspect and service the stair lift.
• Keep the stair lift clean and free of dirt and debris. Dirt and debris can build up on the stair lift and cause it to malfunction.
• Inspect the stairlift regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If you see any signs, call a qualified technician for repairs.

What Are the Costs of Stair Lifts?

Stairlift costs will vary depending on factors like type, other add-ons, and more. But on average, expect to spend at least $2,000 on brand-new units.

Straight staircases are the least costly while curved ones are the most expensive. Also, if you want additional features like a power swivel seat or a power-folding footrail, you will have to spend more.

You also have to consider installation costs, which are not included yet.

Before making a purchase, it’s best to consult with a qualified technician to get a recommendation on the best type for your home and an accurate estimate of the cost.

With Ascend, you can expect high-quality mobility solutions to make your home a safe space for you and your loved ones. The best part is that we’ve partnered with Bruno to offer you the best stairlift that you can have in your home.

Contact us to get a free quote now!

Are There Financing Options for Home Stair Lifts?

Yes, we offer financing options for residential stairlifts. This is particularly helpful if you don’t have enough cash on hand to purchase the lift but need one for your home.

Ascend has partnered with LightStream, a trusted third-party financial institution, to offer you a quick and seamless financing experience.

Please visit our website to get more details on financing options.

Regain Your Independence with Ascend Home Stair Lifts

A stair lift can be a great investment for people with mobility difficulties. It offers safety, comfort, and independence to your loved ones who want to stay at home and maintain their independence.

At Ascend, we offer high-quality home stairlifts that transform your home into a space of safety, comfort, and convenience.

Contact us now to start making accessibility a reality.