In 2023, 74% of French people said they did not want to live in a residential care facility if they were to lose their independence, according to Drees. Yet age-related physical changes make adapting the home increasingly necessary: simply using the stairs can quickly become impossible for older people. A stairlift can provide a solution, allowing them to continue accessing bedrooms, bathrooms and other areas of their home safely.
- Stairlifts can help older people remain independent at home.
- Several models are available depending on the type of staircase and mobility needs.
- Prices vary significantly depending on the model, installation and options.
- Several financial assistance schemes can help cover the cost of installation.
- Choosing the right stairlift requires careful consideration of safety, comfort and after-sales service.
What is a stairlift?
A stairlift is a mechanical device designed to help people travel up and down stairs. It generally consists of a seat or platform mounted on rails attached along the staircase.
It can be installed in a private home or a public building to make upper floors more accessible to people with reduced mobility or older adults. Its installation provides access to all areas of the home that require the use of stairs. Several types are available, including straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts. Installation and maintenance costs vary depending on the type of system and its complexity.
What are the benefits?
By choosing a stairlift, older people can continue to make full use of their entire home. Ageing at home allows them to maintain their familiar routines. With this type of installation, seniors can regain access to areas of their home that had become difficult or impossible to reach, without physical effort and in complete safety. Using a stairlift also reduces the risk of falls, which can have serious physical consequences for more vulnerable older people.
Its main advantage is that seniors remain independent in their movements around the home. Easy and intuitive to use, a stairlift is designed to preserve independence while providing greater comfort. Adapting the home can also prevent the need to move elsewhere, allowing older people to remain in their familiar surroundings.
The stairlift takes the physical effort out of using the stairs. This means, in particular:
- less fatigue on a daily basis;
- less anxiety about using the stairs;
- and a better quality of life.
Seniors save not only energy but also time. Physical discomfort can make using the stairs a source of anxiety, while repeatedly climbing them can increase pain.
What are the different types of stairlifts?
Depending on the staircase, individual needs and physical abilities, different stairlift models can be recommended. One important point to remember is that all models are electrically powered.
Straight stairlift
This is the most common model found in homes. It is designed exclusively for staircases without bends or turns. An aluminium rail installed along the wall or handrail allows the seat to travel up and down the stairs. This type of stairlift takes up very little space when folded away.
The purchase price generally ranges from €2,500 to €5,000. The final price may vary depending on the length of the staircase. For staircases measuring around 65 cm in width, a standard model can be installed. It is also the most affordable option.
Curved stairlift
Like a straight stairlift, which is designed for straight staircases, a curved stairlift is adapted to staircases with bends and turns. It allows users to negotiate corners safely and without difficulty.
However, manufacturing and installing this type of stairlift takes longer because the rail has to be custom-designed for the staircase. As a result, prices can range from €5,000 to €12,000.
Standing stairlift
This model is intended for older people who have difficulty sitting down or who experience joint pain. Similar to an elevator, the user simply stands on the platform between two armrests and is secured with a safety belt while travelling up or down the stairs. With an average width of around 40 cm, this model is particularly suitable for narrow staircases.
Prices start at around €3,000.
Spiral stairlift
Designed to adapt to different types of homes, the spiral stairlift is, as its name suggests, intended for spiral staircases. For this type of staircase, it is generally the only suitable model, unlike other stairlift systems. Its rails follow the spiral shape of the staircase.
The complexity of the installation work required for spiral staircases affects the price, which generally ranges from €8,000 to €12,000.
Lifting chair
This installation takes up the least amount of space. It is often recommended for people with reduced mobility who share their home with people without mobility difficulties. The lifting chair is suitable for narrow staircases and operates using a rail installed at the top of the wall or ceiling. The chair is suspended from it in a similar way to a chairlift.
Prices range from approximately €1,500 to €8,500.
Outdoor stairlift
Outdoor installations require a more robust system designed to withstand weather conditions and remain reliable over time. The principle is the same as for an indoor model: seniors can use the stairlift without worrying about falls or breakdowns because outdoor models are designed to withstand rain, wind, frost and sunlight.
The greater complexity of installation and maintenance means a higher price, generally ranging from €4,000 to €12,000.
How to choose the right stairlift?
When choosing a stairlift, several criteria need to be considered to ensure that the product is suitable and effective for everyday use. First, the staircase in the home must be taken into account. Not every model is compatible with every type of staircase, depending on its shape and the available width.
It is also important to choose a stairlift that matches the older person’s health and physical abilities. Some types of stairlifts require specific movements that not everyone can perform. The model should therefore address the individual’s mobility difficulties. For example, a seated stairlift may be recommended for people experiencing balance problems.
The offer made by the company selling the product should also be carefully examined. The length of the warranty is an important consideration with this type of equipment. Breakdowns can occur repeatedly, making a warranty particularly valuable. The standard warranty is generally two years. If a breakdown occurs, buyers should make sure that after-sales service or assistance is available. A stairlift that is out of service can significantly disrupt everyday life.
How much should you budget for a stairlift?
As mentioned above, prices vary depending on several factors, particularly the model selected. The average price of a stairlift is between €4,000 and €5,000. Less expensive options are available, such as lifting chairs, although their prices can range from €1,500 to €8,500.
Other factors can affect the final price, including the dimensions of the stairlift, seat options, maintenance services and installation.
It is also possible to purchase a second-hand stairlift for people who cannot afford a new model.
It is important to note that these different forms of assistance may be combined. It is therefore advisable to contact the relevant organisations and institutions and submit an application for each scheme for which you may be eligible.
What financial assistance is available for purchasing a stairlift?
The cost of a stairlift can represent a significant investment, particularly for older people and people with reduced mobility. Before purchasing or installing one, it is therefore worth finding out about the financial assistance available in the country where you live. Depending on the national system, support may be provided by public authorities, local governments, social security schemes, pension funds or other organisations.
The eligibility criteria, amounts and types of support can vary considerably from one country to another. Some schemes may help cover part of the purchase or installation costs, while others may provide tax benefits, grants for adapting the home or financial support linked to loss of independence or disability. It is therefore advisable to contact the relevant public authorities and organisations before starting the work, as some forms of assistance may require an application to be submitted in advance.
France provides one example of the different types of support that may exist. Depending on their situation, people may be able to benefit from schemes supporting home adaptation, tax incentives, assistance from pension funds or local authorities, or support linked to loss of independence or disability. These French schemes illustrate why it is important to check the options available in each country and to compare the different forms of assistance before choosing a stairlift.
Published by the Editorial Staff on