Installing a chair lift for stairs...info needed

[Tracy M]

My Grandmother (99) is moving in and we were wondering about installing a chair lift for the stairs. Has anyone had experience with these and how much it costs? Also, we were told we may be able to get some cost reimbursed thru medicare. Any info would be helpful, we're just starting to research the idea.

Thanks for all replies

 

[Michigan]

Don't want to burst your bubble but welcome to the world of the disabled. It will cost more then you care to know to buy and have a stairlift installed especially when you factor in the age of your Grandmother. I don't know for sure but I think medicare doesn't pay for anything that is attached to the house.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to a Care Guide webpage with a lot of helpful info.
I also don't think that Medicare would pay for a stair lift. Besides it being attached to the house, I believe Medicare would consider it a convenience item, not a medical necessity. (ie, your grandmother doesn't have to go from floor to floor, it would be nice, but not neccessary for her care).
Medicare might (under certain circumstances) cover a
lift chair , which sounds like it would take you from one floor to another in a chair, but it's basically a recliner chair that lifts you up to a seating position.
If you do a search on google for "stair lifts", you will find quite a bit of info, some with prices. But, remember the quoted prices are just the price of the lift itself, not installation, which might involve moving/installing an electrical outlet in the correct place for the lift.

 

[Nanajo1]

I have had a stair lift for 7+years and recently moved it to my new house. My lift was purchased by Mass Rehab Commission. Some vendors will rent you the lift. My friend did this when her Mother moved in with her. My lift cost around $4000.
I would check with different organizations such as March of Dimes, MDF to see if they know of used lifts.