Chair Lifts: To Rent or To Buy?

Last Updated on October 26, 2012

If you or your loved ones struggle with limited mobility, getting up and down stairs can be an ongoing struggle. Fortunately, today’s wide assortment of chair lifts provide a convenient means of reclaiming one’s autonomy and making your home’s stairways more accessible to all.

When it comes to installing a chair lift inside your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether it’s more sensible to rent or actually purchase your chair lift. Here are some points to consider that will help you make the right choice.

• Renting

Renting a chair lift can be the perfect solution for those with injuries or illnesses that temporarily impair one’s mobility. If you or your loved ones expect to recover from your impairment and regain your mobility relatively soon, then renting a chair lift will probably make more sense than going and buying one. The same applies for those expecting extended stays from elderly relatives or visitors who might face trouble getting up and down stairs. Usually available in monthly rental rates, renting a chair lift will provide you the flexibility to keep your chair lift for as long as you need.

• Buying

While purchasing a chair lift makes the most sense in the homes of those who face permanent mobility impairment, there are other scenarios where purchasing a chair lift might be a sensible option for you. If you expect frequent visitations from friends or family members with limited mobility, a chair lift will ensure they feel welcome and comfortable inside your home. Even in cases of temporary impairment, make sure you actually calculate costs for the entire expected recovery. Sometimes, with options like refurbished chair lifts, it can be more cost-effective to buy than to rent.