Should I Stay or Should I Go?

During our free in-home estimate/evaluation, we are sometimes asked about the option of either having a power stair lift installed in an existing dwelling or moving to a more conveniently designed home, such as a ranch. This is a loaded question and one we cannot properly answer in this limited space. So, we’ve summarized the process to get you moving in the right direction. Begin with these Key Questions:

• Mobility How severe are the mobility challenges? Are stairs the only issue, or are there other barriers in your current home? Sometimes this may involve a bathroom remodel or addition.
• Budget Can you afford the upfront and ongoing costs of moving versus installing and maintaining a stair lift? The stairlift wins most of the time on this one, with scheduling and installation inside a week and costs under $4000. Just be certain it will help you overcome your challenges.
• Attachment to your current home How important is staying in your current home versus the convenience of a single-story layout? Home construction can be a solid solution but can also be unpredictable.
• Home layout Does your current home’s overall layout (beyond stairs) support accessibility, or would a ranch house be more practical?
• Future needs Will your mobility needs change in the next 5–10 years? Would a ranch house better accommodate aging in place? This is probably the most difficult question due to its unknowns.

Considering all that, we’ve boiled down the advantages of staying and installing a power stair lift and moving to a ranch.

Choose a Power Stair Lift if

• stairs are the primary mobility challenge, and the rest of your home is accessible.
• you want to stay in your current home and community.
• your budget is limited, or you prefer a less invasive solution.
• your mobility issues are moderate or temporary.

Choose a Ranch House if

• you have significant or progressive mobility issues. Sometimes, a discussion with your medical professional will help.
• your current home has multiple accessibility barriers beyond stairs, which may include a steep yard, or significant upgrades or maintenance needed.
• you’re planning for long-term aging in place or want a permanent solution.
• you’re open to relocating and can manage the financial and emotional costs. This is a powerful reason to move, especially if friends or family would be closer after your move.

Next Steps

1. Speak with us Being in the power stair lift business exposes us to a myriad of home mobility challenges. We’re glad to share that wealth of knowledge, whether or not it includes the purchase of a power stair lift.
2. Assess your home Consult an occupational therapist to evaluate your current home’s suitability for a stair lift or other modifications.
3. Get quotes Compare the cost of a power stair lift with the cost of construction or moving. We can provide estimates for stair lift installation (straight or curved). Local contractors can provide construction costs, and a quality realtor can offer moving costs. Take time to compare them all, monetarily and otherwise.
4. Explore funding Check to see if insurance, Medicare, or local programs (e.g., Veterans Affairs) can help cover stair lift or other costs. The State of PA offers qualified residents interest-free loans for power stair lift purchases.

Having a game plan and consulting with experts along the way can offer you real peace of mind when planning how to live your life to the fullest. One more important point is that it’s best to start early. Avoid having to make decisions in the midst of a health crisis.

Power Stair Lifts is based in the Lehigh Valley and is locally owned. We believe in price transparency. Not only do we provide our installation price, free one-year service warranty, and three-year parts warranty, but we will also disclose the cost of replacement batteries, preventative maintenance, annual service visits, repair fees, and a multi-year warranty. We pride ourselves not only on being the local company that Lehigh Valley residents trust but also the company that earns your business with quality service and fair prices.

If you live in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Macungie, Schnecksville, Whitehall, Coopersburg, Quakertown, Kutztown, Northampton, Emmaus, Catasauqua, Nazareth, or another Lehigh Valley location, call Power Stair Lifts for a free in-home estimate. We are independently owned and operated—not a franchise—and our mission is to serve our neighbors and community. Click through our site at powerstairlifts.com or call 484-895-1188 to schedule your free home assessment and estimate.