Finding Trustworthy and Affordable Residential Stair Lift Chairs to Age Independently in the Home

Making the home safe, functional, and comfortable becomes crucial with age. Home modifications that prioritize safety and health can make homeowners more at ease as they age independently. Stair lift chairs give older adults full access to the homes they love with safe and reliable mobility. Finding the ideal star lift chair for individual homes and needs starts with understanding the benefits, types of chairs, coverage available, and installation prices.

Why are Stair Lift Chairs Beneficial for Seniors?

The stairs are one of the most dangerous areas of the home due to the risk of falls. However, stair lift chairs allow those with mobility issues to access the top floor of their home with confidence and ease. This home addition is easy to install because it requires no structural changes to the home. It’s also a cost-effective solution to a 2 story problem. Rather than moving into a home without stairs, seniors can age right in the home they love with accessibility and peace of mind. Modern stair lifts are built with comfort in mind, including various features like padded seats, armrests, and footrests.

Types of Stair Lifts

Modern stair lifts come in many shapes and sizes, with various safety and comfort features to suit each homeowner’s needs. The three main types of stair lifts are:

• Straight: Straight stair lifts are designed for a flight of stairs with no curves or landings. The simple design is the most common type of lift and these are mounted directly onto the stair treads, providing a smooth and safe ride up and down the stairs. Installations are extremely streamlined for this kind of lift and typically only take a few hours to a full day to complete.
• Curved: Curved stair lifts are built for staircases with curves, landings, and any other characteristic that would require the chair to turn. They are more complex to account for different home designs and come with a variety of safety features such as swivel seats for easily exiting the chair, size options, and more. They typically take longer to install since they are more complex than the straight chair lift design.
• Outdoor: Outdoor stairlifts are built to withstand the elements and operate on staircases that are outside the home. These can be straight or curved, based on the way the staircase is shaped.

Does Medicare Cover Stair Chair Lifts?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide coverage for stair lifts because the program considers stair lifts to be home modifications as opposed to Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Since it is not classified as a DME, Medicare Part B does not assist in coverage. In some cases, eligible recipients of Medicaid may receive financial assistance for stairlifts through Home and Community-Based Services. Additionally, some homeowners choose to rent stair lifts as a more cost-effective solution if they only require the equipment temporarily.

Stair Lift Installation Cost

The price of installation will vary based on a few key factors. A straight staircase lift will almost always be more affordable than a curved lift due to the simplicity of the install. Curved lifts require more installation work due to the custom rail systems that are needed to fit the exact features of the staircase. Other factors that will impact price are the staircase configuration, power option features, swivel seat features, and other customization. 

The right equipment can make it easy to overcome physical challenges and have safe and unlimited access to the home. Residential stair lifts are an economical and ergonomic addition that transforms one of the most dangerous areas of the home into an enhanced

Sources:

• Medicare.org: Will Medicare Cover a Stair Lift?
• Lifeway Mobility: Ultimate Stair Lift Guide