Stair Lifts VS Home Elevators – The Difference

When choosing the best addition to your home, it’s best to have in-depth knowledge of your options. However, beyond installing swimming pools or a new pavement, we think you should consider something more practical of an investment, such as a stairlift or home elevator. As of today, one of the most overlooked but frequently-occurring mishaps (read more) are accidents involving the elderly. It seems that their activities of daily living can cause more harm than good for them physically and psychologically. 

Because of this alarming issue, many home care facilities and even homeowners take it upon themselves to build these safety devices to lessen, or at least try to lower, the number of incidents when it comes to the elderly population. However, between these two costly yet beneficial additions, which one is the best choice for you? In this article, we’ll help you look into the differences and benefits so you can make a personal decision for yourself. 

Things To Consider While Choosing Between Stair Lifts and Home Elevators

• The User’s Capability 

Whether it be you or an elderly family member using the devices, the first thing to consider is their mobility and limits. For example, someone who uses a wheelchair will have a hard time transferring from their wheelchair to the stairlift chair, and getting one will increase their chances of falls and accidents. This can be remedied if the person is living with someone else, but this is the most straightforward choice for their condition if they live alone.

• The Anatomy of the House

Some houses don’t have the space capability to add a home elevator or staircase. Before choosing, assess your house or establishment and determine whether a stairlift or a home elevator can even fit in their designated spaces if you ever choose one or the other.

• Budget

Elevators and lifts are costly in labour, material, and other unique needs for them to be installed. One can be as cheap or as expensive or the other; it will depend on the quality of your devices and the company you choose.

Stair Lifts

These are safety devices attached to your staircase to help elderly or PWDs move from one floor to another without risking their safety. They have specialised chairs in which the user can sit and guide the device up or down using easy controls. This lift takes no time to install and typically doesn’t need laborious processes to accomplish. 

Stair Lifts run on electricity and, therefore, are very inexpensive to run. They make no audible sound or have dangerous bumps, as its rail is smooth and durably attached to the wall. When not in use, the user can fold the chair to avoid any misuse. They are best for older adults living alone with at least the ability to stand and walk around minimally. Stair Lift companies like Coastal Lifts can easily allow you to install a home stair lift immediately.

Home Elevators

They are just like the elevators you see in buildings and malls, only smaller and more practical. Home Elevators become an easy choice when a stairlift cannot be integrated onto the stairs due to the staircase’s low integrity or when the user is incapable of transferring from the wheelchair to the device. Home Elevators need construction to be installed and are usually more costly than even the more expensive stair lift. However, it can be easier to maneuver than the latter.