Is a stairlift right for you? How does a stairlift work?

Posted Fri, Jun 11, 2021

With the right help, life-threatening falls are easily prevented with home modification intervention.  By retrofitting a home with a stairlift, one can improve their quality of life.

Though most people are prone to reactive decision-making, a proactive approach to safety and accessibility equipment installation can avoid a life-altering—or life-threatening—event. 

Many falls lead to surgeries that compromise a person’s mobility and independence. We can help you avoid this, and the answer often lies in a stairlift, or what some people also refer to as a chairlift given its appearance.

As you would expect, a home’s layout is a critical factor in the decision-making process. In New Jersey, most master bedrooms and baths are on the second floor. Obstacles such as stairs, narrow doorways, and tubs pose additional challenges to those with functional impairments.

Why limit access to half of a home when a stairlift can make it accessible and safe to navigate?

Installing a stairlift also protects the caregiver from a fall and reduces their concerns about an imminent accident when they are not around.

Is a stairlift right for you?

In most cases, if you can transfer onto a chair safely, you can use a stairlift.

We work with a wide range of clients who have mobility challenges due to:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Low Vision
  • Poor balance
  • Limited flexibility
  • Poor endurance

Many of these individuals have had a recent medical compromise or are aging in place.

How a stairlift works

Stairlift batteries plug into a common 110 electrical receptacle. Even in the event of a power outage, a person can use their stairlift while the battery holds a charge.

For safety’s sake, when the stairlift reaches the top of the track, you swivel the seat so your back is facing the stairs when you stand. 

The footplate, armrests, and seat fold up, so the lift is out of the way when it’s not in use.

There are interior and exterior stairlifts, with straight and curved options to accommodate any floor plan.

indoor stairlift

Interior stairlifts

There are straight and custom curve options for interior stairlifts.

Straight

A straight stairlift may prove the most cost-effective solution for most clients. Its smooth start and stop mechanisms and an effortless glide ensure a relaxing, comfortable ascent and descent.

You may need options such as:

  • Hinge tracks, which allow you to flip the bottom track out of the way if it will be a trip hazard
  • Extra-long tracks for lengthy stairways
  • Power swivel seats

A standard straight stairlift costs about $3,000, but companies such as GreenLight Mobility also offer rentals.


Custom curve

The custom curve is a tailored solution for any curved staircase. Besides an equally comfortable and reliable ride, the advanced self-leveling carriage moves along the modular rail system, coming to a gentle stop.

Some customers’ homes have landings on their staircases. If the layout permits it, an alternate solution is to install two straight lifts rather than a custom curve as a cost-saving alternative.

Exterior stairlifts

As you would expect, manufacturers build outdoor stairlifts to withstand the elements. A seat cover to maintain dryness and cleanliness is also included.

Straight

Straight exterior stairlifts are ideal accessing a home when stairs are difficult to navigate.

Outdoor stairlifts include all the features of our straight indoor stairlift.

Straight exterior stairlifts start at $5000, but there is also an option to rent?

Outdoor custom curve

Just as with the indoor version, we can tailor your outdoor mobility solution.

exterior stairlift

Our manufacturers are among the best in the business:

Manufacturers

The GreenLight Mobility advantage

Unlike our competitors, licensed therapists or certified aging-in-place specialists perform these consultations. It’s not just about knowing product features and installation techniques, it’s about understanding our clients’ needs and providing the optimal solution.

We have been proudly serving the Garden State for over 14 years.

What you can expect from our team

Our therapists and certified aging-in-place specialists:

  • Assess the home’s layout
  • Identify obstacles
  • Gain a complete understanding of the client’s goals
  • Review the diagnosis, functional abilities, and goals. Diagnoses such as orthopedic and soft tissue injuries usually heal, making the individual’s need for mobility equipment temporary.
  • Make recommendations and provide free estimates
  • Once you have made a purchase or rental decision, our installation specialists will install the equipment

Tagged


Contact Us

Complete the quick and convenient form below and we will get back to you shortly.

Your Name
Your Email
Your Phone
Your Message