Buying or Renting a Stair Lift for Seniors (A Guide!)

Finding the best mobility solution can ease your tension and make daily movement simpler if climbing stairs has become difficult for you or any of your family members. A secure solution that is easily put in the home is the inclusion of a stair lift. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than one in four Americans of 65 and more age fall each year. It makes falls one of the most common causes of injury in this population.

In this blog, we’ll look at the deciding between buying or renting a stair lift for seniors. Throughout the article, we will focus on providing insightful information to aid in your decision-making.

What are Stairlifts?

For senior individuals who want to continue to live mobile and independent lives in their own homes, a stair lift is a piece of mobility equipment that is absolutely necessary to have. As you get older, you may experience mobility problems that makes challenging for you to climb stairs, which can make it difficult for them to access different areas of the house. 

An intelligent solution to this problem is the installation of stair lifts, which make it possible for elderly people to effortlessly navigate the various levels of a building without compromising their independence or the quality of their lives. 

Renting a Stair Lift: What to Consider

Your Staircase

First, you should find out if renting an in home stair lift is a practical choice for your house before moving on to the next step. When choosing the appropriate stair lift, the configuration of your staircase is an extremely important factor to consider. 

The majority of rental alternatives are created for normal straight staircases with one landing at the top and one at the bottom. But these stairlifts might still not be appropriate for curved staircases, narrow stairwells, or staircases that have several landings.

Maintenance Coverage Plans

Even if you only use a stair lift for a short time, you may still need to pay for regular maintenance and repairs on it. For the sake of your safety as a user, it is absolutely necessary to check that the stair chair lift is operating smoothly. 

Take your time to know about the maintenance fees that will be paid to the company before making a decision to rent a stair lift. Some stairlift rental companies incorporate the cost of repairs and upkeep into the monthly rent, while others may charge additional costs for rental stairlift services.

How Long Do You Need the Lift?

Even when calculating the precise length of time that a lift will be in use, measuring the time requirement might make it easier. Especially when you want to choose between renting and purchasing. Renting a stair lift is an option for those who require assistance for only a limited period of time, such as when caring for an elderly relative or recovering from surgery. 

But be aware that most of stairlift rental companies need a minimum rental time, which normally lasts anywhere from three to six months. During this time, you are required to give the monthly charge even if you no longer require the lift. This is the case regardless if you actually use the stair lift.

Buying a Stair Lift: What to Consider

Long-term Savings

In contrast to what most people believe, acquiring a stair lift is frequently a better financial decision than renting one, especially over the course of the long term. You will avoid an accumulation of monthly rental expenses over a prolonged period of time if you purchase a stair lift instead of renting one. 

In addition, purchasing a reconditioned stair lift rather than renting one will result in significant cost savings. This is because reconditioned models typically include a number of added features and alterations that are not available with normal rental alternatives.

Customization

When you purchase a stair lift, you have the ability to customize many features to better suit your own requirements and preferences. You have different customization options available for the home stairlifts, including color schemes, seat belt configurations, and safety features. 

This level of personalization extends to the railing too, which is especially important for longer or curved stairs that demand a more tailored solution. This level of customization is also available for the handrail.

Flexibility on Your Terms

Purchasing a stair lift grants you complete control over the mobility solution. If you decide to have the stairlift removed, there will not be additional fees to worry about. Some stairlift companies even give buyback options for stair lifts, providing flexibility for homeowners who may need the lift for a shorter duration than anticipated. While if you require the lift for a longer period, purchasing eliminates the need for ongoing monthly rental fees.

Buying vs Renting a Stairlift

Choosing between buying or renting a stair lift for seniors requires careful consideration of various factors. Renting may be suitable for short-term needs and specific staircase layouts while buying offers long-term savings, customization options, and flexibility. By evaluating your unique requirements and preferences, you will make an informed decision that enhances mobility, safety, and convenience for yourself or your loved one. Remember to prioritize your comfort, safety, and overall well-being when making the final decision.

If you’re still not clear about which option is best for you, it’s recommended to consult with professionals in the field of mobility solutions. They will provide expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances and help you make a well-informed decision.

Remember, whether you opt for a rented stair lift or decide to purchase one, the primary goal is to improve life for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. The addition of a stair lift will bring safety, independence, and freedom of movement within the comfort of their own home.

Take the time to thoroughly research, evaluate your options, and seek advice from trusted experts. With careful consideration and understanding of your specific needs, you can make the right choice between buying or renting a stair lift for seniors. This will improve their daily lives and ensure a safer and more accessible home environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deciding between buying or renting a stair lift for seniors involves assessing several essential factors. By considering the layout of your staircase, the duration of lift usage, maintenance coverage plans, and long-term financial implications, you can determine the most suitable option for your specific needs. 

Whether you choose to rent a stair lift for temporary support or purchase one for long-term convenience and customization, the goal remains the same. It is to enhance mobility and ensure a safe and comfortable experience while navigating the stairs.

Doesn’t matter what you decide, either to take a rental stair lift or buy it, we at HomePRO provide all kinds of stair lift services. We have many types of stair lifts available for both renting and purchase.