Daily Living Blog

Stair Lifts

Understanding Stair Lifts

A stair lift is a large investment. With any large purchase, you want to be as informed as possible. There are many brands and models on the market today. It can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it is an immediate necessity.

Important things to consider before purchasing a stair lift include your reasons for the stair lift, your stair layout, and of course cost. We usually ask first about the user of the lift. What type of limited mobility do they have? Are they in a wheelchair and will they need a transfer board to get from the lift to the wheelchair? This is important because not all models have movable armrests and some units swivel only at the top and not at the bottom of the stairs. When speaking with a dealer, you will want to make them aware of physical limitations.

Once, you are sure that your loved-one can use the lift; you will want to consider the layout of the stairs. If the staircase is curved, you will need a specially made curved unit. There are several quality providers for curved units. These units run from $9000 to $20,000 and up in price. They are so expensive because the measurements and manufacturing of the units are very precise, and they are 100% customized to that individual staircase.

If you have a straight set of stairs or stairs separated by a landing, a standard stair lift will mostly likely work. These stair lifts generally start at about $1500 unit price for an uninstalled unit, but price depends upon model/brand. Some dealers will sell the unit with free shipping, however, in many cases they charge for shipping as an add-on. Additionally, price may or may not include the cost of shipping.

* Width of your staircase: Most stair lifts require at least 30″ on width of staircase.
* Angle of staircase: Based upon the rise and tread of the stairs there may be restrictions based upon the model. For example, on certain models the angle can be no less than 30 degrees and not greater than 45 degrees.
* Length of your staircase: Some models have length restrictions. Most stair lifts will travel up to 20 feet. To understand more fully how to measure your stairs – here is an instructional video.
* Obstruction: Do you have an obstruction anywhere along the stairs? This includes doors, door jambs or various other protrusions. It is important to site these obstructions when you are discussing the lift with a professional.
* Mounting: Most stair lifts mount to the stairs, not the wall. Additionally, it is important what kind of stairs you have; whether your stairs are wood, concrete or another material and whether they are inside or outside.

Understanding key features is also important.

* Electric versus battery. There are very few manufacturers that sell an electric stair lift. However, most manufacturers sell battery run units. To clarify – battery units are not a battery back-up unit but a battery-run unit. Simply stated, a battery run unit is a unit that utilizes a battery to run and gets its recharge from an electrical outlet. These units are plugged into an outlet so that the unit is constantly receiving a trickle of electricity which keeps the battery charged. When the unit is in use, it is drawing its current from the battery, not the outlet. Should a power outage occur the unit can be used for duration of 24 – 78 hours depending upon the brand of unit purchased.
* Worm-Drive versus Gear Driven versus Cable Driven. Each has their benefits. However one is not necessarily better than the other. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hype about one over the other, which is mostly manufacturer driven and has nothing to do with functionality or durability. They are all pretty comparable when technically compared for function, safety and durability.
* Aesthetics – Bells and Whistles. Price is often defined by the bells and whistles of the unit. Beauty, leather and upgraded features affect the price of the unit. Understand your price parameter and work from there to ensure that you are getting the best product for your particular situation.
* Warranty. Warranties are pretty consistent in the industry with slight variables. Most units have 5 year warranty on the motor and between 1-3 years on parts and components. This is pretty standard. However, something to note is that most manufacturers do not offer a labor warranty. As a result, most dealers do not offer a labor warranty for the stair lift. To equate this to an everyday situation – if the heating element were to go out in your oven – even if it is under warranty – you still have to pay for someone to come out and diagnose the problem and do the work. The manufacturer will provide the new part, but the labor to do the repair is paid by the homeowner.
* Self-Installation. Some manufacturers will not sell their unit uninstalled while others have designed a unit that is less complicated and can be installed by a handy individual. These manufacturers typically provide technical support via telephone to assist with trouble-shooting. A consumer can request installation manuals prior to purchase in order to ensure that they are capable of completing the installation. It is very important to find out what support is available to the consumer regarding self-installation and trouble-shooting, prior to purchasing. Further, it is important to take into consideration that some of these calls are not toll-free or within the United States.
* Installation – Local Dealers – To find a local dealer that can both provide installation as well as sales, it is best to look in your local yellow pages book under medical supply or stair lifts. Although, purchasing local may not be the most competitive price, you often get a free consultation prior to purchase as well as a 90 day installation warranty if they install the unit for you.
* Installation - Internet Dealers – Many internet dealers can provide the unit as well as assist with installation, however, the installation is a separate cost and may be coordinated through another company.
* Financial Assistance – Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private insurances do not reimburse for stair lifts. A stair lift is a non-reimbursable item and is not even coded by the insurance industry. Beware of dealers who state that they can get you reimbursed. Contact directly your insurance provider for verification.

Whether you purchase through an internet dealer or locally, it is important to make a list of essential features that you will require with your stair lift. Make sure the brand you pick meets your individual needs and is a match for your particular staircase.

And if you find that you still need help understanding all the options – please feel free to call us at Homecare Suppliers, LLC so that we can talk to you about your particular needs. Our Toll Free Number is 888-252-2205 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m CST.