When looking into a mobility solution for the home when the stairs become a challenge, many homeowners may consider a stairlift. Here at the Home Lift Experts, we have put together a guide that tells you everything you need to about the cost stairlifts from the cheapest to the most expensive to help make the decision-making process easier.
What type of stairlift is the cheapest?
The cheapest stairlifts tend to be those for straight staircases. These can use a ready-made track and, therefore, are cheaper to produce and install. It is even possible to source a reconditioned stairlift, making them a more cost-effective option than new.
Prices for straight stairlifts tend to range from around £2,000 to £4,000. If you have a curved staircase, more customisation would be required to suit the space and this would likely push the cost up to around a starting sum of £3,000 up to around £6,000
How much will I get for a second hand stairlift?
When it comes to re-selling a stairlift yourself, this is typically possible if it is in excellent condition and well-maintained. It is very important, if you have a stairlift to invest in regular servicing and maintain the stairlift well to avoid breakdowns or other performance failures.
However, re-selling a stairlift is not so easy if the stairlift has been customised to your home. Many customers who are purchasing for older relatives would be less inclined to purchase a used model.
Curved stairlifts do tend to need customising to fit the space and are both more expensive to purchase in the beginning but, of course, may sell for a higher price. Typically, a second hand curved stairlift would be available for between £1,000 and £3,000, depending on usage and condition. Prices could fluctuate depending on the condition and age of the stairlift and the market demand at the time.
Are stairlifts worth it?
For many people who are seeking a solution which enables them to fully use their home when stairs become difficult to manage due to mobility issues, a stairlift can be a very worthwhile investment.
Stairlifts can create a far safer and easier way to move between floors. Provided the user is able to get on and off such a lift without assistance from anyone else they can offer much-needed peace of mind as well as independence.
Having a better way to use the stairs which hugely reduces the risk of falls is very important, as falls on stairs is such common cause of injury, particularly for older adults.
If, however, the end user is not able to safely and consistently get on and off the stairlift they are perhaps not the ideal solution. Instead, it may be worth researching domestic lift options which could work in the home instead.
A stairlift might be of varying appeal to a future purchaser of the home, since by its nature it must be sited on the staircase, so whilst it is possible to remove the lift and then sell this on as a second-hand item, it is not necessarily going to appeal to the next home buyer. This is a worthwhile consideration when making the choice to install.
Will the NHS fund a stairlift?
It is not possible to have the NHS directly fund the purchase and installation of a stairlift, but there are ways to access funds to help with this when there is a need or a mobility solution.
The NHS can organise a home assessment if your GP or consultant recommends one. This assessment then determines what adaptations, or equipment may be needed in your home based on your needs. This assessment may mean you are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council.
The amount available to you depends on your income and savings but it can be up to a maximum of £30,000 which could be used to fund the stairlift. However, if you are entitled to such a grant, it is especially important to consider whether a stairlift is the best option in your case.
What is the difference between a stairlift and a chairlift?
A stairlift is specifically designed for indoor use. The user takes a seat on the chair part of the equipment and secures themselves. Then this seat is powered along rails affixed all the way up the staircase to slowly move the user up or down the stairs. Then, once the lift reaches the end of the rails it comes to a stop and the user will swivel the seat and carefully get off the stairlift.
A chairlift is typically used outdoors, sometimes working in a similar way, where the user gets onto a chair and is then taken to their destination, but other times there will be a movable platform and chair. A chairlift tends to refer to a larger and more complex piece of equipment than an at home stairlift.
Often, chairlifts will refer to the equipment used in areas like ski resorts, where they are intended to transport the user much further where the terrain is hilly or mountainous.
Do people buy used stairlifts?
It is possible to buy a used stairlift, but as the needs of the user might be different, it may take a little while to sell such an item on a selling site for example. There are companies who specialise in selling reconditioned stairlifts so this may be another option. This way you can sell your stairlift and the company will ensure it is suitably refurbished, well maintained and reliable for a new owner.
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