Stair and Vertical Platform Lifts

Residential Stair Lifts & Vertical Platform Lifts

For many aging and/or people with disabilities, living in a senior living facility or a healthcare center of some kind is because they can no longer get around their homes safely and with ease.  The inability to move around safely in the home is a major concern for the individual and family members.  The use of a stair lift or vertical platform lift may be a solution to those concerns.  

Stair Lifts are seat or platforms that run on a rail and attached to a stairway that will allow a person to ride up or down the stairs safely.  Stair lifts are configured for short or small stairways and for curved and/or stairs with landings.  Stair lifts can be configured so a person can use a seat or a platform that would allow a person in a wheelchair to be transported up and down the stairs.  These are available for both indoor and outdoor use.

Vertical Platform Lifts are small elevators that move vertically up and down.  Typically, these are used to access the home from a garage area or a porch from a driveway.  These also are available for both indoor and outdoor use.

Benefits

Safety – Lifts are sturdy and allows the lift to do the work, so a person does not run the risk of tripping on a stair, slipping, becoming dizzy, or tired as well as missing a step.  The lift can be “called” to the floor you are on and have power backups so they can be temporarily used in the event of a power outage.

Independence – Stair lifts and vertical platform lifts provide ways to eliminate barriers that restrict people from getting into and out of their home.  Makes it possible to go shopping, visit friends and family, go to doctor and other appointments, go out to eat, etc.  Home modifications such as these help people stay in their own home instead of moving to healthcare or senior living facilities.

Indoor/Outdoor Use – Both stair and vertical platform lifts can be configured for either indoor or outdoor use making it easy to either enter/exit your home and/or get around inside it easily.

Economical/Practical/Flexible – The price to install a stair or vertical lift is much less compared to the cost of hiring assistive helpers, moving to a new home, or moving to a healthcare facility.  The stair lift also uses a minimal amount of space on the existing stairs and can be configured to either side of the stairs.

Quick to Install – Installation is relatively quick and easy, usually in just one day.  Stair and platform lifts are specifically built for your specific needs and your specific environment so once the equipment is manufactured and delivered to the installers, installation should be relatively quick.

Common Questions

Does my insurance, like Medicare, pay for a Stair or Platform Lift?  Medicare does not pay for these.  If you have VA Benefits, it may be possible for them to review the need and pay for the equipment and installation.  In some cases, liability funds will review and pay for these but for the most part, medical insurances do not.

What is the process to see if I can get a stair or platform lift installed? The first step is to contact a provider who can schedule an in-person evaluation of your needs and home.  The evaluator will match your needs with the home measurements and desired uses and discuss with you what options would work the best.  Once you decide to move forward, the equipment is ordered, and a scheduled installation date will be set.

Are there special building permits that will have to be obtained?  Perhaps.  In many locations a permit will need to be obtained to install a lift.  These typically fall under a special “elevator” classification that is for these types of installations.  The provider will check to see if one is required and so, will obtain it before installation.

What are the factors that go into selecting the right lift for my house?  Our trained professionals will assess both your needs and the physical location to make sure a stair or vertical lift is appropriate in your case.  Factors include: Medical condition/situation, weight capacity needed, height, width and length of stairs or porch, door openings at top and bottom of stairs, vertical clearances, electrical accessibility, etc.

Why not give us a call or come by any of our locations and discuss your needs with our trained professionals today.  We can work with you to determine the right stair or vertical lift based on your needs and budget.