Savvy Senior: Are you in need of a stair lift? Here are some things you should know

Jim Miller
·3 min read
You can modify a stairway with a motorized lift if you can no longer climb up and down the stairs.
You can modify a stairway with a motorized lift if you can no longer climb up and down the stairs.

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Because of chronic arthritis, I have a very difficult time going up and down stairs anymore and am interested in purchasing a stair lift for my two-story house. Can you recommend some good companies?

— Arthritic Andy

DEAR ANDY: Yes, of course! A good home stair lift is a great mobility solution for anyone who is unable, or has a difficult time climbing stairs. To help you choose a quality stair lift that meets your needs and budget, here are a few shopping tips along with some top-rated companies.

More: Savvy Senior: Simple home safety solutions for aging-in-place

What to know about stair lifts

There are two basic types of stair lifts that are sold today: straight and curved. The type you need will depend upon the design of your staircase.

A straight stair lift is one that travels in a straight line up a flight of stairs uninterrupted by landings, bends or curves, and costs anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 installed. Curved lifts, however, are much more elaborate and will go around corners, bends and changes in direction. Curved lifts also are much more expensive, typically running between $8,500 and $15,000 or more depending on the complexity of the installation.

Most stair lifts available today also have seats, armrests and footplates that fold up out of the way, and swivel seats that make getting into and out of the chair easier. They also come with standard safety features like seatbelts, braking systems and footrest sensors, push-button or rocker-switch controls located on the armrest for easy operation, and “call send” controls which allow you to call or send the unit to the other end of the stairs. Make sure the lift you choose has all these features.

If you are a large person, you may need to get a heavy-duty lift with a wider seat and bigger lifting capacity — all companies offer them. Or, if you’re tall, find out about raising the seat height during installation.

Depending on the company, you also may have the option of choosing between an electric (AC) and a battery powered (DC) stair lift. Electric stair lifts are simpler and cheaper than battery powered units, but if your home loses power so does your lift. While battery powered lifts work even if there’s a power failure.

What are the best stair lifts?

To help you choose a great stair lift the National Council on Aging, which is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for older Americans, put together a review team to research the different companies. Their list of best stair lifts of 2023 includes:

  • Editor’s Pick: Bruno (bruno.com)

  • Most Affordable: AmeriGlide (ameriglide.com)

  • Best Customer Reviews: Acorn (acornstairlifts.com)

  • Most Supportive Design: Harmar (harmar.com)

  • Most Adaptable to the Home: Access BDD (accessbdd.com)

  • Best for Arthritis: Stannah (stannah-stairlifts.com)

See NCOA.org/adviser/stair-lifts/best-stair-lifts to read their detailed reviews.

More: Savvy Senior: What are the best reacher-grabber tools of 2023?

Need financial help for a stair lift?

Unfortunately, health insurance, including original Medicare, does not cover home stair lifts, but some Medicare Advantage plans may help pay. Or, if you have long-term care insurance, it, too, may cover a portion of the costs.

If you qualify for Medicaid, many states offer waivers that may help pay for a lift, and the VA has several grant and benefit programs that may offer assistance too if you’re a veteran.

To save some money, you may want to consider purchasing a used or refurbished model. Or, if you need a stair lift for only a short period of time, consider renting one. Most companies offer these options, and many offer financings, too.

To get started, contact some of the previously listed stair lift companies who will put you in touch with a dealer in your area. All dealers provide free in-home assessments and estimates and can help you choose an appropriate lift.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or go to SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC "Today" show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Savvy Senior: What to know about choosing a stair lift