The right home stair lift provides the opportunity to safely and independently age in the home you love. As we get older, navigating stairs can become more challenging. Luckily, Mobility City can help you weigh your options and choose the best stair chair lift for your personal needs and your home.
Looking for info on a specific home stair lift? Use these links to skip ahead to the info you need.
- What Is a Stair Lift?
- Curved vs. Straight Stair Lifts
- Other Features to Consider
- Our Top Three Stair Lift Options
What Is a Stair Lift?
Stair lifts are battery-powered mobility aids that mount to a staircase and carry the seated individual between floors. It consists of a rail, chair, and power source. There are a variety of models to accommodate all lifestyles and scenarios – indoors, outdoors, curved staircases, straight staircases, etc.
A home stair lift is a great option for aging adults who want to live in their homes independently as opposed to moving into an assisted living facility.
Is a Stair Lift Right for You?
Both residential and commercial stair lifts offers a number of benefits, including:
- Improving accessibility within your home or building
- Allowing seniors to age in the comfort of their own home
- Offering an affordable alternative to assisted living or renovating the lower floor of the home
Moving in with family or living at an assisted living facility is not ideal for every senior. Many older adults look for alternative options to help them continue living independently. A stair lift for seniors is the safest option for someone wishing to live on their own while still utilizing their entire house.
Stair lifts can also be a safe, affordable alternative to installing an elevator within a commercial building. While they aren’t fully accessible for wheelchair users, they can assist older adults or those who use a cane or walker. A stair chair lift can be used indoors or outdoors and is a popular option in churches, schools, and other public spaces.
Curved vs. Straight Stair Lifts
Many people worry that they won’t be able to find a stair lift to fit their curved or segmented staircase. The good news is that there are flexible options for stairs of all shapes.
Straight stairlifts travel back and forth in a straight line, and include a standard rail that can be fitted to the length of the staircase. The can also accommodate segmented stairs with mid-flight platforms and turns.
Curved stair lifts can be customized to fit nearly any staircase with curves. Installation is fast and easy, making them a great alternative to an elevator.
Other Features to Consider
Home chair lifts come in a variety of designs and offer different features depending on the model. Some considerations to keep in mind when shopping include:
- Most stair lifts have a weight capacity of 300-350 pounds, but there are options that go up to 600 pounds.
- Foot rests offer comfort and extra stability. Look for a power-folding option that saves space without the need to fold them in manually.
- Swivel seats make for safe transfers at the top and bottom of your stair case. Power swivel features make life even easier and help you manuever safely off of the stairs before standing.
- If you’re looking for something to fit the style of your home, there are several design options to choose from.
Our Top Three Stair Lift Options
If you’re looking to improve the accessibility within your home or building, here are the top three home chair lifts we recommend.
Harmar SL600
If you’re working with a tight space, the Harmar SL600 is the narrowest home stair lift on the market. With a lift capacity of 350 lbs, this straight stairlift is the choice for anyone looking for independence in their home. When folded, the SL600 is just 10.5” wide, providing plenty of room for others to navigate up and down the stairs on foot. It also has a swivel seat and seat belt for safety.
Harmar SL300
The Harmar SL300 is slightly larger and offers more substantial hardware for a smooth and stable ride. Both the SL300 and SL600 are lubrication-free, keeping you and your stairs cleaner! Equipped with a foldable seat, this stair chair lift is still a great small-space option for users who want a little extra support and stability.
Harmar SL600HD
The SL600HD is Harmar’s bariatric stair lift option, with a 600 lb. weight capacity and an 85-degree swivel seat for safer transfers. It can also be installed for up to 40 feet of travel, making it more versatile for customization depending on your staircase. The Harmar SL600HD is the most stable home stair lift option because of its high-backed, extra-wide chair, stationary armrests, and reinforced footrests.
No matter which stair lift you choose, you’re sure to find increased independence and freedom to live your life in the comfort of your own home!
