Stairlift Alternatives: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

When navigating stairs becomes a challenge, several options must be considered for maintaining accessibility and safety at home. While stairlifts are popular, understanding all available alternatives can help you make the best decision for your needs. Here’s a look at common stairlift alternatives and why a stairlift may be the most cost-effective and practical choice for long-term comfort. 

It can be helpful to review all possible options when making a decision. Some stairlift alternatives work well for certain situations but may not be ideal for others. Your unique needs, home layout, and budget all play a role in determining the best choice. 

When it comes to safely navigating stairs, here are the primary alternatives to stairlifts, along with their benefits and potential limitations. 

Walkers

Walkers provide support and stability on flat surfaces but are generally not designed for stair use. A few models are available that are built explicitly for stairs. However, safely using these requires significant coordination and strength, which can be risky for anyone with mobility challenges. For some, given the amount of strength needed, using a walker can lead to back or shoulder injuries down the road. There are also usually many steps required to properly use stair walkers, which can be difficult to complete correctly. Additionally, stair walkers leave users vulnerable to falling backward. 

Stair Climbing Cane

Stair-climbing canes can benefit some people, but they require balance and agility. For individuals considering a stairlift, a cane may not provide the level of support they need to use stairs safely. A stair-climbing cane could be helpful for those with mild mobility issues or for use on the go, but it may not be sufficient for anyone with significant mobility support needs at home. These require strength and coordination to click the buttons to adjust to the stairs’ width. Also, they provide only limited support and present some tripping hazards, so they are not a long-term solution. 

Platform Lifts

Platform lifts are designed to move individuals and their mobility devices between floors. They are generally used by people who rely on wheelchairs or walkers and need to remain on their devices while moving up or down. Platform lifts require ample space and installation along with modifications to existing structures like adding concrete pads or power sources. Additionally, weight limits are usually around 600-750 pounds which will not accommodate the use of powered chairs. While they can be effective, they often come at a higher cost than stairlifts. Additionally, platform lifts can be visually obtrusive, which may not be ideal for a home setting. 

External Wheelchair Lifts

External wheelchair lifts are installed outside the home, allowing wheelchair users to access higher floors without the need to install equipment inside. These lifts can be helpful for exterior access but are not designed for indoor use. External lifts are more exposed to the elements, requiring more frequent maintenance to keep them functioning smoothly, which can increase long-term costs. Like platform lifts, these may necessitate extensive renovations and come with weight limitations that are not practical for users. 

Home Elevator

A home elevator can be a great alternative for multi-level homes, offering the capacity to carry up to three people simultaneously while also being seen as a luxurious upgrade to the property. However, installation can be both costly and time-consuming, often requiring significant structural modifications to fit seamlessly into the home. In contrast, stairlifts offer a more straightforward and budget-friendly solution. They require minimal home alterations, can be delivered quickly—sometimes as soon as the next day depending on the model—and are often installed in just a few hours.

Rearranging the House

Another alternative is rearranging your living space to avoid using the stairs. This might mean relocating your bedroom to the main floor or limiting your activities to one level of the home. While this can be an effective short-term solution for some, it may be limiting in the long run. With a stairlift, you can maintain full access to your home without compromising your lifestyle. 

Assisted Living Facility 

Some people may consider moving to an assisted living facility to avoid dealing with stairs entirely. However, assisted living comes with high costs–an average of $4,300 per month or $51,600 annually. In contrast, a Stannah stairlift starts at $4,000 and you can continue living in the home you love while retaining independence and saving considerably on long-term expenses.