From installation costs to whether injuries are temporary or lasting, there are crucial questions that need to be answered before you can commit to stairlift rental or purchase.
This blog post will help you answer them. But before we dive in, we’d like to point you in the direction of our 2020 informational portal for a comprehensive view of the current stairlift landscape.
Personal circumstances
If you or your loved one are temporarily disabled, then renting a stairlift is a potentially cost-effective solution that doesn’t require a long-term investment. On the other hand, if a person requires a mobility device for the foreseeable future then purchasing a stairlift can be a better choice.
But it’s a little more complex than that. Choosing to purchase a stairlift is a significant investment that — depending on your existing stairs — can require development and customization before installation can even begin. And once it’s in place, how can you be sure that particular device is right for you? While it does require installation, with renting you’re able to at least try out a model without having to commit to a long-term device that doesn’t work for you.
There are other scenarios where renting can be the better option:
- Not being in the financial position to commit to a long-term investment.
- Following surgery or recovering from an incapacitating injury that needs time to heal.
- Relocating temporarily, such as a vacation to visit loved ones.
There is another option, however. As it’s unencumbered by preinstalled railings, a mobile stairlift can be rented or bought without having to commit to structural reconditioning or long-term costs. It’s a healthy middle ground that offers mobility without having to commit to a stairlift in the long-term.
For more information on the benefits of a mobile stairlift, we recount a personal story about the Luogo family and how the Mobile Stairlift helped them collectively adjust to mobility impairment. You can read it here.
Your staircase structure
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a stairlift supplier that provides rental devices for curved staircases. This is because there is a significant amount of development and customization required for the stairlift to adhere to the unique contours of a curved set of stairs. The same can be said for homes with more than one level — these typically require a bespoke stairlift and rail system to traverse multiple landings without stopping.
If your staircase is straight, however, then you won’t have a problem finding a rental solution. All that’s required is a rail or track that matches the stair’s measurements.
But what about if your home features both straight and curved staircases? As they are typically more portable and lightweight, requiring only a caregiver to maneuver them, a mobile stairlift is a viable solution to structures with varying stairs.
We discuss the various types of staircases and which stairlift models are best for them here.
The costs of stairlift rental vs purchasing
With rental, you’ll be required to pay upfront fees on the following: deposit, installation, and a monthly fee. Some suppliers may charge you a fee to take the tracks or railing down again. All-in-all, you’re looking at between $800 and $14,000, depending on your requirements (minus the deposit). Your cheapest option would be a straight stairlift, which should cost between $200 and $500.
Purchasing a stairlift is more expensive in the short-term, but the costs will balance out the longer you own it. Here is a cost breakdown so you know what to expect:
Perched/standing stairlift: From $2,000 to $5,000 for a straight staircase and between $8,000 and $14,000 for curved stairs.
Straight-seated stairlift: $2,000 to $5,000 for interior devices and $3,500 to $6,000 for outdoor versions.
Curved seated stairlift: As a curved stairlift requires more development and customization, you’re looking at between $10,000 and $15,000.
For a more detailed examination of stairlift costs, see one of our recent blog posts; Know Your Numbers — A Stairlift Cost Comparison for 2020.
Find balance with the Mobile Stairlift
The Mobile Stairlift is a lightweight, portable device that isn’t restricted by what set of stairs your have and doesn’t require the investment of preinstalled railings or tracks. It functions as both a temporary solution for those who are recovering from a short-term injury, and a long-term answer for people with disabilities who want greater accessibility in their homes.
To learn more about the Mobile Stairlift, please visit our product page. If you’d like to chat to a consultant, you can get in touch here.