Is a stairlift right for you? How does a stairlift work?

Jun 11, 2021 | Stair Lifts NJ

With the right help, life-threatening falls are easily prevented with home modification intervention.  By retrofitting a home with a stairlift, one can improve their quality of life.

Though most people are prone to reactive decision-making, a proactive approach to safety and accessibility equipment installation can avoid a life-altering—or life-threatening—event. 

Many falls lead to surgeries that compromise a person’s mobility and independence. We can help you avoid this, and the answer often lies in a stairlift, or what some people also refer to as a chairlift given its appearance.

As you would expect, a home’s layout is a critical factor in the decision-making process. In New Jersey, most master bedrooms and baths are on the second floor. Obstacles such as stairs, narrow doorways, and tubs pose additional challenges to those with functional impairments.

Why limit access to half of a home when a stairlift can make it accessible and safe to navigate?

Installing a stairlift also protects the caregiver from a fall and reduces their concerns about an imminent accident when they are not around.

Is a stairlift right for you?

In most cases, if you can transfer onto a chair safely, you can use a stairlift.

We work with a wide range of clients who have mobility challenges due to:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Low Vision
  • Poor balance
  • Limited flexibility
  • Poor endurance

Many of these individuals have had a recent medical compromise or are aging in place.

How a stairlift works

Stairlift batteries plug into a common 110 electrical receptacle. Even in the event of a power outage, a person can use their stairlift while the battery holds a charge.

For safety’s sake, when the stairlift reaches the top of the track, you swivel the seat so your back is facing the stairs when you stand. 

The footplate, armrests, and seat fold up, so the lift is out of the way when it’s not in use.

There are interior and exterior stairlifts, with straight and curved options to accommodate any floor plan.

indoor stairlift

Interior stairlifts

There are straight and custom curve options for interior stairlifts.

Straight

A straight stairlift may prove the most cost-effective solution for most clients. Its smooth start and stop mechanisms and an effortless glide ensure a relaxing, comfortable ascent and descent.

You may need options such as:

  • Hinge tracks, which allow you to flip the bottom track out of the way if it will be a trip hazard
  • Extra-long tracks for lengthy stairways
  • Power swivel seats

A standard straight stairlift costs about $3,000, but companies such as Back Home Safely also offer rentals.


Custom curve

The custom curve is a tailored solution for any curved staircase. Besides an equally comfortable and reliable ride, the advanced self-leveling carriage moves along the modular rail system, coming to a gentle stop.

Some customers’ homes have landings on their staircases. If the layout permits it, an alternate solution is to install two straight lifts rather than a custom curve as a cost-saving alternative.

Exterior stairlifts

As you would expect, manufacturers build outdoor stairlifts to withstand the elements. A seat cover to maintain dryness and cleanliness is also included.

Straight

Straight exterior stairlifts are ideal accessing a home when stairs are difficult to navigate.

Outdoor stairlifts include all the features of our straight indoor stairlift.

Straight exterior stairlifts start at $5000, but there is also an option to rent?

Outdoor custom curve

Just as with the indoor version, we can tailor your outdoor mobility solution.

exterior stairlift

Our manufacturers are among the best in the business:

Manufacturers

The Back Home Safely advantage

Unlike our competitors, licensed therapists or certified aging-in-place specialists perform these consultations. It’s not just about knowing product features and installation techniques, it’s about understanding our clients’ needs and providing the optimal solution.

We have been proudly serving the Garden State for over 14 years.

What you can expect from our team

Our therapists and certified aging-in-place specialists:

  • Assess the home’s layout
  • Identify obstacles
  • Gain a complete understanding of the client’s goals
  • Review the diagnosis, functional abilities, and goals. Diagnoses such as orthopedic and soft tissue injuries usually heal, making the individual’s need for mobility equipment temporary.
  • Make recommendations and provide free estimates
  • Once you have made a purchase or rental decision, our installation specialists will install the equipment

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the home, especially in bathrooms, stairways, and entry points. Slippery surfaces, limited balance, and poor leverage can turn everyday movements into serious safety risks. One of the most effective and affordable solutions for reducing these risks is the proper installation of grab bars.

Grab bars are a cornerstone of home accessibility and aging-in-place solutions, offering reliable support exactly where it’s needed most.

Why Grab Bars Are So Important for Home Safety

Many people assume grab bars are only for showers or hospitals, but the reality is they can significantly improve safety throughout the home. Properly placed grab bars help reduce strain, improve stability, and provide a secure handhold during transitions like sitting, standing, or stepping over thresholds.
Grab bars are especially beneficial in:

  • Bathrooms (showers, tubs, and near toilets)
  • Stairways and hallways
  • Entryways and garages
  • Bedrooms and other frequently used areas

According to safety experts, bathrooms are one of the highest-risk areas for falls, making grab bars a critical component of fall prevention and home modification strategies.

Grab Bars vs. Towel Racks: A Critical Difference
One of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes homeowners make is relying on towel racks or fixtures for support. These items are not designed to bear body weight and can easily pull out of the wall, leading to serious injury.

Professionally installed grab bars are:

  • Anchored securely into wall studs or reinforced walls
  • Designed to support significant weight
  • Installed at the correct height and angle for safe use

This is why professional assessment and installation are so important.

Customized Placement Makes All the Difference

Not all grab bars are created equal, and placement matters just as much as the product itself. The right location depends on factors like:

  • User height and reach
  • Balance and mobility needs
  • Bathroom layout and daily routines

That’s why our home accessibility company offers free home evaluations performed by qualified therapists. These professionals assess the home environment, identify fall risks, and recommend grab bar placement that enhances safety and usability—at no cost to you.

Stylish, Modern Options for Any Home

Today’s grab bars are far more discreet and stylish than many people expect. They are available in:

  • Multiple finishes to match bathroom fixtures
  • Straight, angled, and curved designs
  • Styles that blend seamlessly with home décor

This means safety upgrades don’t have to make a home look institutional.

A Proactive Step Toward Aging in Place

Installing grab bars is one of the simplest ways to support long-term home safety. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or planning ahead, grab bars provide peace of mind for homeowners and families alike.

Combined with a professional home safety evaluation, grab bars can help reduce fall risk and create a more supportive living environment—without major renovations.

Schedule Your Free Home Safety Evaluation

Our team specializes in home accessibility solutions that help people stay safe and comfortable where they live. We proudly offer free home evaluations conducted by qualified therapists, ensuring every recommendation is tailored, practical, and effective.

If you’re considering grab bars or other home safety modifications, contact us today to schedule your no-cost evaluation and take the first step toward a safer home.