If you’re considering a stair lift for your home, you’ve probably heard some things that made you pause. Maybe a neighbor mentioned they’re “only for really old people,” or you’re worried about the cost. We get it—there’s a lot of misinformation out there about stair lifts.
At Atlas Home Safety, we’ve been helping families just like yours for years, and we’ve heard every concern in the book. Let’s have an honest conversation about what’s true and what’s just plain wrong when it comes to stair lifts.
Is a Stair Lift Right for You?
Stair lifts are a personal choice that allows individuals with mobility issues to safely ascend and descend stairs in their residential home. Many love this invention, but still others are skeptical if it’s the right choice.
“Aren’t Those Just for Seniors?”
Not at all! We’ve installed stair lifts for people in their 30s recovering from surgery, parents helping kids with disabilities, and families who just want to make their homes more accessible for everyone.
And here’s something most people don’t think about: even if you don’t need it for mobility, a stair lift is fantastic for carrying heavy stuff. Laundry baskets, holiday decorations, groceries—it’s like having a personal assistant for your stairs. Much more affordable than installing a dumbwaiter, and way easier on your back.
“I Use a Wheelchair—Will This Work for Me?”
This one’s a little more complicated. Stair lifts are designed for you to sit in their chair, so if you’re in a wheelchair, you’d need to transfer onto the lift at the bottom, then back to your wheelchair at the top.
For some people, that works perfectly fine—especially if you can transfer between chairs easily and have multiple wheel chairs. Other need to consider chair lifts instead of stair lifts, but if transferring is difficult or impossible, you might want to look into a residential elevator or wheelchair lift instead. That’s why we always recommend a free home consultation—we can look at your specific situation and help you figure out the best solution.
“Will Everyone Have to Squeeze Past It?”
Today’s stair lifts are surprisingly compact. The rail sits just 6-9 inches from the wall, and the chair folds up when you’re not using it. Most people can walk up and down the stairs normally.
Plus, you get a remote control, so you can send the chair to whichever floor you’re not on. That keeps the pathway completely clear when others need to use the stairs.
“What If I’m Too Heavy?”
Most standard models hold at least 300 pounds, and many can handle 400 pounds or more. During your consultation, we’ll make sure you try out different models to find one that’s comfortable and safe for you. There’s no guessing—we’ll help you find the right fit.
Using Your Stair Lift
“But Are They Actually Safe?”
This is a great question, and the short answer is: absolutely, when they’re installed properly. Modern stair lifts are incredibly safe. Here’s what you should know:
Power goes out? No problem. These run on rechargeable batteries, so you’ll get several trips even during a blackout.
Worried about it flying off the rails? That’s just not how they work. They’re designed with multiple safety features to prevent that from ever happening.
What about breakdowns? Issues are rare and usually only happen with cheap, poorly installed units or old second-hand ones that weren’t properly refurbished.
The key is working with experienced professionals who know what they’re doing. That’s where proper installation and quality equipment make all the difference.
“What Happens When the Power Goes Out?”
This used to be a concern with older models, but modern stair lifts run on batteries that automatically kick in during power outages. You’ll get several trips up and down even without electricity.
Pro tip: if you know a storm is coming, just turn off the unit when you’re not using it. That helps preserve battery life during longer outages.
“Are They Complicated to Use?”
Not at all! Most stair lifts have just one button or switch on the armrest. Press it to go up, press it to go down. That’s it.
You also get a wireless remote so you can call the lift to your floor or send it away when you’re done. Modern models start and stop smoothly, have safety sensors, and everything folds up neatly when not in use.
Even if you’re not comfortable with technology, you’ll find it becomes second nature in no time.
Is the Value of a Stair Lift Worth it?
“They’re Way Too Expensive”
This is probably the biggest worry we hear. And yes, a stair lift is an investment—but let’s put it in perspective. A straight stair lift typically runs between $3,000 and $7,000. Now, that might sound like a lot until you compare it to your other options.
Think about it: assisted living facilities can cost $6,000 per month. Adding a bedroom and bathroom to your first floor? That’s easily $20,000-$50,000. Moving to a single-story home? Well, you know what the real estate market looks like these days.
When you look at it that way, a stair lift isn’t just the most affordable option—it’s the one that lets you stay in the home you love. And honestly, can you really put a price on that?
“I’m Worried About Damaging My Beautiful Staircase”
We understand—you’ve put a lot of care into your home. The good news is that stair lifts attach directly to your stair treads, not your walls. Your walls stay completely untouched.
When we install the mounting brackets, we’re only making small holes in the stairs themselves. If you ever decide to remove the lift, those holes are tiny and easy to patch with a little wood putty or touch-up paint. Most of the time, you can’t even tell there was ever a lift there.
“Don’t I Need to Renovate My Whole Staircase?”
Not at all! This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. Installing a stair lift doesn’t require any construction work. No tearing into walls, no modifying your staircase, no weeks of disruption.
The whole installation usually takes just a few hours. Whether your stairs are carpeted, hardwood, or tile, we work with what you have. Your home stays intact, and you’re back to normal by the end of the day.
“Will This Hurt My Home’s Value?”
Actually, it might help it! More and more buyers are looking for homes that can adapt as they age. Accessibility features are becoming selling points, not drawbacks.
And remember, stair lifts are completely removable. If a future buyer doesn’t want it, it comes right out with minimal trace. But many buyers see it as a valuable feature, especially with multi-generational families becoming more common.
Ready to Install a Start Lift?
At Atlas Home Safety, we believe in giving you straight answers without any pressure. There are many benefits to having a stair lift to keep you independent in your home. We’ve helped countless families stay safely and comfortably in their homes, and we’d love to help you too.
Why not schedule a free consultation? We’ll come to your home, look at your specific situation, and help you understand all your options. No sales pressure—just honest advice from people who care about your safety and independence.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation. You might be surprised at how simple and affordable the solution can be.
