Knowledge vault stairlift advice- For more independence, safety and comfort.

Stair lifts open up new ways for people with physical limitations and disabilities: If it was previously impossible to overcome stairs between floors, a stair lift installation is the solution. The so-called lift classes are seat lifts, platform lifts for wheelchair users and outdoor lifts. But lift installation, despite its qualities, brings challenges:

• Selection of the suitable lift system for the individual situation: What is possible? What is worthwhile in my case?
• Deciding on a purchase model: renting, second-hand or buying new?
• Financing the lift: Is it possible to apply for subsidies and cost absorption in order to meet the sometimes enormous costs?

With our guide, we replace the challenges with opportunities; opportunities for a self-determined and comfortable life in your own four walls, regardless of the extent of your physical limitations! In addition, with our configurator we give you the opportunity to optimise the complicated and lengthy process of stairlift selection and purchase: Simply answer the questions and receive information and free customised offers.

A stair lift means quality of life. Independent. Happy. Mobile. Active. Varied. The lift creates the perspective of remaining in one's home and probably familiar surroundings instead of having to move to assisted accommodation in the long term. But is installation even possible? What are the legal hurdles? What are the requirements for stairs and the surrounding area that necessitate the construction of a lift system?

The stair lift outside enables accessibility that goes beyond your own four walls:

• Freedom of movement in the garden
• Independent leaving of the house
• Maintenance of the outdoor area

The resulting independence gives users a better attitude to life and a more flexible way of spending their time. At the same time, the stair lift outside increases safety standards. This is because outside there are risks such as the danger of slipping due to wetness and icy surfaces in winter. In order to cope with outdoor use, these lift systems have a robust and weatherproof finish. In addition, a cover is included in the scope of delivery to protect against extreme weather conditions.

The regulations for the installation of a stair lift differ in the federal states. According to[nbsp]§554a paragraph 1 BGB, the tenant has the right to demand the landlord's consent to barrier-free access. This means that the landlord must generally agree to a conversion. Exceptions arise, however, if other tenants have opposing legitimate wishes and the interest in leaving the flat in its original condition outweighs the interests of the tenant with the wish for barrier-free access. In addition, the landlord is released from his obligation to have the barrier-free access removed after moving out if there is no sufficient security; this means that he can make his consent dependent on whether the rent security (deposit) is sufficient.

In most cases, the landlord is willing to talk . The same applies to the other tenants. Because of the diverse design options of the lift systems and different types of lifts, compromises can be found between the parties. In addition, the stairlift providers actively help by taking on a mediating function - both between you and the other tenants and between you and the landlord!

The sufficient stair width varies with the lift system. You can find out the minimum dimensions for the individual systems in the following section Stairlift types. A classic sit lift, for example, requires one metre of stair width; space is also needed at the beginning and end of the stairs. One requirement is to prevent the stairlift from blocking the hallway or corridor. For this reason, the stairlift is calculated generously and individually in order to maintain full comfort, freedom of movement and aesthetics within one's own four walls, by integrating the stairlift into the other furnishings of the home in a space-saving manner. If space is limited, there are stairlifts that can be folded away when not in use.
The height of the walls is also important to ensure that the stairlift can be manoeuvred safely and that the user can stand up without danger. A minimum wall height of one metre is specified for all lift systems. Walls that are too low would have to be extended, which would require extensive changes to the building structure. For this reason, a stairlift system is not installed if the wall height is less than one metre.

The different lift systems are used to enable adaptation to the respective needs of the user and the local conditions. The variety of stairlift types is the reason why there is a suitable lift system for the majority of properties. You don't believe it? Then take a close look at the following sections and find the right solution for you!

A rough subdivision of the stairlift types is first of all made into the categories seat lifts and platform lifts. Seat lifts are used by people whose mobility is largely intact. Platform lif ts are used by wheelchair users and people who have serious problems getting up and sitting down.

The seat lift is a classic among stair lifts and is available in two versions: One is for straight stairs, which is simply called a seat lift. On the other hand, there is the curved lift. Here the name says it all: this lift is able to travel around winding stairs as a 'stair lift spiral staircase'. The components are the same for both seat and curved lifts.

Seat lifts and stair lifts are suitable for mobile and independent persons. They are used to assist in climbing several steps if this is unreasonable or difficult. They require a person to:

• can stand up and sit down without difficulty,
• is able to walk on level surfaces, and
• has an unimpaired cardiovascular system.

People with severe limitations, such as people with walkers, with medical equipment for transport and wheelchair users, need a platform lift. This has a higher load capacity to also transport medical equipment and the person with a walker or wheelchair.

While a basic characteristic of platform lifts is that they are highly load-bearing and wide, the standing lift stands out as a special form of platform lift due to its narrow shape. The standing lift does not require the space for wheelchairs or walkers. Its sole purpose is to transport a person - standing up.

Why do people need a stair lift if they can stand?

When people experience discomfort sitting down and standing up, a stair lift can be a beneficial solution. In contrast to the sit lift, it offers people with joint stiffness and arthrosis the possibility to climb the stairs safely and while standing. There is even a compromise for people who find standing and sitting equally difficult: The lean-to lift, synonymously called saddle seat lift. There are also combination models consisting of a sit lift and a stand lift.

The requirements for stair lift installation are different for a stand-up lift than for a sit-down and curved lift. While a minimum ceiling height of 2.25 metres instead of the usual one metre protects the user's head when standing, the smaller minimum width of 70 centimetres is due to the construction of the lift itself.

The lift differs from the platform lift in that it transports one or more persons vertically up and down the stairs. This vertical movement is used for stairs that have few steps or whose relative slope is above 70 degrees. This type of stairlift is also offered as a lift or hoist.

Depending on the individual requirements, a lifting platform can be accessed from several sides via two or three ramps. If the wheelchair user drives up on one side, it is possible to drive straight out on the opposite side on the other level, so that the wheelchair user can continue straight ahead and does not have to drive or manoeuvre backwards. The ramps should be kept as flat as possible so that the wheelchair user does not have to exert much force. The lift system can be operated via an interior control as well as elements on the interior and exterior wall of the lift system. There are also smart-home lifts for wheelchair users. These have control via smartphone, which is advantageous for use by several people.  Safety features vary between models:

• Retaining railings
• End walls along the lift
• Emergency stop switch
• Safety bar

The lift has a platform that provides enough space for one person and additional equipment such as walking aids. The lifting capacity of this lift system reaches up to 300 kilograms and is even suitable for users of electric wheelchairs, which are heavier than mechanical wheelchairs. Because of the conversion work involved, a lift for wheelchair users requires careful consideration of the benefits and the local conditions. If a lift is not absolutely necessary, then it is not installed and another lift system is installed, as the lift is one of the most expensive lift systems. However, its price is justified by its particularly high load-bearing capacity and the wide range of design options. Speaking of design possibilities: There are even stairs for outdoor use that convert into lifts at the push of a button!

The overview of the stairlift types has shown that the large selection means that a suitable stairlift is available for every individual case: from narrow staircases and outdoor use to high load capacity requirements, everything is covered! An on-site inspection by the manufacturer and a custom-fit design of the stairlift ensure absolute safety and a high level of comfort in use. The easy-to-understand operation of the lift rounds off the overall package attractively.

Stairlift prices vary with the respective system. For a seat lift, a flat rate of €3,000 to €8,000 can be expected for straight stairs. In the case of a curved stair lift, double this amount should be expected due to the manoeuvrable steps of the staircase and the more complex production. A platform lift ranges in price from 9,000 to 18,000 €, a lift from 6,000 to 12,000 €. The external lift with the lift shaft is in another dimension in terms of price: at the peak, amounts of 100,000 € are not uncommon.

Without a doubt, these price ranges should only be understood as estimates. Although they are based on an extensive stairlift price comparison as well as several stairlift cost experiences, individual details are already able to push up the cost structure. For example, a seat lift for a straight staircase costs just under 3,000 to 8,000 euros for one floor. On the other hand, if the stairs run over several floors, the costs are estimated to be a third higher.

The stairlift costs are one side of the coin. The other side of the coin are the subsidies and grants that can considerably reduce the costs of the stairlift: On the one hand, the health insurance companies - depending on the respective level of care - are obliged to pay. This is because anyone who pays into a health and long-term care insurance scheme is entitled to the corresponding benefits when medical necessity arises. On the other hand, in addition to the health insurance companies, the state and associations are a contact point for stairlift financing.

Good news for affected persons: The stair lift health insurance cost coverage already applies from the first care degree. Due to a major reform in the care sector on 01.01.2017, the degree contains new provisions. In order to meet these requirements, it is necessary that a person is at least slightly limited in their independence. When assessing the limitations, the focus is not on the time involved, but on the person concerned per se. In the assessment procedure, a minimum score of 12.5 is required to fall into the first care degree. The assessment procedure for the evaluation of the care degree is called NBA for short and is carried out by an assessor. This assessor distributes points for six categories that are tested on the person concerned, which define the extent of the restriction. These six points are:

• Mobility
• Cognitive and communicative abilities
• Behavioural and psychological problems
• Self-care
• Dealing with stress caused by illness and therapy
• Shaping everyday life

Care degrees or not, there are no subsidies for stair lifts if the existing barriers in the house or flat do not meet certain criteria. One of these two cases must be given: on the one hand, the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom must be on different floors, on the other hand, steps leading to the front door are another criterion. In addition, the person with at least the first degree of care must be so mobility-impaired that he or she cannot climb the steps without a stair lift. If these criteria are met, then all doors are open to stair lift financing through the health insurance fund.

If you do not have a care degree, it is recommended that you first apply for a degree. This is free of charge and, if approved, offers you the prospect of further benefits in addition to the stair lift subsidy. These include the care allowance for family members providing care, the subsidies for care aids and the subsidies for full inpatient care. Furthermore, there are other financing options in addition to the stairlift health insurance co-payment.

Full support and thus the "Age-appropriate house" standard is only granted to those properties that meet the criteria mentioned. Individual measures are supported within a lower financial framework: Individual measures that meet the criteria of Kfw-Bank are supported within the framework of the "Age-appropriate conversion" grant. This grant is alternatively known as "Grant 455-B" and "Barrier Reduction - Investment Grant". The catch with this subsidy is the high demand. For this reason, Kfw-Bank itself appeals to you to apply as soon as possible - as long as funding is available. Especially if you already have concrete plans, the prospects of receiving the investment grant are good.

The possible amount of the grant is between 1,500 and 6,250 euros and covers part of the costs.

Barrier reduction with individual measures:

• Conversion of paths related to one's own building (e.g. garden paths, garage paths).
• Age-appropriate parking spaces (e.g. for cars, walkers, prams)
• in the apartment/house (e.g. lift systems, bathroom conversions, assistance systems for everyday life)

Conversion in the sense of the "Age-appropriate House" standard:

• Individual measures that contribute to compliance with or fulfilment of the standard "Age-appropriate house".
• Lifts, stair lifts, ramp systems and much more!

Purchase of barrier-free housing:

• The purchase of housing that has been converted in accordance with the principles of the Kfw programmes can be subsidised by Kfw.This requires separate proof of the costs of the conversion in the purchase contract.

Kfw Bank also promotes burglary protection with up to EUR 1,600 per housing unit. This can be flexibly combined with other promotional funds. In addition to the repayment-free grant, there is also a low-interest loan of up to 50,000 euros.

The stairlift subsidy  is available from Kfw-Bank under various funding programmes. This applies to both individual measures and extensive conversions of one's own property. Due to the high demand, it is advisable to apply as early as possible with concrete plans for the targeted measures. If the subsidy is not sufficient, there are possible combinations with the health insurance subsidy for stair lifts and the loans offered by Kfw-Bank as solutions. The loans offer favourable conditions and are an attractive option, especially for expensive lift systems.

If the stair lift is a medical measure, then take advantage of the tax deductibility! A certificate from your family doctor confirming the medical necessity of the stair lift should suffice as proof. In your tax return, you can enter the stair lift as an extraordinary expense. Alternatively, your tax advisor will take care of your concerns, inform you in this regard and take care of the tax return.

The overview of funding options reveals that there are ways to achieve stairlift funding. There are even subsidies available that pay for the entire stairlift, but this is an exception. As a rule, a part of the stairlift costs is covered, which relieves you and your relatives. In all cases, health insurance, Kfw-Bank, the state and, under certain circumstances, professional associations, liability insurances and the social welfare office are helpful points of contact for financing the stair lift. Finally, the advantage of tax deductibility completes the overall package.

With prices for new stairlifts soaring, the search for alternatives is in full swing. Government subsidies and tax deductibility already offer some prospects for savings. But at the same time, a second-hand stairlift offers great savings potential.

After a stairlift has completed its first cycle of use, it is either disposed of or sold. The family or person selling the stairlift will then approach a manufacturer. In addition to the purchase of a used lift, returns from rental installations flow into this step. Once accepted by the manufacturer, the next step is as follows:

1. Initial testing for functionality
2. Reconditioning with the replacement of wear parts
3. Cleaning in a special washing plant
4. General overhaul of the upholstery
5. Inspection of all individual plastic & metal parts and replacement if necessary.
6. Reassembly with extensive tests to put the lift through its paces.
7. Sale of the newly refurbished lift after adaptation to the buyer
8. Professional assembly at the new owner
9. Detailed instruction in the use of the lift including written operating instructions.

This strict procedure shows that the safety precautions do not deviate by a millimetre from those of a new stairlift. Otherwise, the manufacturer would run the risk of being held liable for accidents resulting from construction errors.

The described theory and practice are followed by several proofs for the safety of used stairlifts. Concise safety standards are the type examination and the CE certification. The type examination is a procedure in which all the necessary tests are carried out by a test centre to determine whether a particular product complies with the EU directives and standards. Before this test, the product is not placed on the market. If the product passes the test, it receives the meaningful CE certification.

This relevant safety feature for second-hand stairlifts is rounded off by guarantee declarations for the product. Depending on the dealer and manufacturer, these are valid for up to three years after purchase.

In our experience, used stairlifts are only a good option if the stairlift is a straight stairlift. If, on the other hand, the staircase has curves, then the reconditioning of the stairlift is so time-consuming that the savings are relatively small. Accordingly, the approximate rule of thumb is: if you are looking for a stair lift for a straight staircase, look around among the second-hand models! However, if there are more complex designs such as the curved lift or the various forms of platform lifts, then buying new or renting is the option of first choice. The keyword "rental" already brings us to the next topic.

Several stairlift rental experiences show that renting is only worthwhile for three to four years. From then on, the rental costs exceed the purchase costs. The bottom line is that the shorter the rental period, the more economical it is. All the advantages of a rented stairlift are to be found in such a short period of time.

A rental is suitable for bridging temporary mobility restrictions for people after operations and in the case of expected or possible recovery. Stairlift hire is also a viable option in the case of illness & complaints that are difficult to assess. However, if it becomes apparent after months that the condition will not improve and the stairlift is necessary in the long term, then the rental should be discontinued immediately, as it will be too expensive in the long term.

However, this fact alone does not adequately address the decision to rent a stairlift. In addition to the question of the potential duration of a rental, the financial situation, the course of the staircase and the desired type of lift all play a role in the decision-making process.

Should the purchase of a stairlift prove too expensive, renting a stairlift may be the only solution even for longer periods of time. This is because while paying a large premium all at once is too costly for many people, regulated and moderate monthly payments prove to be the viable option. Furthermore, the tenant benefits from free assembly and dismantling as well as maintenance and repair costs included in the contract.

The course of the stairs has an influence on the necessary lift system. This in turn influences the costs. Roughly speaking, the more complicated the lift system is to build and install, the less lucrative the rent. It is one thing to hire a straight stairlift over one floor, but quite another to have a lift made to measure at a height of three metres with a fixed foundation and then to hire it. With this in mind, here is some advice:

A short period of use is defined as three to four years of use of the stairlift. Up to this point, renting is still financially worthwhile, but above this point it is more worthwhile to buy. The more complex the lift system - platform lift, lift, stairlift spiral staircase - the shorter the period of time during which a rental would be financially profitable.

Renting a stair lift is an obvious solution in the case of a seat lift for a straight staircase; especially if the financial strength for a new purchase is not given or it is a temporary solution for up to four years. For curved stairs and platform lifts, on the other hand, the purchase of a new model is the only financially recommendable option in the long term. For companies, leasing proves to be an attractive financing model with regard to tax legislation.

Although the medical benefit of a stairlift is the main focus, the stairlift becomes part of one's own four walls at the time of installation. A design that is coherent with the rest of the house increases the feel-good factor for everyone. In principle, you can think of a stairlift - purely from a design point of view - as the purchase of a new piece of furniture. The following aspects, among others, are important in such a new purchase:

• Adaptation to the style of your own four walls
• Colour match with other furniture
• Spatial conditions for harmonious integration

Fortunately, the manufacturers provide you with far-reaching perspectives for integrating stair lifts harmoniously into your interior design!

When it comes to the choice of colours, the individual manufacturers offer you a complete range: In addition to matt green and pink shades, there are even elegant and high-gloss bordeaux and brown for the upholstery. There are also plain colours such as white and beige. Other colours in various shades allow the upholstery to be adapted to almost any interior design.

Things get more complicated, however, when it comes to the armrests and backrests as well as the supports: These are increasingly available in standard colours such as brown, black, white and grey. They are usually colour-matched to the tubes and other elements. However, manufacturers from abroad in particular offer some unusual variants with models such as Capri by Vimec. Accordingly, there are backrests and armrests in mahogany motifs here, which even blend in seamlessly with Art Deco styles. As a friend of modern furnishings, you will also find what you are looking for, as there are highly innovative lifts. In addition to convenient smartphone control features, these include a suitably futuristic design that says "Goodbye!" to dull corners and edges and conjures up creative transitions between the individual elements of the stair lift.

The spatial conditions should also be mentioned: These play a role in the design because they decide how much space a stairlift takes up. In this respect, the possibilities are somewhat limited. The reason for this is that a stairlift, as a medically necessary part of the house, must be given priority and placed at the respective staircase. Although the various types of stairlift offer possibilities for variation and thus partial adaptation to the spatial conditions, the wheel cannot be reinvented. Consequently, you have to compromise on the seat itself, even if you are reluctant to do so because of the spatial conditions. One consolation at this point is the folding function, which is available depending on the stairlift model. The folding function allows you to fold the stair lift in a space-saving manner.

Where you have more leeway, however, is in the design of the tubes. These are available in narrow versions so that they take up little space from surrounding furniture or decoration on the wall side. All of these design options are only available with new stairlifts, which you either buy, rent or lease. Used stairlifts remain the same except for reconditioning and changing or adding certain elements.

While the stairlift outside comes with its individual limitations, stairlifts for indoors offer a considerable choice in almost every conceivable design aspect. This only applies on condition that a new stairlift is purchased. Because unlike used and existing lift systems, new lifts can be configured according to one's own wishes.

The safety of a stairlift is determined by its quality. Safety is guaranteed by choosing the right model. There are many cheap stairlifts on the foreign market in particular, but they do not meet the quality guidelines and safety requirements. So before you buy, do a stairlift test by looking at the following quality features...

Feature #1: Stairlift comparison based on quality seals

There are four seals of approval that can be used to indicate the quality of a stairlift:

• CE seal as a sign of quality products with permission to be introduced into the European market.
• TÜV seal as proof of flawless technical function and safety control
• GS seal as proof of compliance with the requirements of the Product Safety Act
• "Geprüfte Fachkraft Barrierefreie Installation und Montage" (Certified Specialist for Barrier-Free Installation and Assembly) as a test mark for craft businesses for the installation of stairlifts that employ trained specialists.

Feature #2: Stairlift equipment

A high-quality lift system has numerous mechanisms and parts that serve the safety of people and its own functionality. The more of the following the stairlift contains, the safer it is:

• Safety belt
• Battery drive for emergencies
• Emergency stop
• Automatic stop
• Child safety lock
• Most flexible & innovative operation (joysticks, smartphone etc.)

Feature #3: The choice of supplier

Last but not least - with the first two features and their aspects in mind - take a closer look at the individual stairlift providers in your stairlift test. At this point we would like to point out our surprise for you, which you may have already noticed at the top of the website: our configurator! This is there to compare all stairlift suppliers with each other. You don't have to do much work, just enter your details. And we do the rest of the work for you: We check which stairlifts meet the quality criteria and pick out the best offers from the best manufacturers. Our motto: "Quality and safety - 100% made in Germany!" We act according to this standard for the benefit of our readers and all those who want help. By entering your details in our configurator, you will receive the stairlift offer with the best conditions, while you sit back and relax at home - convinced? Then register!