Category Archives: Stairlift Buying Guides

Stairlifts for Seniors

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Choosing a stair lift greatly depends on what the needs of the individual who will be using it are. There are many different brands and types out there, so that is why we decided to list some of the important things to consider when shopping for stairlifts for seniors and the elderly.

While most would think that stair lifts would only be suitable for someone with a chronic health condition, even the healthiest and most active of seniors can be prone to getting injured on the stairs. Often times carrying bulky items such as a laundry basket can increase the likelihood of a staircase related accident.

If you are a senior citizen considering purchasing a stair chair lift, or if you are researching stair lifts for an elderly family member, it is very important that you take some of these factors into consideration:

How Will it Be Used? Seniors are often able to go up and down the stairs without assistance, however a stair chair lift is a nice thing to have for transporting bulky items like clothing, boxes, shopping bags or even grocery items. If you intend to use the stair lift for things like this, it is useful to have one that can be remote controlled or has storage space.

How Comfortable Are You With Technology? Some lifts have many different options, but with these options come more buttons and learning how to use these features. While many seniors are very good with these things, some may prefer something very simple to use where you simply just push one button to make the chair go up and down. Often times when talking to the elderly where their tech savvy children did the shopping they will say “this is too complicated” or “I don’t need all that!” Make sure whatever you choose will be something they find easy to use.

What Safety Features Are Necessary? If a senior lives alone, then chances are that most standard safety features will be fine. However, if they live with others or have frequent guests, especially children, then you will want to make sure that the chair can not be misused or accidentally set to go on and off.

Electric or Battery Operated?: Choosing between battery and electric options is often a matter of personal choice. One may like electric lifts because they do not need to charge the battery. However, it will not work in the event of a power outage which could cause problems for some. Battery operated lifts can usually work just fine should the power go out, but you will need to remember to charge it! Some units make it very easy to charge the batteries – others can be complicated. If choosing a battery operated model, make sure you understand how the battery will be charged and ensure that the person who is using it will be able to easily do it themselves.

Taking these things into consideration can help ensure that the mobility device you choose is right for your individual needs. For more information on choosing a stairlift, some of these articles on our site may be useful for you:

What to Look for in a StairLift

Popular Stairlift Brands

Choosing The Best Stair Lift

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Everyone always wants to know which is the best stair lift. After all, a stairlift is a big investment for many people, and something you will be using likely every single day. While it would be nice if there was a simple hands down answer such as “Buy this brand and model, they are the best”, like most things in life it is not that easy.

The first thing to think about is which features are important to you.  This is often different for everyone. Obviously, the more features a stair lift has, the more comfortable and convenient to use it will be.

Here are some of the features you will want to look for:

Safety Belts: Seat belts to some are very important, to others not so much. Most chair lift manufacturers today will include one free of charge, but for others it may be an added accessory and additional expense.

Battery Vs. Electric Operated: There is much debate whether a battery operated or hard wired electric chair is better. Batteries need recharging and can sometimes be cumbersome to handle; however you do not need to worry about power outages as much.

Speed: Some stairlifts move very quickly, others go at a slower pace. Whether you want a fast one or a slower one is completely up to you! If you are concerned about speed, our article on Fast Stair Lifts may be helpful. Remember that motor size and power can affect overall performance with speed.

Design: Another option to consider is the styles available. Many designs exist that can look very nice to match just about any home’s decor, but with some manufacturers these options are pretty limited. Make sure while shopping you ask about the different fabric patterns available.

Adjustable Seats: Some stairlifts have various options on the types of seats available. Some seats swivel, which can make it easier and safer to get in and out of, especially at the top of the stairs. There are also models which can allow someone to use it while standing, which can be a good feature if the person has difficulty going from standing to sitting.

Warranty and Installation: It’s important to know what the warranty is on the stair lift and how it will be installed. Some brands you have to install yourself or hire someone to install, others are installed all by in house companies. This all varies between manufacturers and distributors, so do your homework very carefully.

Price: Price is another factor. Some would say the best stair lift must be the one that is the most expensive, but this is not usually the case. Many good quality brands out there exist that are of good quality and are not too expensive.

Because this site tries to be objective and unbiased, we cannot really tell you which one is the “best”…however, we can give you links of the most popular stair chair lift manufacturers so you can do your research to see which one will meet all of your needs and keep you the happiest for many years to come!

Used Stair Lifts on eBay

Curved Stairlifts

Sterling Stair Lifts

Summit Stair Lifts

Bruno Stairlifts

Acorn Stair Lifts

Ameriglide Stairlifts

By looking over all of these articles and reviews, you’ll be able to decide which type is the right type for you!

eBay Used Stair Lifts

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Many people looking for used stair lifts will try to find one online at sites like eBay. However, it can sometimes be tricky even then to just go and type and search – so for that reason we’ve decided to help our website visitors by displaying all of the eBay used stair lifts here – if there are any models you like below, simply click on it and it will take you to the ebay listing directly.



As you can see, the cost of a used stair lift on eBay is considerably less than what you would pay for one brand new. This is excellent for anyone who is struggling to afford one and would benefit from greater independence in their home. Here’s some tips when buying off of ebay:

Research the Make and Model: When purchasing a used stair lift, it’s always a very good idea to research the make and model you are getting. You should also make sure there are no safety concerns or recalls, since the seller may not be aware they exist.

Watch for Shipping: Stairlifts are extremely heavy, so the shipping costs can be quite significant if you are not careful (and sometimes even more than the cost of the item if you find a really good bargain!) While shipping may cost a lot, it sometimes is still cheaper to pay for one shipped. Look for vendors near you that have free local pick up or offer free and included shopping when possible.

Don’t Forget Installation: It is also important to consider how you will install it. While installing them is not very difficult, most people prefer professional installation to be assured of safety and sturdiness. This may be an additional cost if you need to hire someone. You can also see if there is a friend, family member, or local charity organization that can help you with the installation process.

Check Seller Feedback: On eBay you will be able to get some information about the seller to help you decide if the seller is a trustworthy source or not. You should check the feedback of the seller and read the ratings to make sure they are legitimate and easy to deal with. Ideally the seller should want good rating and positive feedback so will be very helpful. Don’t forget you can also contact the seller directly before making a bid.

Watch the Auction Carefully: There are two ways to buy on eBay – you can either make a bid and hopefully have the highest bid, or some items feature a “Buy it Now” button which allows you to order it right away without worrying about the bidding process. There are many different options for used stair lifts on ebay – so it can be very worthwhile to check there if you are struggling to find the financing for a new unit.

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

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medicareA popular question many people have who are receiving Medicare benefits is whether or not medicare covers stair lifts. While it greatly depends on the plan you are enrolled in and what other benefits you may eligible for, in general Medicare does not provide the financing for stair lifts. This is because a stairlift is considered to be an in home adaption, and they do not generally cover home modifications or remodeling unless it has been prescribed by a physician and deemed medically necessary. For example, a wheel chair is deemed to be a medical necessity. However a ramp may or may not be depending on the situation and individual circumstances.

While this may deter some people from making the decision to get a stair lift or adding other home mobility products and modifications to the home, it should not be the only reason you choose to get or not to get a stair chair lift. You must first carefully assess the needs and the benefits of having one. In some cases, even though it may be an upfront expense it can still be well worth it.

One of the main reasons for getting a stair lift installed in your home would be because it could prevent further medical or caregiver expenses. In general, the more independent a person is, the less likely they will need to rely on others for helping around with household chores. It can also be far more cost effective to install a lift than moving into an assisted living or retirement community, as these places can often cost thousands of dollars per month.

Having the right mobility equipment in your home can also ensure that your home will be safer and the less likely it is that you or someone you care about would be involved in an accident that would result in major medical expenses such as hospitalization and rehab therapy from a physical therapist.

If you have checked with your doctor and your insurance company and have not been able to find a way to finance your lift chair seat, there is no need to despair. There are still many other Financng Options available that can put home freedom and independence into your reach. Loans, payment plans, various local charities and programs, counselors, and others may be able to help you with the things you need. The Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD) also has many different resources available for helping make purchasing a stair lift a realty for many.

As a safety precaution, be sure you are wary of anyone who promises that your stairlift or other medical equipment may be covered by insurance or that there is a rebate or refund after you give them the money upfront. Unfortunately there are many people out there that run such scams and fraud and will often inflate prices promising you that your insurance company will cover it when often they don’t and the seller just takes your money and runs.

To learn more about Medicare and the benefits you may be eligible for, visit http://www.medicare.gov. Dealing with them specifically is the only way to know what things you are eligible for.

You may also want to check out some of these non-profit organizations as well:

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
www.n4a.org

National Council on Aging
www.ncoa.org

Hud
www.hud.gov

Used Stair Lifts

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Buying used stair lifts may be able to save you some money, but you should always make sure that you are very careful in researching and choosing a reputable seller and a quality product. Unfortunately, as it is with many different things, there are always people out there looking to make fast cash – and not always concerned about your safety or well being. Some people unfortunately also prey on those who are most in need and so it is important that you look out for anything that seems too good to be true or just doesn’t seem right to you.

That being said, there are also many advantages to buying used stairlifts, since it can potentially save you a lot of money, and it is also good for the environment to reuse and recycle items instead of constantly throwing out what we don’t need and buy new. Many people when they no longer need the lift or are moving to another home that would need a different type would certainly rather sell it at a low cost than to throw it out. Buying used though always carries certain risks. Here are some things to help you in making your decision and your research:

1. Is the Person Reputable? It is difficult to know who you can trust these days, especially if you are dealing with a private seller through a newspaper, craigslist or ebay ad. How can you be sure that the person you are dealing with is reputable? There is no way to know for sure. Someone who may seem to be very trustworthy may not always be the case. If buying online, be sure you check the seller’s positive feedback rating. Working with a dealership that sells used and reconditoned models may be a better choice.

2. Is the Product Up to Code? Building codes and safety regulations change on a regular basis. Something that may have been perfectly acceptable when it was manufactured 6 years ago may be considered a dangerous safety hazard today. Always check with your local building codes and find out what requirements are necessary before making a purchasing decision. You will also want to make sure that the safety features included match or excel current safety features available on newer models.

3. Installation: You will need to likely install used equipment on your own or hire an independent and licensed contractor. This can sometimes pose its own safety risks if you or the person installing it are not familiar or experienced in the installation of stair lift products. You will also want to be concerned about the removal of the lift from one location to the next. There are likely to be transportation costs, especially if shipping or hiring someone to move it for you is involved.

4. Be Careful With Donations: Many charities and other organizations may accept lifts as a donation and then give them to people in need. This is a wonderful way to help others and give back to the community. However, it is important that you always still check the other things to ensure your personal safety. Just because something came from a charity you trust does it mean that it is safe or the best product for you.

5. Warranty and Service Availability: Many products come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Not all warranties are the same, and they will vary even on the same identical products from state to state and country to country, especially because contract law can be so varied from one location to the next. Some warranties are transferable, meaning the person who purchased the product originally can also offer the same warranty to the person purchasing the item used, but this is not always the case. If in doubt about a warranty issue, be sure to contact the brand directly to learn more.

6. Service and Repair: Finding someone to service and repair a stairlift can be difficult, especially if it is an older model that does not have replacement parts readily available to purchase. While with basic maintenance it is unlikely to have problems, a chair that is several years old or has been under a lot of undue stress such as being taken to the top of its weight limit repeatedly can sometimes cause problems that require repair and servicing. As a general rule of thumb, try to choose a used product that is still being produced, or contact the manufacturer and see if replacement parts and service repairs are available on that particular make and model.

If you are thinking about buying used stair lifts, doing your homework first is a must. You can get a great deal, save money, and keep items out of landfills. However, always make sure the product you are getting is safe and the person selling it to you is a legitimate seller. The old adage of “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” is a great motto to remember while you are searching and considering used stair lifts.

Where Can I Buy a Used Stair Lift?

This is a common question that many people looking to save money buying a used stairlift will ask. We are an independent site that does not endorse any particular product or website, but below are a few places you can try to find what you need. Remember to follow the tips above and to carefully research the seller, the product, and assess the overall condition of the item.

Craigslist: This is a free online classifieds site where you may be able to find different products available. Go to Craigslist.org and look up the area where you live and search for the item. You may also be able to find other gently used mobility equipment that can be of help for your personal situation.

Amazon: Amazon is one of the world’s leading online retailers and many individuals also sell used items in addition to the ones they sell know. Always research the seller and look for positive feedback and ratings.

eBay: eBay, known most commonly as the original internet auction site, is another site where many people sell both new and used stairlifts. You will likely find a large selection of different types and brands, and many dealerships and venders will also list their reconditioned or returned models.

Dealerships: Many dealers and distributors who sell new products may also have used inventory for sale. Reconditioned models, which are models that were sent back to the factory for repair, are often sold in like new condition at a fraction of the price. The benefit of this is that you may also be able to get a chair that comes with a warranty as well as service and installation.

Freecycle: Freecycle is a wonderful site that allows members to post items they are no longer using to give to others completely for free. You can post a wanted ad, or respond to the listings that others have posted.

Nursing Homes, Hospitals, and Care Facilities: Many nursing homes, hospitals, and other care facilities may have used equipment they are considering replacing or selling. While you will likely need to check with their staff and policies and this may be a more time intensive way to find a chair, you may also be able to get a good deal if they just so happen to be considering replacing their current system with something new.

There are many different options and choices available for those looking to improve their mobility and independence. Always remember to do as much research as you can. While saving money is always a good thing to do, your own personal safety should remain a top priority above anything else.

Financing Your Stair Lift

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One of the concerns about purchasing and installing a stair lift is the overall cost of the item. Financing a stair lift for some can be a major expense, as the average cost can range anywhere from $1500-$3800 depending on brand, type, installation, and features desired and needed.

The good news is there are many programs and different options available in obtaining either a loan or medical insurance assistance in making the purchase. There are many different resources you can check with to see if there are any programs available to you depending on your personal circumstances that can help provide you with funding or making your home adaptable and comfortable to live in.

Here are just a few of the different choices available for financing:

Payment Plans: Many dealers offer special payment plans, some with or without interest accrued. A payment plan allows for you to make small monthly payment over the course of a year or longer to help make the purchase more affordable.

Small Personal Loans: By speaking to your bank, you may be able to qualify for a small personal unsecured loan. Loans typically are for two to three years and involve making small monthly payments. There may be additional interest charges and fees depending on your credit history. Be sure if pursuing this option you have a way to repay the loan, as you do not want your credit to be adversely affected. If you have the need to remodel much of your home due to a disability, you may also find more information at hud.gov.

Your Insurance Plan: Some insurance plans may cover different things if they are determined medically necessary, including modifications for the home. Because plans can vary from individual to individual, you should always check with your insurance plan and program.

Your State’s Department of Welfare: Your state’s department of welfare can have much information on what programs you may be eligible for, especially if your reason for needing a stair lift is due to a physical disability. Your state should have a website with this information, or you can find the phone numbers for the appropriate department to contact in the front of your local telephone directory phone book.

Local Churches and Charities: There are many local organizations and charities out there that may be able to help or provide assistance in finding financing or grants. Begin by checking with your local churches as well as other charities and you will be surprised at what resources they might be able to offer to you. Even if they cannot help you directly, they may know of other programs or persons who can.

Your physician: We often forget that our physicians are constantly aware of the latest in medical care as well as programs available in helping their patients. If all else fails, ask your physician or physical therapist if they are aware of any programs or different organizations that may be able to help you.

Having a stair lift in your home can give you more freedom and add to the overall enjoyment and quality of your life. If the cost is preventing you from increased mobility and independence, hopefully some of these options will help you find the support and resources you need.

What Should You Look For in a Stair Lift?

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When you are purchasing a stair lift, there are many different options and choices available. Stairlifts can greatly help improve your mobility and comfort in your home and can be an affordable solution for making simple modifications to your living space.

Here are just a few of the things you should consider when shopping around and looking for a good seat lift to help you move from one level of the house to the next level:

Size: There are many different sizes available depending on the brand and the series of the product. The first thing you will want to consider is the size of your stairway. Narrow steps and halls can make it difficult to have a large bulky chair mounted to the steps for those who are not using the lift. If you have a narrow area you may want to consider one that can be folded and does not take up too much space.

Weight: Most lifts have different weight limits. Most can safely accommodate a person weighing up to 300 pounds. Heavier duty models and some of the ones used in commercial applications can be found with weight limits upward of 500 pounds.

Safety Features: Different manufacturers and models come equipped with different safety features. Safety features are an important quality to consider and is one area where you should not compromise. Most models provide either seat belts, or the ability to purchase a seat belt, as well as different sensors or systems to ensure the seat is locked in proper position before operating or to make sure it brakes properly.

Comfort: You should feel comfortable when seated in the chair, even if you will only be using it when traveling up and down the steps. Many offer supportive cushions, footrests, arm rests, and contoured seats, and other features that are designed to maximize your comfort.

Installation: It is recommended to have the lift professionally installed when possible to maximize safety and protect the warranty of the device. While some are available to purchase and install on your own with instructions, the peace of mind in knowing it is done safely and accurately by a reliable and licensed contractor may be of benefit for some.

Power Supply: Most stair lifts are either battery powered or electric powered. A battery powered lift offers many benefits, such as no need for wiring or cables to run the device. It can also work during power outages. However, some may prefer an electric powered one as it would not require battery changes.

Warranty and Service: Hopefully you will never have problems with your stair lifts once they are installed. However, from time to time there will be things that happen from normal wear and tear that can cause the device to have the need to be repaired. Check with the dealer or distributor you are working with what the warranty is, the process for getting the chair fixed or serviced, and other information regarding the regular required maintenance.

With so many choices and options, it can be an overwhelming decision. By following these guidelines above, you will hopefully be able to choose on which type of stair lifts are right for you.

What are the Benefits of Stair Lifts?

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There are many benefits of stair lifts that can help many people in added mobility and independence in their homes. A stair lift enables someone who normally has difficulty walking up steps to sit in place while the chair moves them from one level to the next.

There are many different reasons why someone may want to consider installing a stairlift in their home. Illness, disability, or age may all play roles in someone’s ability to comfortably and safely walk up and down steps. While some people may opt for finding a new home or for living in an assisted living residence environment, others may simply not want to give up the home they have grown to love or may be quite independent and simply desire the increased mobility and freedom lifts can provide.

One of the key benefits of a stair lift is that it is a cost effective solution in improving someone’s ability to move up and down stairs. For many people, purchasing a new home that does not have steps or living in an assisted care facility simply are not cost effective or possible due to the high costs and expense. Nursing homes can cost several thousand dollars per month. The high cost of housing and difficulty in obtaining a mortgage can also make buying a new home undesirable, especially if the person is already quite content with their current living arrangements. If someone is otherwise comfortably independent, it can save them several thousand dollars by installing a simple device that allows them to freely travel up and down from one level to another without making any major changes or requiring the assistance of another person to aid them.

Another benefit is additional freedom and independence. It can be very frustrating when you constantly need help from others to do something that would seem otherwise simple. Improved freedom and independence can improve someone’s sense of well being and happiness, which can overall positively affect their quality of life.

The most important benefit without a doubt however is the matter of increased safety. A fall down the stairs can be life threatening for some people or cause other complications and injuries that affect their health. Studies have shown that those with lifts installed in the home are far less likely to have accidents related to falling or tripping down the stairs. This can give a great sense of piece of mind to those who are worried about their loved ones living alone or concerned about the overall safety in the home.

It’s important to remember that while a chair lift can be beneficial and help someone increase their independence and maximize their overall health and safety, it is not a substitute for medical treatment or supervised care if necessary. Speaking to your physician or your physical therapist can often give you added insight in whether or not installing stair lifts is the best decision for you.