8 Benefits of Adding a Stairlift to Your Home
Posted on by Eric Rubel
For some seniors, the stairs can become too difficult to navigate due to limited mobility, weakened muscles, and lack of stability. As a result, navigating a staircase at home becomes a daily chore and may eventually be avoided. When the stairs become a challenge, many seniors may consider downsizing to a single-level home or moving into a retirement living facility. However, both of these options can become very costly.
Fortunately, the installation of a stair lift provides a quick, and cost-effective solution, while providing many other benefits that are outlined below.
Improves Safety – Prevents Falls & Injuries
The most obvious benefit of a stairlift is that it provides a safer way to use the stairs at home. Using a motorized chair to get from floor to floor reduces the risk of an injury at home as the stairs are one of the most common areas that present a high risk for a fall. Missing one step while walking up or down a staircase can result in a broken hip, leg, or a variety of other serious injuries.
It is not uncommon for seniors to use the stairs for exercise. However, that can be very dangerous if muscles have weakened and mobility has become limited. Adding a stair lift to a home does not mean that you can longer exercise though. Local gyms offer several safe exercise options for seniors – walking on the treadmill, swimming in the pool, or riding on the stationary bikes. These options are much safer than walking up and down the stairs.
Quickest & Most Affordable Aging Option
If you can no longer use the stairs at home, a stair lift is typically going to be the quickest and most affordable solution. Like any other purchase, it is going to require a bit of research to choose the best one. However, once the purchase is made, the lift can be installed a few days later if the staircase is straight or a few weeks later if the staircase has curves or turns. Curved stair lifts have a longer turn-around time because the rails need to be custom designed to fit the exact specifications of the curves or turns of a staircase.
The average cost of straight stair lift, including installation, ranges between $2,500-$8,000 (new or used). We also offer financing options for those who may be unable to pay for the lift up-front. For those that meet the necessary qualifications, a lift at the price of $59.25/month can be a much more attractive option. If the staircase has any curves or turns, the price of a the lift will start around $11,000 and scale up from there, dependent on the turn radius, length of rail and upgrade options.
When comparing the price of a stair lift to the monthly cost of a senior living facility, or the cost of moving to a single-level home, a stair lift it is the most cost-effective option.
Offers the Option to Age-in-Place
Being able to remain at home is very important for most older adults and seniors. In fact, a study done by the AARP found that 90% of seniors would prefer to age at home rather than move to a senior living community. A stair lift provides you with that option if the walking up/down the stairs are the main safety concern at home, but you still have the ability to transfer laterally.
Increase/Regain Independence
If the stairs are preventing the use of a basement or upper level of the two-story home, you may feel like you've lost your independence. Getting up or down the stairs likely requires assistance from a friend or family member. With the installation of a stair lift, you can regain your independence and freedom as the lift will provide a safe and easy way access to the basement or upper level of the home.
Short-Term Solution for an Injury
While most stair lifts are purchased by seniors with limited mobility, they can also be beneficial for those are recovering from an injury. The installation of a lift will provide access to all levels of home during the recovery of a lower-body injury. Renting a stairlift is a great option for those who only need a lift for a few months.
Easy to Use
Stairlifts are very easy to operate for most users. To use a stair lift, sit on the seat, put on the seatbelt, push and hold the paddle control, which is located on the armrest of the chair, and you'll be on your way up/down the stairs. To stop the stair lift, release the paddle control and the lift will stop moving. The paddle control can be put on the armrest that is most convenient for you.
Two keyed remotes come with the product, which is helpful if more than one person needs to use the lift. If you are at the top landing of the staircase and the lift is at the bottom, push the "up" arrow button on the remote to send the chair to the top landing.
Comfortable Ride
"Smooth and comfortable" is how most people describe the ride of a stair lift, in particular, a Bruno stair lift. Some lifts are built with extra cushion to ensure comfortability on each and every ride. The Bruno Elite is often recognized as one of the best in quality and comfort as the back, seat, and armrests, have padded cushions.
Offers the Ability to "Try Before You Buy"
If you decide a stair lift is the best way for you to remain safe and independent at home, consider visiting a local showroom. Test riding a lift will give you the ability to confirm that you like the product and ensure that it is the best option for you. Our stairlift showrooms have fully operational stair lifts that local residents can test ride.
