What is a stairlift?
A stairlift is a mechanical lift system with a built-in chair that will carry you up and down a set of stairs. Stairlifts are installed in multi-story homes to make the upper floors accessible for people who have difficulty navigating the stairs without assistance. They are an affordable alternative to costly home elevators.
How safe is the stairlift?
Stairlifts are installed by trained installers who know how to make sure they are safe. In addition, stairlifts have built-in safety features, such as sensors that can detect motion or obstructions on the stairs and stop the stairlift if necessary. All stairlifts are also fitted with the appropriate seat belt system. Other safety features may include swivel seats that allow users to easily stand up when the stairlift has stopped moving and folding rails.
Can stairlifts be fitted to any stairs?
Stairlifts can be customized to fit any kind of stairs, regardless of if they are traditional straight staircases where straight stairlifts can be installed or more complex designs with areas that require curved stairlifts. Stairlifts can even be installed on staircases with landings, and there are outdoor stairlifts that are specifically designed to be used outdoors.
Does insurance cover the cost of a stairlift?
Traditional health insurance and Medicare do not cover the cost of stairlifts, so in most cases, you would need to pay out-of-pocket. In some communities, organizations or charities can provide financial assistance to help cover a portion or all of the cost of the purchase and installation.
What maintenance does as stairlift require?
A properly maintained stairlift can last for many years. You can use a damp cloth to wipe the rails and seat, which will help prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. Your stairlift will also require annual maintenance provided by a trained technician who will check for broken or missing parts, make any necessary repairs, and check or replace the battery.
How much will stairlift maintenance cost?
In the Seattle area, the cost for annual maintenance can typically run between $100 and $200, but in some situations, your stairlift company will provide annual maintenance at a reduced fee as part of a maintenance contract.
How often will the batteries on a stairlift need to be replaced?
Stairlift batteries typically last about three years on average and up to five years. Your maintenance technician will check your batteries as part of your annual maintenance visit and let you know if they need to be replaced.
How is a stairlift powered?
Stairlifts are typically powered by two batteries, which are automatically recharged through a standard wall outlet in your home. This is the reason why stairlifts also have plugs as well as batteries. Because they are powered by batteries, stairlifts will continue to work if there is a power outage.