For those who are aging or struggling with mobility issues, ascending the stairs can often be a daunting task. Falls commonly occur on the stairs and one in four Americans age 65+ suffers from a fall each year. While these risks can be scary, there are a variety of solutions seniors can explore—and stairlifts are among the most helpful.
If your loved one struggles with getting up the stairs, is prone to falls, or is simply looking to make their home more accessible, there are many stairlift benefits for seniors to keep in mind. In fact, stairlifts can enhance mobility, independence, and provide a renewed sense of safety, making them a truly life-changing tool.
There are three main types of stairlifts for the elderly: straight, curved, and outdoor. They each serve different needs and provide an array of options when it comes to individual home structure and preferences. At 101 Mobility, we have a variety of stairlifts for the elderly catered to your needs—no matter how big or small your staircase is. Explore our detailed guide to learn more about these types of stairlifts for elderly individuals—and decide on one right for you.
Straight Stairlifts: Ideal for Simplicity and Ease
If your home has a relatively basic layout and a straight staircase, straight stairlifts are likely the ideal mobility solution. Some key features include:
- Easy installation and use: 101 Mobility’s stairlifts are installed with feet that are built into the tread of your steps—avoiding unnecessary damage to your walls. Our qualified technicians will ensure your chair is installed with the highest level of safety and care. Many of our stairlifts come with seatbelts and obstruction sensors, allowing for optimal comfort and smooth operation. At 101 Mobility, we also know the importance of getting your chair up and running quickly. You can rest easy knowing our installations typically range from a few hours to a full day.
- Cost effectiveness: Stairlift prices can vary, with the average cost running from $4,000 to $5,000. However, straight stairlifts are often on the lower end of the spectrum as they require less complex installation. They may be available to you for as low as $3,250.
Straight stairlifts for the elderly are often a quick and relatively affordable solution, making them a popular choice. Explore our top-of-the-line types of stairlifts for elderly individuals, like the Handicare 1100 and the Bruno Elan Straight Rail Stairlift. Plus, learn more about our senior stairlift options and our process.
Curved Stairlifts: Customized for Complex Staircases
If your home has curves, turns, or multiple levels, don’t worry—there are still many types of stairlifts for the elderly that will work for you. Depending on the specific design and size of your staircase, two straight stairlifts or a customized curved stairlift can be used to create a safe and comfortable solution.
At 101 Mobility, we offer free in-home consultations in order to assess your staircase and provide the best stairlift installations for seniors. Our curved stairlifts are designed to fit the exact specifications of your staircase, ensuring safety, comfort, and a smooth ride, accommodating up to four floors. Curved stairlifts often include:
- Swivel seats: While many varieties include these stairlift safety features, swivel seats particularly come in handy on curved staircases, as users can turn the seat towards the upper landing. This allows exiting the chair to be much easier, as the individual doesn’t have to twist their body or navigate any stairs—making ascending a tricky staircase more manageable.
- Customizable options: When it comes to our stairlifts, you never have to compromise. Our stairlifts themselves are available in a variety of different sizes to account for variations in stair width and set up. We also customize our track designs, looking at your staircase’s dimensions, floor layouts, and more. Then, we’ll make changes to the length and height of your lift as needed. We can also personalize weight capacity, building our stairlifts with reinforced materials. No eyesores here—we can create your stairlift with a variety of colors and styles to blend into the aesthetics of your home and suit your unique preferences.
It is important to note that custom curved staircases may be more expensive and can take a bit longer to install. However, our team is ready to work with you. Let’s explore our stairlifts for the elderly to find one that works best for you. Check out our popular Bruno Elite Curved Stairlift and our Harmar Helix Curved Stairlift. Plus, review our comprehensive cost guide.
If you’re looking for a more temporary solution when it comes to stairlift installations for seniors, you can also consider our rental options. Learn more about how we personalize your experience and explore some common questions and answers about the best stairlifts for seniors.
Outdoor Stairlifts: Navigating Your Outdoor Spaces Safely
Stairlifts are not just for the inside of your home. If you have exterior stairs you need help navigating, there are types of stairlifts for elderly individuals that are also an option. Available in both straight and custom curved, you can get some of the best stairlifts for seniors installed on your porch or garden steps for safer entry into your home. Outdoor stairlifts for the elderly often include:
- Weather-resistant materials: 101 Mobility’s outdoor stairlifts are designed to handle a variety of elements, from rain and snow to scorching temperatures. Many outdoor options are built with UV-protected upholstery and paints as well.
- Durable construction: Outdoor stairlifts are specifically designed to use rust-resistant steel hardware and come with a weatherproof cover to ensure your equipment remains protected from the elements—and ready to use at all times.
Once installed, you’ll want to clean your outdoor stairlift regularly, checking for damage and obstructions, and keeping the track clear at all times. Still a little worried about your outdoor stairlift? No problem. We’re here to help with ongoing maintenance through our standard one-year service warranty—available on all stairlift installations for seniors. Explore some of our most popular outdoor stairlifts, including the Bruno Elite Outdoor Curved and our slim, minimal Handicare 1000 Outdoor Stairlift.
How to Choose the Right Stairlift for Your Mobility Needs
If you’re ready to explore stairlifts for the elderly and increase mobility for you or your loved one, you’ll want to make sure to use professional services. When choosing the right stairlift for seniors, there are several things to keep in mind. Follow this step-by-step guide for help:
- Step 1: Decide what type of stairlift you need. Assess your personal mobility situation and preferences. If you’re looking for something more simple, a manual stairlift may suffice. If you need more assistance and want to enjoy the added convenience, a power lift stairlift may be right for your home.
- Step 2: Assess your staircase. Decide if you’ll need a straight, curved, or outdoor stairlift to narrow down your search and find a chair right for your circumstances.
- Step 3: Consider your budget. Manual and straight stairlifts are often on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Check out additional comfort features and browse your options to see the cost breakdown.
Need help deciding on types of stairlifts for the elderly? Compare your senior stairlift options by looking at our home stairlift guide below or consult with a 101 Mobility expert today.
| Straight Stairlifts | Curved Stairlifts | Outdoor Stairlifts |
| For straight staircases only | For curved staircases only | For both staircase types |
| Cost effective | More costly | Price can vary |
| Easy installation | Ultra-customizable | Weather-resistant |
| Simple track | More complex track | Designed for durability |
Why Choose 101 Mobility for Stairlift Installation
At 101 Mobility, we believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their home. Stairs don’t have to be limiting and there are many types of stairlifts for the elderly that can help you or a loved one navigate your home more easily.
There are many stairlift benefits for the elderly and we’re proud to provide high-quality options to fit a variety of circumstances. With a wide range of products to choose from, professional stairlift installations for seniors, and our ongoing support, we’re happy to be a reliable and supportive option. Hear from some of our customers we’ve helped with stairlift solutions:
“101 Mobility exceeded our expectations in every way. They arrived on time, were incredibly courteous, and delivered and installed our stairlift exactly as promised. Their expertise ensured a flawless installation, and their team patiently and thoroughly explained the operation and safety features. We are thoroughly satisfied and would recommend 101 Mobility without hesitation. Truly a 5-star operation!” -Ellen C.
“Tara did an excellent job of helping us see that a stair lift was the best solution for our needs. The equipment was ordered, delivered and beautifully installed within 11/2 weeks and works as efficiently and smoothly as we hoped it would.” -Allen R., 101 Mobility of Naperville
Starilifts enhance safety, promote independence, and can help with an individual’s overall well-being. Learn more about the benefits of stairlifts and read up on helping your loved one age in place safely. We’re here to lighten the load and help set you up for a brighter future.
Enjoy Increased Independence
Stairs can be tricky to navigate for those struggling with mobility issues and are a common location for falls. This can create a heightened sense of fear, limiting accessibility and comfort. However, with a growing number of aging adults wanting to stay in their homes, stairlifts for the elderly can be a great solution to these common problems. And there’s more good news—we’re with you every step of the way.
If you or an elderly loved one struggles with day-to-day mobility issues due to stairs, there is hope—no matter what your staircase looks like. Get ready to experience stairlift benefits for elderly individuals. Contact us for a home assessment today.
Need additional help? Explore our full range of the best stairlifts for seniors. Plus, take a look at our other senior mobility solutions, including elevators. Let’s tackle your mobility challenges, together—one step at a time.
