Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Chair Lift

Aging in place and maintaining a sense of independence is a common desire of people as they grow older. Most want to stay in the home that they have lived in for years, even decades. Steep staircases, however, can prove to be a safety issue for some homeowners. Installing a stair lift can be a happy compromise. 

What is a chair lift?

A chair lift, sometimes called a stair lift, is a piece of medical equipment that helps people get up and down stairs safely. A person can become less stable and confident on their feet when ascending or descending the stairs in their home due to an injury, illness, or increasing age. The stair lift is a motorized chair or platform that can assist in the transition between floors safely and easily. 

Is a stair lift always a chair?

Stair lifts can either be made from chairs or standing platforms. The choice depends on both the needs of the patient as well as the confines of the staircase. Both options work well in transporting your family member from one floor of the home to another. 

What you should look for when buying a chair lift?

The key feature to look for when purchasing a chair lift is the current and future needs of the family member who will be using the system. It should not only be able affordable, but it should also be able to grow with them as their needs and abilities change over the years. 

How long do chair lifts last?

Stair lifts typically last ten years. This is provided that care is taken in their use and maintenance over the years. 

How should you maintain a stair lift?

Homeowners and caregivers should keep a stair lift's track clean and free from debris. They should also make sure that all moving parts are lubricated every few months, according to the manufacturer's directions. Additionally, the chair should be regularly examined to make sure that it is safely secured to its base. 

Stair lifts should also have an annual inspection by a professional to make sure everything is running smoothly. 

Are stair lifts expensive?

The cost of a stair lift can vary greatly depending on the needs of your family member and the type and design of your staircase. It is much less expensive than having an elevator installed in your home, however, which is the next best alternative. An elevator is also quite disruptive and requires extensive renovations to a home.

Does Medicare pay for chair lifts?

Medicare pays for all or some of your durable medical equipment (DME) expenses. Durable medical equipment is a wide-ranging group of items that include canes, walkers, hearing aids, and stair lifts. Your doctor must recommend the DME and you must purchase or rent it from a Medicare-approved supplier. 

Can you install a chair lift yourself?

While you or another family member may be handy, installing a chair lift is not a do-it-yourself project. The process is complicated and the lift must be installed properly for the safety of the user and other family members. 

Can chair lifts fit any stairs?

Lifts can fit almost any staircase. While chair lifts can be a tight fit on a narrow staircase, your supplier will be able to offer other suggestions, like a platform lift, that will fit the available space. 

Can chair lifts go around corners?

Stair lifts can be used on steep and narrow staircases. They can also go around corners to accommodate both winding staircases as well staircases with multiple landings. More complicated designs will, of course, be slightly more expensive, but it is possible to use a stair lift in almost every home. 

To help your family member maintain a sense of independence and allow them to age in place, consider having a stair lift installed.