Does Anyone Know Anything About Stair Lifts?

[newbert]

My elderly father requires a stair lift. In my very preliminary research, I see that there are lots of different manufacturers and choices available, so I'm wondering whether anyone here knows anything about them or has practical experience with them?


Any advice on features to include or avoid and or (especially) companies to avoid would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks.

 

[ARtraveler]

I have had a stairlift installed in my home since 2011. This was due to hip issues which I now have solved.

Best to deal with local sellers of the product. There are many brands. They all do the same. Up, down, follow the track. I purchased a used one for $2,700 ($2200 used and $500 installed). It gets serviced each year--for less than $200.

Most medical supply companies in your area can help you out. You may or may not be eligible for Medicare to pay for it. The medical company can help you out there. Do local, not those ads you see on TV that will do everything. They are referral services and you will end up paying more.

Locals can come out to your home, evaluate the install, do it right, and are there to service if you need it. Mine has needed no repairs--just the annual service. Have purchased batteries for it one time since owning it. The brand name on mine is Bruno.

Hope this helps.

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

Just don't get one like this one.

 

[DGoebel]

My now deceased father used one for a few years. It was a Brooks Superglide 120, and our old home built in the 60's had a pretty narrow stairway, but it worked great for him.
Here's a pic from the bottom of the stairs. It folded enough out of the way that we all could use the stairwell normally as well.

 

[subdude17349]

I had an Ameriglide lift in my house for a number of years for my wife's mom. Worked perfectly, no issues at all. There are places on line that sell used reconditioned ones.

I bought mine used from a family that no longer needed it and installed it myself. If you do that, make sure that you have the track length correct for the stairs you need to install it on. Easy to cut the track shorter, stretching it not so much. And the cable will probably need to be replaced as well if you go longer.

Installation was very easy, probably took me an hour or so.

When we no longer needed it, I sold it locally for pretty much what I paid for it.

Jim

 

[SpyderConvert]

Stair Lifts

If your dad is a veteran, check with the VA. My father could get one, but was too independent AND stubborn.

 

[cuznjohn]

i had one installed for my mom when she had a stroke. it ran about 3k and was the best money i spent for her. i also installed a ramp outside for her wheel chair. when she passes, i sold the ramp and kept the chair. i agree with get a local company to install them. they are battery operated, and charge in the up or down position. so they will run in power outages also. just do a search for some companies and see what one you like best. also some have weight limits, so check that out also

 

[newbert]

Thanks for all your thoughts, guys!

I found a local dealer for Harmar Stair Lifts. The few reviews I've found online for Harmar seem to be positive. Not sure whether he'll be living with me yet, so no big rush to order one right now. But it's good to get info ahead of time.

Thanks again.