Debunking Common Myths about Stairlifts

We recently installed a stairlift for a client in the Charlotte area who took a tumble down the stairs. Though both he and his wife are in their eighties, they are quite mobile and never considered that they might need the increased accessibility that comes with a stairlift. After he recovered from his fall, they decided to install a stairlift to help avoid any further spills or injuries.  Now it’s there if they need it, and they can remain safely mobile in their home for years to come.

Liftavator installed Stairlift in the Charlotte, NC area.

Over the years we have installed hundreds of stairlifts and have heard many myths about the realities of installing, maintaining and owning them. Here, we are going to confront five of those myths head on and show you that having a stairlift in your home is a viable option to having greater accessibility and mobility and can allow you to stay in your home long after you may not be able to use the stairs.

Myth #1: If you are young and mobile and have no problems maneuvering the stairs, you do not need a stairlift.

Fact: It is a fact of life that pain or mobility issues can affect anyone at any time. A stairlift provides mobility and restores accessibility to the whole house and the outdoors.

A stairlift essentially puts your home all on one level, eliminating the need to walk up and down the stairs. Installing one adds an immediate, positive impact on your quality of life, as it leads to greater comfort and safety in your home.  So no matter your age, you can benefit from installing a stairlift in your home.

Myth #2: A stairlift is an expensive and unwise investment.

Fact: A stairlift might be a very smart investment when it comes to safety and mobility in your home. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans aged 65+ falls every year, and of course, one of the most common places to fall is on the stairs. Having and using a stairlift greatly reduces the risk of falling on the stairs.  In addition, if you live in a retirement area, having a stairlift in your home can make it attractive to buyers should you ever need to sell.

That said, the cost of a stairlift can vary depending on the needs of the customer and the orientation of the staircase. They are available for all types of stairways, from one straight flight to several curving ones, starting at under $5,000. To receive exact pricing, contact us to schedule a free in-home evaluation so that we can determine the dimensions of the stairlift.

Myth #3: A stairlift utilizes the entire area of a staircase so other members of the household cannot use the stairs.

FACT: In most homes, staircases have more than enough room for a stairlift to be installed. Additionally, after installation, there will still be room for others to use the stairs by foot if necessary. The chair’s arms, seat, and footrest can be folded out of the way at the top and bottom landing of the staircase, thus creating room for foot traffic on the stairs.

Myth #4:  The installation of a stairlift is a lengthy process that permanently damages the area around the staircase once the stairlift is removed.

Fact: Actually, a new straight stairlift installation can be completed in two to three hours, and the installation does not impact the stairway wall at all because the stairlift’s rail is mounted on the stairs, not on the wall. Assuming an adjacent outlet is available, no electrical lines need to be run. A curved stairlift can be completed in one day in most cases, and the case is the same regarding the electrical access.

Myth #5: Stairlifts operate using only electricity.

FACT: Many homeowners assume that stairlifts operate solely on electricity, but that is not the case. The lift itself runs on a battery and only needs electrical outlets at the bottom or top of the stairs to keep it charged when not in use. Because it runs on a battery, you will still be able to use your stairlift in case of a power outage.  There is no danger of being stranded in your home.

As you can see, there is an awful lot of misinformation surrounding stairlifts. If mobility in your home is becoming an issue for your family, we encourage you to contact us today for an in-home consultation to explore your options regarding a stairlift.  For more information on residential and commercial elevators, stairlifts, vertilifts, ramps, and more, visit www.liftavator.com or call (252) 634-1717 today.

Sources: www.savaria.com, www.aginginplace.org, www.cdc.gov

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