How do I know if I need a stairlift?

Myth: Stairlifts are only for people who cannot walk up or down the stairs. If you can walk up or down the stairs, you do not need a stairlift.

Fact: Even if you are physically able to walk up or down the stairs most of the time, a stairlift may still be a smart idea. A stairlift can help when you are feeling weaker or more unstable than usual and can eliminate the apprehension you may feel when having to walk up the stairs. Just because you can walk up and down the stairs, doesn’t mean you should always walk up and down the stairs.

A stairlift essentially turns your two-story home into a one-story home, as it eliminates the need to walk up and down the stairs. A stairlift has an immediate positive impact on your quality of life, as it leads to greater comfort and safety in your home.

How expensive is a stairlift?

Myth: Stairlifts are very expensive and are not a wise investment.

Fact: A stairlift might actually be the wisest investment you can make when it comes to living safely in your home. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans aged 65+ falls every year. One of the most common and the most dangerous place to fall is on the stairs. A stairlift greatly reduces the risk of falling on the stairs.

That said, the cost of a stairlift can vary depending on the needs of the customer and the orientation of the staircase. A brand new, straight stairlift with no added features will start around $3,200, including installation. Features such as a hinged rail or an automatic swivel-seat will increase the price. A custom-curve stairlift is a more expensive kind of stairlift, as it is custom fitted to your staircase. A curved stairlift is the solution to a split staircase. To receive pricing on those, you must set up a free in-home evaluation for us to determine the dimensions of the stairlift.

Bullock Access also offers rental stairlift options. Depending on your situation, this may be the most cost-effective solution for you. Bullock Access also has used inventory, so based on what we have in stock we may be able to help reduce your cost by installing a used stairlift instead of a new stairlift.

How does a stairlift get installed?

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

Fact:    Stairlifts on average take 2-3 hours for our technicians to install. Once the lift is installed, our technicians will teach you how to use the lift and will answer any questions you may have.

Stairlifts are secured into the stair treads by legs that are attached to the stairlift rail. Those feet are screwed into the stairs with wood screws. Nothing is attached to the wall. Once the lift is removed, wood-putty can plug the holes on your stairs. You won’t be able to tell anything was ever there.

How does a stairlift work?

Myth:  All stairlifts are the same and how they work is a mystery.

Fact:    While all stairlifts perform the same function (to get you safely up and down the stairs), how they work is a different story. Some stairlifts use a rack and pinion gear system, while others use a worm gear system. The brand new Handicare 1100 Stairlift doesn’t even have a gear system. Instead, it uses a Multi-Drive Friction System.

All stairlifts nowadays run on batteries that are trickle-charged from a charging system that plugs into a nearby outlet. These batteries will run the lift even if you lose power so you are not stranded in the case of an emergency.

All stairlifts also have safety edges that will stop the lift if anything is detected in the stairlift’s path. If something is detected, you can travel back the opposite way, remove the obstruction, and then continue to travel in the direction you intended.

For any further questions about the functions of a stairlift, you can contact our office at (860) 870-7444 and we will be happy to answer them.

What is the weight limit on a stairlift?

Myth: All stairlifts have the same weight limit.

Fact: Stairlifts typically range from having a weight limit between 300 lbs. and 350 lbs. There are a few stairlifts that can hold more weight than that, with weight limits of 400+ lbs. If you have any concerns or questions about the weight limits of stairlifts, contact us at (860) 870-7444 and we will find a solution that works for you.