If you are increasingly restricted in your activities and can no longer walk up stairs or can only do so with difficulty, it makes a lot of sense to purchase a stairlift. This enables people with limited mobility to reach all floors again without any problems and without assistance.
There are many suppliers on the market, so it is essential to think about what type of lift you need in advance. There are both seat lifts and platform lifts. The latter is more suitable for wheelchair users. Here, traveling on the platform with a wheelchair allows problem-free transportation. In any case, the lift must be designed for your weight or the weight of other users.
When making your choice, please also consider the structural requirements, such as the size of the stairwell. If you live in an apartment building, the consent of the landlord is required.
Please arrange an on-site appointment with all providers before purchasing a stairlift. This will enable you to find the best offer for you. But be careful - due to the strong growth in demand, there are also some dubious providers on the market. The lift should also be TÜV-certified and bear the CE mark.
What is a stairlift?
A stairlift, that little marvel of technology that makes everyday life much easier for people with limited mobility. It is more than just a mechanical device; it is a faithful companion that helps elderly and disabled people to retain the freedom to move around their own four walls freely and safely.
Imagine that the steps that once served as a simple connection between the floors of a house become an insurmountable barrier. This is where the stairlift comes in, moving gently and steadily, like a reliable friend, to transport the person who needs assistance. At the simple touch of a button, it transforms any staircase into a comfortable and accessible way up and down, making daily life less complicated and more enjoyable.
The stairlift usually consists of a rail that is mounted along the stairs and a seat or platform that is electrically powered. The design is well thought out so that it can be integrated into the living environment and adapted to the individual needs and personal comfort of the user.
Installing a stairlift is not just a practical decision, it is an investment in independence and quality of life. It means regaining confidence and giving people who need help the opportunity to lead their lives with dignity and without unnecessary restrictions.
With a stairlift, your own four walls once again become a place that offers security, comfort and joy. A place where life can be enjoyed to the full despite all the challenges. In this way, the stairlift becomes a valuable partner that restores joie de vivre and mobility and helps people to see the world from a new, more hopeful perspective.
How do I recognize dubious providers?
Bear in mind that not only all structural features, but also all safety-relevant features must be taken into account when making a purchase.
A reputable provider will draw your attention to all the necessary measures.
Be suspicious if providers contact you by phone without asking or at the weekend or want to pressure you into signing a contract as quickly as possible. Never ask for a deposit, a reputable provider will not ask you for one.
If you are asked to make a down payment, transfer the amount. In retrospect, a bank transfer will always provide you with a reliable document if the contract is not fulfilled.
Check the company, does it have positive reviews, is it a well-known manufacturer? Ask for references and, if necessary, contact persons with whom you can make inquiries.
Many people are quickly put off by the fact that such a stairlift is very expensive. A straight stairlift, which is intended for one floor, can cost between €4000 and €5000. If it is to have a seating device, the price is even between €6000 and €8000.
For a curved staircase, the price rises even further to between €8000 and €15000. The prices refer to the first floor, for further floors the prices for assembly and materials are added.
There are various models for financing a stairlift, from buying a stairlift to a purchase loan to buying a used one or even renting with a monthly payment.
When does health insurance pay for a stairlift?
Most people in need of care have not planned for the purchase and are dependent on subsidies for the purchase and installation. So that you do not have to bear these high costs completely on your own, the health or care insurance fund will cover up to €4,000 if you have a care degree. This applies from a care level of 1. For a married couple, each with a care level, the health or care insurance fund will even cover up to €8,000.
In order to receive such a subsidy from your health or care insurance fund, an application must be submitted. Please note that the application must be submitted before the stairlift is ordered. Once this has been confirmed, you can place the order and have the stairlift installed. Just make sure you collect all the original invoices so that they can be sent to the health or care insurance fund after installation.
