Stairlift FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

A stair chair lift makes your home safer and more convenient, and can be essential in helping you remain independent in your own home. Check out our most frequently asked questions about stairlifts:

 

How does a stairlift work?
A stairlift is a product that is very easy to operate for most people! A person can ride up or down the stairs by holding a button down or pushing a switch that is located on the armrest of the chair. As the user holds down the standard rocker switch, the chair lift smoothly travels up or down the stairs.

How is a stairlift powered?
A stairlift is a battery powered chair that glides along a rail system that is mounted to the treads of a staircase. Stairlifts are battery-powered for maximum safety, but are self-charging through the rail the chair rides along, which is plugged into a nearby 110v outlet. The lift being battery powered means that it will work even during a power outage. The lift will charge when not in use at the top and bottom landing of a staircase. If you choose a Bruno stairlift, the lift will charge regardless of its location on the staircase, as it has a charging strip that runs through the entire rail.

Are stairlifts covered by Medicare or health insurance?
No. Unfortunately, Medicare & most standard health insurance plans do not cover the cost of a stairlift because they do not consider it to be durable medical equipment. Stairlifts are classified as a home modification, which is not covered in the Medicare guidelines. This may change in the future, but for now, this is how Medicare stands on the issue.

Are stairlifts for seniors difficult to operate?
No. Although there are many models on the market, each with optional features, stairlifts are universally designed for smooth, safe, and simple operation by people of all ages. When your stairlift is installed by a Next Day Access expert, we take the time to train all members of your household on its use and maintenance.

Will a stairlift fit on my staircase?
Yes, stairlifts fit most staircases. A staircase needs to be a minimum of 32 inches wide to fit a stairlift. The track is mounted on the stair treads, not on the wall, and will extend out from the wall between 6 to 9 inches. The chair lift’s seat, arms, and footrest will fold up when the lift is not in use. Folded up, stairlifts will extend from 11 to 16 inches from the wall. The track on a stairlift
does extend beyond the bottom of the staircase which, in some cases, can be a problem. In this case, upgrading to the optional manual or electric folding rail will allow the track to fold up and out of the way when the lift is not in use.

Is there a stairlift warranty?
Yes, below are some details regarding the warranties offered on the Bruno stairlifts that we sell and install:

• Indoor stairlifts have a limited lifetime warranty on the major components.
• Outdoor stairlifts have a 5-year warranty on major components.
• Next Day Access provides a 1-year labor warranty on all new stairlifts that we sell and install.

How long does it take for a stairlift to be installed?
On average, it usually takes 3-6 hours for our professional technicians to install a stairlift. The time of installation will depend on whether it’s a straight or curved stairlift. After the lift is installed, our technicians will take the time to help you learn how to safely operate the lift. The turnaround time for installation after purchase for a stairlift can vary. Straight stairlifts can sometimes be within a day or two after the unit is purchased, depending on our inventory.
Turnaround time on curved stairlifts is 6-8 weeks, as the rails are custom designed and welded to perfectly fit the bends and turns of an individual staircase.