When the stairs start to feel like an obstacle, many families assume the next step is moving to a single-level home. It's one option, but not the only one. Stairlifts let many people stay in the home they already have. Here's how the main options compare.

Why so many people want to stay home

Most older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age. The National Institute on Aging notes that staying at home, often called aging in place, is what many people prefer, and that planning ahead for changing needs, including home modifications, can make it possible.

A familiar home comes with more than square footage: neighbors, routines, memories and a community you know.

Option 1: Moving to a single-level home

Moving removes the stairs entirely, but it's a big undertaking. It means selling a home, finding a new one that fits your needs, packing years of belongings and adjusting to a new neighborhood. For some people it's the right choice; for many, it's more change than they want.

Option 2: Living on one floor of your current home

Some people move their bedroom to the main floor and avoid the stairs altogether. It can work in the short term, but it often means giving up a real bedroom, a full bathroom or the laundry room, and it leaves part of the house unused.

Option 3: Remodeling

Adding a first-floor bedroom or bathroom can make a home more accessible, but remodeling is typically disruptive and time-consuming, and it isn't possible in every home.

Option 4: Stairlifts

Stairlifts are installed on your existing staircase, usually without construction. You keep using every floor of the house, and the change to your daily routine is small: sit, ride and step off.

  • Straight stairlifts fit staircases that run in one straight line
  • Curved stairlifts fit staircases with turns or landings
  • Outdoor stairlifts can help with porch or deck steps

Comparing the options

When you weigh these options, consider:

  • Disruption: Moving and remodeling change a lot; stairlifts change very little.
  • Time: Stairlifts can often be installed far faster than a move or remodel.
  • What you keep: Stairlifts let you keep your home, neighborhood and routines.
  • Flexibility: A stairlift can be a long-term solution or support recovery after surgery.

Stairlifts FAQs

Are stairlifts only for older adults?

No. Stairlifts help anyone who finds stairs difficult, including people recovering from surgery or living with a long-term condition. They're especially common among older adults who want to stay in their homes.

Do stairlifts work for split-level homes?

Often, yes. Split-level homes have short runs of stairs between levels, and stairlifts can be installed on those runs. The layout of each run determines whether it needs a straight or curved system.

Can stairlifts be removed if we sell the house?

Yes. Stairlifts attach to the stair treads, so they can generally be removed, leaving only small screw holes behind.

Are stairlifts faster to arrange than a move?

In most cases, much faster. A straight stairlift can often be installed in a single visit, while selling one home and buying another takes months.

Is a stairlift the right choice?

If the main thing making your home hard to live in is the stairs, a stairlift is often the simplest way to solve it. Read more about stair lifts for seniors, or call Tri-State Stair Chair to talk about your home. We install stairlifts across Illinois, Missouri and Iowa.