If you have a multi-level home and your loved one has trouble getting up and down the stairs, you might consider a stairlift. Stairlifts are valuable assistive mobility devices that can make it safer, easier, and more comfortable for an elderly person to get up and down the stairs.

However, they can be expensive to install and maintain, so there are a lot of factors to consider before installing one in your home. Here is a guide to determining whether you should install a stairlift in your multi-level home.

What Is a Stairlift and How Does It Work?

A stairlift is a piece of mechanical equipment that transports a motorized chair or platform up a staircase. It moves along a rail system that is installed alongside the railing of the staircase or the opposite wall.

It provides safe, easy, and comfortable movement up the stairs for people who are in wheelchairs, use assistive mobility devices, or have a chronic or temporary injury that prevents them from walking up stairs.

A stairlift system consists of a motor, battery, rail system, and a seat. It is installed along the full length of the stairs. After the user sits in the chair and buckles the safety belt or harness, they can use a joystick or armrest control to start the chair.

The battery-powered motor then moves the chair or platform along a fixed railing. The stairlift automatically stops at the top and bottom of the stairs, or can be stopped manually at different floors of the home. The rest of the staircase can be used by other members of the family.

Signs Your Loved One Could Benefit From a Stairlift

If your loved one has trouble walking up and down stairs, has suffered a fall or injury, or is recovering from an illness or surgical procedure, they may benefit from the installation of a stairlift.

Some signs that it may be time to consider installing a stairlift in your home are:

Increasing difficulty navigating staircases safely
Use of an assistive mobility device like a wheelchair, walker, cane, or scooter
Previous falls or injuries on the stairs or in other areas of the home
Loss of independence or free movement around the home due to an inability to use the stairs
Desire to age in place rather than move into a single-story home or assisted living facility
Fear of falling on the stairs or an avoidance of stairs due to previous problems
Major surgery, such as hip or ankle surgery, that has temporarily or permanently affected mobility
Vision problems that make it hard to see the stairs
Symptoms like vertigo or dizziness that make stairs unsafe
Small pets or children that could make it harder to get up and down the stairs without tripping
Certain features or appliances in your home are at a lower level or basement level and are hard to get to using stairs

Different Types of Stairlifts Available

There are a few different types of stairlift designs to choose from. A contractor or Certified Aging in Place Specialist can help you determine which one would be safest and most effective for your home:

Straight Stairlifts – Straight stairlifts are designed for straight staircases. They operate along a straight rail without any curves or stops. They can be seated or standing.
Curved or Spiral Stairlifts – Curved stairlifts or spiral stairlifts are designed for staircases that go around one or more corners.They are installed with curved rails that follow the shape of the stairlift. They can be seated or standing.

Combination Stairlifts – Combination stairlifts are designed for stairs that have multiple landings or that curve around corners. They feature a bridging platform that makes it easier for the chair to reach the landing so that the user can get off at the floor they want.
Outdoor Stairlifts – Outdoor stairlifts are installed on exterior stairs that lead down to a patio or yard, up to an outdoor terrace, or to the front door from the yard or parking structure. They are constructed of more durable, weather-resistant materials.

Benefits of Installing a Stairlift

If your loved one tries to use the stairs when they have an injury, vision problems, or mobility issues, they are at a higher risk of a fall or injury.

Installing a stairlift may be the safest way for your loved one to continue moving freely from one level of the home to another. Some of the biggest benefits of stairlifts are:

Significantly reduces the risk of falls in the home
Allows your loved one to retain independence and free movement around the home without assistance
Can be used even if your loved one has a mobility scooter, walker, cane, wheelchair, or other assistive device
Reduces physical strain and exhaustion that could be caused by walking up and down stairs frequently
Puts less pressure on joints and bones
Allows for easier rehabilitation after an injury or surgery
Prevents the need to move out of the home into a single story home or assistive living facility
Can be customized to specific home layouts and personal preferences
Allows for the installation of added safety and comfort features

What to Consider When Choosing a Stairlift

It’s important to work with a professional when choosing a stairlift for your home. There are a lot of factors you will need to consider to ensure you’re picking the right type:

The specific needs and abilities of all users
The height, weight, and other characteristics of each user
The type of staircase you have and where it is located in the home
Any obstructions that could make installation a challenge
How many floors or stops the lift will need to make when going up and down the stairs
Safety features that are essential for comfort and security
The ease of use and intuitiveness of the control system
The total cost of the system and installation
Ongoing care and maintenance needs
Whether the system can easily be uninstalled if you plan to move

The Cost of Stairlift Installation and Maintenance

The cost of installing a stairlift, along with ongoing maintenance and repair needs, will vary depending on the manufacturer, installation company, the size and configuration of the lift, and any specific installation challenges that need to be overcome.

You also need to factor in ongoing maintenance. The lift should be inspected each year by a professional, and should be properly cleaned, lubricated, and tested.

Schedule a Home Safety Evaluation Before Installing a Stairlift

To determine how safe your home is for an elderly loved one or someone with mobility challenges, consider scheduling a home safety evaluation. Placita In Home Care offers free home safety evaluations and can identify challenges that affect safety and comfort.

We can also refer you to a trusted contractor or technician who specializes in installing stairlifts. To schedule a safety evaluation in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.