Stairlifts are a great tool that can help seniors live more comfortably as they age.
As we get older, we become more susceptible to illnesses, aches, and pains which can make simple tasks more difficult to accomplish.
One such task is climbing up and down the stairs. As our bodies become less mobile, it can be difficult to get up the stairs without help.
But that doesn’t mean you have to rely on someone else to help you. With a stairlift, you can maintain your comfort and independence.
Fortunately, stairlifts are more affordable and accessible than you probably think.
Health Issues Can Affect Your Mobility
Lack of independence is one of the most difficult things to accept as we start to get older.
We often take our health for granted in our younger years and only learn to appreciate it once we start to age.
Aches, pains, and illnesses can be hard to deal with. While these issues are often remedied by modern medicine and technology, more severe issues can stop us from completing small, everyday tasks.
Even if you are relatively fit, seniors are more susceptible to serious injury from falling on the stairs.
Fortunately, though, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to turn to hospice care or retirement homes.
Stairlifts can be a great tool to help you live comfortably and independently.
What Are Stairlifts?
Stairlifts are simply seats which attach to your staircase and can easily carry you up and down the stairs.
These tools offer a number of comfort and convenience features to make your life easier. Certain features come standard on most stairlifts, including:
- Seat belts
- Swivel seats
- Backup batteries
Other features can also be added, but often increase the cost. These features may include:
- Lift-up foot and armrests
- Tilted seats
- Speed control
- Fold-up rails
- And more
These great features will help you, or your loved one, maintain your independence and mobility as you grow older.
How Much Do Stairlifts Cost?
As mentioned above, the cost of a stairlift largely depends on the type of stairlift you buy and the features you choose to add.
Be that as it may, you can still get a good idea of what you should spend on a basic stairlift with no additional features. Average prices are as follows:
- Battery-Operated: $2,000 – $3,000
- Straight Stairlift: $3,000 – $5,000
- Electric: $3,000 – $5,000
- Curved: $10,000
These prices are according to RetirementLiving and have been updated for 2019¹.
You also need to consider the cost of installation. According to the same source, installation can add about $2,000 to your total costs. However, installation is often included in the retail price.
Self-installation is not typically a good idea as it may present some safety issues.
All things considered, stairlifts are fairly affordable — particularly when you consider that you will likely use yours on a regular basis for a long time.
Find Affordable Stairlifts Near You
If you or a loved one are at a stage in life in which your body is not quite as mobile as it used to be, then getting a stairlift might be the perfect solution.
By searching for offers online, you can find the stairlift that offers the features you need at a reasonable price.
[1] https://www.retirementliving.com/how-much-do-stair-lifts-cost