One of the most common statements we hear after our team installs a new stairlift for a customer is “why didn’t I do this a long time ago?”. While we cannot go back in time and convince someone to have a stairlift installed, we can share the most common reasons why people avoid getting a stairlift earlier on and help you in making the right decision for your mobility and independence needs. 

1.The money 

This is the most common reason most people avoid getting a stairlift; the money. People are unsure of the costs associated with a stairlift for their home and because of this, they simply assume it’s too expensive and they can’t afford it. Patriot Mobility offers complimentary in-home estimates to help you get a price quote for not just a stairlift, but the perfect stairlift for your home and your needs. From standard straight stairlifts to custom-designed and built curved angle stairlifts, our highly trained mobility specialists and technicians are available to help educate you on the costs associated with a stairlift for your home. This includes parts, install, warranties, and maintenance.

2. Damage or changes to the structure of the home

We understand that to some, the act of putting a hole in the wall can be intimidating, but rest assured that minimal holes and structural changes need to be made. The stairlift itself is attached to the chair and the stairlift is mounted with support brackets and screws. While there may be minimal holes made in your wall, you can ride your stairlift in confidence that all mounts and brackets are built to the highest standards and safety requirements.

3. There is not enough room

While some stairlifts are large and bulky, others are slim and compact. Our team of mobility specialists will determine the best stairlift build and size for your available space. Our goal is to not disrupt the normal flow of traffic within your home with the obstruction of a stairlift, and that is why every installation is custom designed for your home and traffic areas. There are also a variety of stairlift options that allow for easier navigation around tight entryways and landings such as fold-able footrests, handrails, and even seats.

4. “I don’t like change”

Unfortunately, we cannot help too much when you simply don’t like change but we understand that a substantial amount of emotion goes into decisions regarding our independence. The loss of mobility and independence can take a toll on your health, wellness, and mental well-being, for this reason, we advise speaking with a professional on whether the decision to make significant changes, such as a stairlift is something you are able to manage or if you need to make other, less significant, adjustments. 

5. There are other options 

Correct. There are other options in lieu of getting a stairlift, but all options have their upsides and downsides. We encourage you to weigh out your options; benefits, downfalls, prices, sacrifices, and how much you will need to uproot your lifestyle to accommodate those changes. Other options, instead of a stairlift, include moving to an assisted living facility, relocating to a one-floor home or a home with a first-floor master, moving in with loved ones who can care for you, having a caretaker move in with you (and moving to a first-floor master), vertical platform lifts, elevators, and rebuilding your home to accommodate your needs.

While some of these options may seem easier, they all have significant costs, benefits, and downsides to each. Relocating to a new home, assisted living facility, or in with loved ones has it’s costs associated with it, as well as the emotional toll it can have on you when uprooting what you’re familiar with to something new. We can say, with confidence, that a Vertical Platform Lift VPL or elevator will have a much higher price tag than a stairlift (with the exception of a few custom curved staircase stairlifts) but they also require a lot more structural change to the home and will affect the resale value of your home. Rebuilding your home to accommodate your mobility needs is by far the most expensive option, but again, has its pros and cons. 

Ultimately the decision of whether to get a stairlift or make another lifestyle change is one only you can make for yourself, but you should be aware of all your options and decide what is best for you, your life, your level of independence, and your budget. Plus, with outdoor stairlifts also available, exterior staircases can also be dealt with.  Additionally, if you are looking at the purchase of a stairlift for a loved one who, due to chronic health issues or age, have problems navigating stairs then a stairlift will greatly reduce the incidence of accidental falls and injury.

When you’re ready to start a discussion about having a stairlift installed in your home, contact our team of mobility specialists to have all your questions answered and receive a complimentary in-home evaluation.