Adding a Stair Lift: A Permanent Addition?

Everyone wants the best for the people they love. When caring for an elderly or disabled loved one, installing a stair lift may be just what they need. Still, before buying one, you must freshen up on all the details.

A stair lift is not a permanent addition to a home. Most stair lift companies offer monthly rentals or leasing options, allowing customers to uninstall and return their lift when it is no longer needed.

Can You Remove a Stair Lift?

Stair lifts do not have to be a forever commitment. They can be installed and uninstalled without much trouble at all. While many prefer to have a stair lift as a permanent staple in their home, short-term usage is very common too.

Renting a Stair Lift

Most stair lift companies will provide month-to-month rental options. According to Marx Medical, standard stair lift rentals will only cost an average of $115 per month with a $400 installation charge. For stronger stair lifts, the standard is $215 per month with a $700 installation fee.

Some companies also have rent-to-own services. A rented stair lift can be yours typically after 30-36 months of payments or anywhere from $4,000-$7,000.

Lasting Effects of Stair Lifts

Stair lifts aren't as complex as they seem; They are made up of tracks, a seat, safety harnesses or seatbelts, and then the hardware. The screws to hold the track down are installed onto the steps, not the wall, and only leave small holes.

Stairlifts, when appropriately installed, won't leave any long-term, lasting effects on your stairs.

Finding the Right Lift for You

The different types of lifts include:

• Straight stair lift
• Curved stair lift
• Outdoor stair lift
• Heavy-duty stair lift (300 lbs/136 kg)

Stair Lift Installation

A typical stair lift installation takes between two and three hours. However, curved staircases can require up to four or five hours.

For customers who are hands-on or DIY fanatics, this is not the task for you. Stairlift companies do not recommend trying to install a lift on your own.

Need a stairlift that goes around corners? Can All Stairlifts Go Around Corners?

Stair Lift Alternatives

If a stair lift doesn't seem like the right fit, I recommend this EZ-Step Stair Climbing Cane (available on Amazon.com). Another option is the Roami Progressive Mobility Aid Walker (available on Amazon.com).

Final Thoughts

Stair lifts can be beneficial to a home, and they aren't the commitment you think. You have the option to rent a lift and see if it's the right fit. Lifts can be installed in basically any home and don't leave any lasting damage to your steps when removed.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.