When mobility is an issue, something as simple as going up and down the stairs can be a challenge.
Certain conditions make it even more difficult to move about your home like arthritis, specific types of muscular diseases and dementia. Mobility can also be affected after having major surgery when in-home care and post-surgery care is needed in order to assist in recovery.
Many people have to consider alternative solutions to stairs whenever living in a two-story home prohibits safe movement from one floor to the next – which can be costly for a senior living on a fixed income.
The question then becomes, “Should you stay in your home and make the necessary upgrades and improvements or should you think about finding a residential facility for long-term care?”
According to experts, the cost of care at a skilled nursing home can range anywhere from about 40,000 to 100,000 a year depending on where you live.
Fortunately, a chair lift provides an inexpensive way to age-in-place and make the improvements you need to guarantee safe movement up and down the stairs.
Even if you’re on a fixed budget, there are many companies that offer options based on quality and price.
Take into consideration that there may also be factors involved such as government assistance or rebate, installation that could influence your decision as well.
A little research should help you find the best model that will suit your needs.

What to look for in a stair lift?

Type

There are generally types of stair lifts: curved and straight.
If your stairwell goes straight up and down without any landings, bends or curves then a straight stair lift is probably the right choice for you.
Straight stair lifts usually cost between $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the type, while curved lifts can go around corners, bends and even change directions. These can be more expensive, ranging anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 because of the elaborate design involved.
Either option would ultimately be much cheaper than the yearly costs of a nursing home or residential facility.

Lifting Capacity

Experts also say besides the direction of your stairs, the lifting capacity of your stairway can also
determine the price of the stair lift.
If your needs require a heavy duty chair lift, you might pay more out-of-pocket, but overtime, need fewer repairs made to the lift. 

Brand

While the name of the company and its reputation is obviously worth taking into consideration, you can find a lesser known company that offers similar quality and features that you’re looking for. Often times customer reviews can be a great way to determine how well the product actually works.

Payment Plans

There are many options to afford the chair lift that best meets your needs.
From leasing arrangements, creative financing and assistance to Medicare, with some research you’ll find that most companies can and will accommodate your budget.