Where to Get Grants for Stairlift?

Grants for Stairlift – Overview

The stairlift is a beneficial solution for the disabled and the elderly to comfortably climb stairs at home.

The Stairlift has become an increasingly essential aid for those who struggle to walk up and down flights of stairs, especially at home.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Stairlift?

On average, installing a Stairlift at home can cost as much as US$ 3,000 to US$ 5,000, with lifts for curved stairs going as much as US$ 10,000 and more.

Though this rate is certainly expensive, this is still a better option for the elderly and disabled as compared to shifting to a new home or a senior facility.

The length of the staircase also affects the total cost of installing a Stairlift.

The width of the staircase is also a factor as it might restrict the choices of Stairlift, as a narrow flight of stairs may not be an ideal fit for larger-sized Stairlift models.

Typically, Stairlift models weigh anywhere between 200 to 300 lbs. Special customized Stairlift models for bariatric patients can support weights up to 600 lbs. but this also adds to the total cost of the Stairlift.

Also, other factors can increase the overall cost of a Stairlift, such as adding folding rails to adjust at landings or hallways, swivel chairs, folding seats and footrests.

If you wish to install a stairlift outdoors on the flight of steps leading up to the front door, you must pay an extra amount to get it weatherproofed.

For most of us, these costs are extremely prohibitive and cannot be borne out of our pockets. To remedy this, there are several sources where you can approach grants for Stairlift.

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Stairlift?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of Stairlift. The reason is that Medicare does not consider stairlifts as “durable medical equipment” but deems them as part of “home modification,” which is not covered under Medicare policies.

However, you can still approach other avenues to get funding or sponsorship for installing a Stairlift at home.

Does the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Cover the Cost of a Stairlift?

If you are an ex-member of the US military, then the VA is the first source you should approach for funding a Stairlift at your home.

The Veteran’s Administration offers several choices to fund “stair glide,” as the organization calls Stairlift chairs.

The VA will fund the cost of installing a Stairlift at your home if you are disabled due to service-related injuries.

In such a case, we encourage you to contact your nearest VA office and enquire about a home visit and skills evaluation test, which can qualify you for a Stairlift installation at home.

In case your disability or injury is non-service related, you can still apply for and successfully receive funding to install a Stairlift at home, even if you require it for a disabled or elderly spouse.

The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit are two of the most likely sources where you can get funds to install a Stairlift at your residence.

Apart from this, you can also apply for Stairlift under the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) program that assists veterans who wish to live at home.

Additionally, you can also apply for grants to sponsor a Stairlift.

If you are a military veteran, then you may qualify for the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant, or Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant.

Where to Get Funds from State-based Programs for Stairlift?

Another excellent source for seeking grants for Stairlift at home is the state-based program.

The eligibility criteria for every grant provider differ, so it is advisable to enquire about the specific details of eligibility by contacting the relevant grants-providing agency or organization.

Conclusion

If you check with some of the above-listed sources, you can make a better decision and determine the kind of stairlift you need along with the avenue of funding the stairlift.

Feel free to visit the official websites of the agencies and organizations listed above or contact them directly to know the best option for you to sponsor or fund a Stairlift at home.

See Also

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery

How Much Does Medicare Cost at Age 65

Grants for Senior Dental Implants

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