Where to Get Grants for Stairlift?

Grants for Stairlift – Overview

The stairlift is an extremely useful solution for the disabled and the elderly for comfortably climbing stairs at home.

The Stairlift has become an increasingly essential aid for those who find it difficult to walk up and down flights of stairs, especially at their homes.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Stairlift?

On average, the cost of installing a Stairlift at home can be as much as US$ 3,000 to US$ 5,000, with the cost of 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 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 outdoor, on the flight of steps leading up to the front door, you will have to pay an extra amount to get it weather-proofed.

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 for 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 Stairlift as “durable medical equipment” but deems it 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 Veteran’s Administration (VA) Cover Cost of 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 offers assistance to 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 to seek 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, then you will be able to make a better decision and determine the kind of Stairlift you need along with the avenue of funding the Stairlift too.

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.

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