A stair lift is an automated device used to lift people upstairs or downstairs. It is generally suited for the elderly or disabled individuals. A rail is fixed to the stair treads of suitably broad stairs. The rail has a chair or elevating platform affixed to it. A user gets into the seat or podium, which glides along the rail to ascend or descend the stairs.
Highlights
- Stair lifts help the elderly or disabled navigate stairs using a rail fixed to the stair treads, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 on average in Canada.
- Features influencing stair lift costs include the stair layout (straight or curved).
- Renting a stairlift can be economical for short-term needs.
A broad range of characteristics is accessible on contemporary stair lifts. Some features of modernized stair lifts are:
- having modifiable seat size;
- battery isolation regulators;
- call stations;
- “flip-up” rails;
- key buttons;
- foldable steps;
- speed governors;
- seat straps; and
- soft beginnings and endings.
What Is The Overall Cost Of A Stairlift?
Your expenditure for a new stair lift should vary from $3,000 to $10,000. The typical price falls between $4,000 and $5,000, in the middle of this range. These prices are in Canadian Dollars.
The price of a chair lift for stairs varies depending on its special features. Because there are many different chair lift styles and manufacturers, prices might vary. Different stair chair lifts contain various basic prices as well as distinctive potential choices. Installation costs may also vary depending on the home. Complicated existing stairs may require more installation efforts and time which can increase the overall cost.
To transport a user up and down a staircase, a stair lift in the $3,000 price range will be a more basic model for straight stairs and straightforward installation process, meaning there is no obstruction or reconfiguring of the current stairs. There may not be many add-on choices for this kind of model. Starting around $4,000, a stair lift will be deemed a better-end model and may have classic components like a smaller pattern and a more extensive weight capability. To better correspond to the spacing and layout of your home, it could also include extra customization choices, such as power-folding rail and seat variations.
Product and installation costs may vary based on:
- Stairs are straight staircase, curved staircase, U shaped;
- Landing or multiple floors;
- Very long staircase / length of staircases;
- Clearance and overhead space; and
- Model and style (varies at each company).
Although these prices may initially appear high, it is vital to take alternatives into account. The cost is considerably less than purchasing and moving into a new one-story home or condominium. Retirement homes may also have a significant cost to it. Depending on how long the user is staying in the home, another consideration may be renting a stair lift.
Rental Stairlifts Cost
Renting a stairlift is a good alternative to purchasing a stairlift if the user will not be at the residence for a significant amount of time. A lease contract and monthly payment is generally involved for a stair lift rental. Installing a stairlift through a rental program might help you restore your freedom at home if you are experiencing significant obstacles climbing or going down the stairs but do not have the full financial means to permanently install one.
A stair lift rental can be necessary due to a range of factors. You might only require it while you’re healing from an illness or surgery or because you do not plan on living at home for a long period of time. You may also want to ‘test’ the product before purchasing it. Stairlift rentals are also attractive due to the value of a lower monthly charge and can work well with seniors or the disabled who are on a lower or tighter budget. Stairlift rentals are also advantageous for a temporary home; for example, while the user may be living with family members it may be a more affordable unit.
A broad range of features are available on rental stair lifts, including flexible seat height, battery solitude switches, call stations, “flip-up” rails, key switches, foldable steps, speed governors, seat belts, safety features and soft starts and stops. While some companies offer a wide range of models for rentals; other companies may only offer one or two models available for renting. Be sure to inquire about which model best suits your needs.
There are financing options also available whether buying or renting.
There are numerous names for stair lifts, including:
- stairlifts
- stair-lifts
- chair lifts
- stair gliders, and so on.
When conducting an online search, be sure to look for the features and pricing that is suitable for you.
Renting Vs Buying Stairlift – So Which Is Better?
Having a stairlift installed in your home can make your life easier and less stressful. It will also make your home more welcoming for guests and relatives, especially the aged and those who are unfit to climb and descend stairs. Owning or renting a stairlift will ultimately depend on your needs. With the current government rebates of $2500, it might be worth it to buy a stair lift regardless. If you are planning on renting for more than 6 months – it also might be worth it to purchase a lift instead. Cost wise you will be coming out ahead from buying. Just be sure to go over all of your options when making your decision.
