Keeping My Parents Happy

As we age, mobility often starts to become limited. Many elderly people have a lot of trouble getting around their homes. Stairs can be especially difficult to navigate with increasing age. Injury and illness can also lead to a loss of mobility in our younger years as well. The good news is that there are options available that can help you get around your home if you are having trouble moving. An in-home stair lift can make getting up and down the stairs both safer and easier. Here are a few things that you should know before purchasing a stair lift.

Battery Operated Or Electric

There are a variety of stair lifts on the market to choose from, and making a decision can be difficult. One of the biggest decisions you will find yourself making is the choice between battery-operated and electric chair lifts. Electric chair lifts are powered through your home's electricity and are able to be plugged in. Battery-operated chair lifts are powered through a battery that will eventually need to be replaced. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, a battery-operated lift may be the best option. 

Costs Can Vary

Another thing to consider when it comes to stair lifts is the cost. The cost can vary depending the size of your stairs and whether or not there are turns in your stairs. On average, battery-operated lifts are less expensive than electric lifts. The average cost of a battery-operated lift is between $2,000 and $3,000. An electric lift costs between $3,000 and $5,000. If your stairs are curved, the costs can be much higher since the lift will need to be custom made. Stair lifts for curved stairs can cost $10,000 or more. They can also take one to three months to be completed and installed inside your home.

Weight Limits

Your weight may also play a role when purchasing a stair lift. If you are near the upper end of a stair lift's weight range, you may want to consider purchasing a heavy-duty model. Being close to or exceeding the upper weight limit on a stair lift can reduce its lifespan and put strain on the lift. You may also find that a heavy-duty stair lift with a higher weight limit is a more comfortable option.

As you can see, when purchasing a stair lift, there are a lot of things to consider. For more information, contact a company like Elite Lift and Elevator.