Community Chat

[shoekitty]

I need a stairlift.  It's only 10 stairs, and my stairs are more narrow width than most. Home was built in 1965.  I want one, but don't know where to start.  I would love to know if anyone here has one, and their experience, opinion, and recommendations. 

thanks

shoekitty

[KailaS]

I have a stairlift in a townhouse that I rent in a rental community. I was told I could install one, and that when I leave I must have it removed.

I pulled out my paperwork to respond to you. I paid $3295 when I had it installed on Sept. 9, 2014.  I could have rented it, but I figured if I stayed here only a few years, buying made more sense.

I wanted a bigger one, but my stairs here are narrow-- there are 14 of them plus a top and bottom landing. The company measured and said I could not get the bigger lift because it would not fit.  

Until recently, I had the lift serviced once a year.  It has needed a new battery every three years, new wiring around year seven, and has begun being cranky in the last year. I had service twice this year, and the service man installed something to get me through this year. He said I may want to consider purchasing a used lift the next time I have a problem. He must think I am old or poor to suggest a used lift. I have a Bruno lift, I think. I am losing my vision,and I cannot read the name on my papers.

When I purchased this stairlift, I went to a local medical supply place and was able to try a few different brands that they had installed in the showroom.   I did not like the Acorn, but I liked the feel of the Bruno. 

I spoke to folks at the shop, and I quickly had them at the townhouse the week I moved in. The stairlift is easy to use with a push button on the arm. It swivels for me to get out of it. I have it right inside my front door where my upstairs steps begin. 

When the company from which I bought the stairlift closed, I first had a mobile service group. Eventually, I looked online and found another local service company. That means they are about five miles away, and I receive very quick service.  

Check online for stairlifts and you may find a nearby place that you can visit or which can help you. If you have a specific need, check with your doctor or physical therapist. In my case, I have a deformed foot/ leg.  I knew what I wanted/ needed to move into a two story townhouse.

[shoekitty]

@KailaS   Wow thank you, you gave great information!   I am in California, in a small city, but major city is 38 miles away...so many options shoukd be there.  We do have a medical store in town, if they haven't closed, lol!  I will have to check.  I worry about the narrow stairs, but it seems they have many options.   Thank you!
shoekitty

[KailaS]

@shoekitty 

I did have to add an outlet near the top of my stairs, but that was the least of my worries.  

My cats each have loved it, and each has figured out how to navigate around it while I am on the stairs. One cat loved to " hitch" a ride. 

I am clueless about current prices, but I could not live where I do without buying this. It also has a remote control. On good days, I can load bigger items on the seat to get them up and down the stairs without having to hurt my back carrying.  

[emmalinemonkey]

My mom's house had a Bruno lift. We initially contacted a medical supply store locally and they sent a representative to measure & discuss options. The only problem we ever had was the need to replace the battery after many years. She used it for a number of years. When she passed, my stepfather then started to use it and did so for several more years (plus, we used the "elevator" to send clothes baskets between the two floors). After he passed & I sold the house, we moved it to my aunt/uncle's house where it remains in use by my 95 year old uncle with no service other than occasional lube needed. All this encompassed approximately 30 years and it's still working fine. Good luck to you. Hope this information helps. Cost back then was about $3k if I remember correctly. 

[shoekitty]

@emmalinemonkey    Thank you. I can't believe it lasted that long. I am 77, so I don't think I will need 30 years, but good to know my daughters can use it when I pass, lol.  How much is replace,ent of batteries.  Do you remember

[monicakm]

@shoekitty 

I don't know if Access2Mobility is nationwide but that is where I'm getting my new scooter.  Medicare is paying for it...

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters) and wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME) if: The doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.

[jlkz]

@shoekitty 

A while ago I researched chair lifts and came across something that might be interesting.  It is called "Stiltz" and can fit in a corner.  The see-through tube goes through the ceiling to the next floor where the mechanical is placed into the upper ceiling.  It can accommodate a wheelchair.

Entrance can be on one side of tube and exit on other side if needed.  I don't remember how the vacuum works...esp. in a power failure, but it does.

Perhaps this may require less " service " calls.

[CelticCrafter]

All I can tell you is good luck if you sell the house and need it to be removed.

My in-laws had one installed, sold the condo and couldn't find any one to remove it.  Even the place that sold it to them told them they would remove it from the stairs, for a price and leave all the bits and parts in the living room for them to dispose of.

[Jo1313]

My parents had an electric one years ago in their house..When we decided they needed one..I went to my pharmacist!..He said to call a medical supply that sold used stair lifts..It was much cheaper than new...it worked like it was new..I don't remember the cost..but they also installed it..

When my parents passed and we were ready to sell the house..Called the same medical supply place..the bought it back of course for a lot less than we paid I'm sure..They came and uninstalled it and took it away and patched the couple of holes in the wall..

That lift was used for my parents..also to send groceries and laundry upstairs..also moved a lot of moving boxes down.