Best Stair Lift Companies

Straight stair lift

Straight stair lifts go straight up and down steps. They are designed for traditional flights of stairs and can be installed on either side of the staircase. Straight stairlifts tend to be the least expensive type of stair lift.

Curved stair lift

Curved stair lifts are for any staircase that has a spiral or goes around a corner. Since this type of stair lift requires more customization, it will cost considerably more than a straight stair lift.

Outdoor stair lift

Some stairlifts are specifically made for the outdoors, they can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. These lifts are attached to a deck or patio staircase so that the user can access their entryway.

Seated stair lifts

Most people think of seated stairlifts when they think of a stairlift. These lifts contain a seat with a back and a footrest, both of which are usually adjustable. The user sits down and presses a button on the lift to raise or lower it.

Standing stair lifts

Users who have difficulty sitting, can't bend their knees easily or prefer to stand may want to use a standing stairlift. This type of platform allows the user to stand up and hold onto the sides of the lift. These lifts are often narrower than full seated lifts.

Stair lift safety

Stair lifts are equipped with a variety of safety features in order to ensure users don't fall or injure themselves while using the device.

• Safety sensors: Most stair lifts contain sensors that search for obstacles in the device's path, such as items left on the steps. The sensors automatically turn off the device and don't allow movement until the obstacles are removed.
• Aircraft or other strong cable: Cables are designed to hold up to 4,200 pounds so that they won't snap or break while people are using the device.
• Pressure-sensitive controls: Controls on the device itself are sensitive to pressure; if the user stops pressing the button, the lift immediately stops moving.

Remote control

Many stair lifts offer the option of a remote control to access the stair lift from far away.

• Call lift to top or bottom of steps: If a user is on one floor and the stair lift is on the other, the user can call the lift to where it is needed by pressing a button on the remote control.
• Save power: Users can save the stair lift's power by turning it off via remote control when not in use.
• Works in conjunction with device control: The device itself may have a joystick or button that controls the lift. The remote will not override this control and can only be used when the stairlift is not in operation.

Swivel ability

Most stair lifts allow the seat to swivel so that it can be turned by hand or turned while a person is sitting in it. There are several benefits to a stair lift that swivels. There are several benefits to a stair lift that swivels.

• Allows users to get in without turning around: Users can simply sit down in the seat and turn it in the direction they want to go.
• Allows device to turn at top/bottom of steps: The stair lift can very easily be turned around so that it can go in the other direction.
• Allows for conversation while on the device: Users can turn slightly to talk to caregivers or others while riding the device.

Adjustability

Most stair lifts allow users to quickly and easily adjust the seat.

• Lever operated: Users might be able to raise or lower the seat by pressing a lever with their foot or hand.
• Adjustable back and footrests: Users can adjust both the back of the device and the footrest for maximum comfort.
• Folding seat: The seat can be folded back on some units to create a standing platform or a perch seat.

Platform stairlift options

Many stair lifts offer a variety of platform options to make them useful and enjoyable to a wide range of customers.

• Sit/stand option: Users can fold the seat back to make a standing platform for those who would rather stand up while being transported up and down steps.
• Perch seat: Those consumers who have difficulty with their knees may find it easier to get into a perch seat than into a standard seat.
• Hinged platform: Hinged platforms allow the device to attach to stairs that are located inside a doorway or other narrow space.

A stair lift can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000, depending on what type of staircase you have and what add-ons you want to include. A simple straight stairlift for about 12–14 steps will be the least expensive, coming in around $2,000 before installation. If you have a curved staircase, expect to spend at least $10,000. Keep in mind that the cost of a stairlift, no matter what type of staircase you have, will pay for itself if it means you can stay in your home instead of moving or going to an assisted living facility.

People who can't walk

People who cannot walk at all can benefit from stairlifts, as these devices allow them to move from floor to floor. Depending on the nature of their disability, these users may need assistance getting in and out of the stairlift. The devices were originally invented for polio sufferers, and people who can't walk are one of the target markets for this type of device.

People who have trouble bending their knees

People who have trouble bending their knees will not be able to walk up and down steps easily. A perch seat or standing platform stairlift can help these people get from floor to floor with no trouble.

People with limited mobility

People who have limited mobility, including needing a cane or walker to keep their balance, can benefit from the use of stairlifts so that they can safely move from floor to floor.

People with heart or lung issues

People with heart conditions, severe asthma or other medical issues that limit their ability to engage in physical activity might want to use a stairlift to minimize health risk when going from floor to floor.