If you are planning on aging in place at home, and your mobility is on the decline, you may need to install a chair lift in your home. A stair lift allows you to easily get up and down the stairs in your home with assistance when you can no longer safely navigate the stairs on your home.

Question #1: Do You Want To Age In Place?

First, you need to determine if you want to age in place. It makes more sense to install a stair lift in your home if you plan to stay in that home. Installing a chair lift is an investment that makes sense if you plan to live in your home for a while. If you need a lot more than a chair lift installed in order to make your home livable, you may want to think about if staying in your home is the best choice for you.

Question #2: Is Moving An Option?

Second, you need to determine if you want to move instead of installing a chair lift. Do you have the resources to move into a one-level home? Or do you need to move into an assisted living facility?

You need to consider if living in a single-level home or in an assisted living facility would better support the lifestyle that you want. Remember, you not only have to pay to install the chair lift, but you will also need to use it on a daily basis. You want to make sure you are ready for the physical labor of using a stair lift. A stair lift can be easy to learn how to use, but you need to be aware that is can take some getting used to.

Question #3: What Level Of Support Do You Need?

Third, once you determine that you want to stay in your home and you are ready to learn how to use the stair lift, you need to decide what level of support you need, as there are different types of chair lifts.

To start with, you need to determine if you want a sitting or standing chair lift. See if you can try out some chair lifts, as some people find sitting chair lifts easier to use, and others find standing ones easier. You also need to think about your current physical abilities, as well as what your future mobility will be. If your mobility will continue to decrease, you may want a sitting chair lift.

You also need to determine if you want a call station. A call station will allow you to move the lift on the stairs remotely. You should also consider if you want a stationary or a swivel seat. A swivel seat can provide more flexibility.

Question #4: What Is Your Financial Situation?

Finally, you need to think about your financial situation. Your Medicare insurance or your VA benefits may cover the installation costs. Many chair lift companies also offer outside financing, and some will even allow you to rent a lift instead of purchasing it.

If your mobility is declining, and you have a staircase in your home, you may want to consider installing a chair liftin your home if you plan on living there for a while. See if the chair lift company has some models you can try out to get the best chair lift for your needs.