The members of the LifeCare Mobility Solutions team are super proud to be members of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) population! We’re well aware that people all throughout Scarborough, Markham, Pickering, Ajax and Whitby, among other areas, feel the same. We also know that all across this great region of ours, maintaining independence at home is essential. Yet for those living in multi-level homes, climbing stairs can become increasingly difficult.
Reasons such as injury, surgery recovery or the natural effects of aging can all make climbing the stairs a hard thing to do. Installing a stairlift is one of the safest and most effective ways to restore accessibility and independence. However, not every situation requires a permanent installation. In fact, many families discover that renting a stairlift is a practical, flexible and cost-effective option. This is especially true for those who have short-term mobility needs.
What are the benefits of installing a stairlift?
Before discussing rental options, it’s worth understanding why stairlifts have become such valuable mobility aids for homeowners and caregivers alike.
Increased safety and confidence.
Staircases are one of the most common places for falls, especially among older adults. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, “it is estimated that between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year.” Stairlifts provide smooth, secure rides up and down the stairs, drastically reducing the risk of slips and injuries. They’re particularly beneficial during winter months when mobility may be more challenging due to joint stiffness or balance issues.
Independence at home.
Stairlifts help people remain in the homes they love without relying on family members for assistance. For those who wish to age in place, this can make a huge difference in quality of life. A stairlift provides them with continued use of both floors of a home rather than being confined to one level.
Comfort and ease of use.
Today’s stairlifts are designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. Features like padded swivel seats, folding footrests and intuitive armrest controls make operation easy, even for individuals with limited dexterity.
When does it make sense to rent a stairlift?
Short-term recovery or rehabilitation.
If you’re recovering from an injury, accident or surgery, a stairlift rental can make life significantly easier during the healing process. Consider someone recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery at home. Climbing the stairs during recovery can be painful or even dangerous. A rented stairlift provides a safe, temporary solution until mobility is fully restored.
Once recovery is complete, the stairlift can be easily removed without leaving any permanent changes to the home. Renting avoids the upfront purchase cost while offering the same safety and independence benefits during recovery.
Caring for a visiting family member.
Many GTA households host aging parents or relatives for extended stays. With the holidays coming up, this is likely to be the case for many families throughout the region. If your loved ones have difficulty with stairs, a rented stairlift ensures that they can move freely throughout your home during their visit.
This temporary setup is ideal for families who want to make their homes more accessible for loved ones without committing to a permanent installation. Once your guest returns home, the stairlift can be quickly and professionally uninstalled.
Trial period before purchase.
A stairlift is a major investment. It’s natural to want to “try before you buy.” Renting allows homeowners to experience the convenience and safety firsthand before deciding whether a full purchase makes sense.
Some clients choose to rent a stairlift for several months to see how often it’s used or whether it fits comfortably in their home. After realizing the value it adds, they often choose to purchase. In many cases, they can apply a portion of the rental fee toward the purchase price. This flexibility provides peace of mind and ensures that homeowners are fully confident in their decisions.
Temporary housing or home renovations.
When families are between homes or temporarily living in multi-level homes during renovations, renting stairlifts can ensure continued mobility during those transitions. Similarly, if a family member with reduced mobility moves into your home temporarily, a stairlift rental can make the environment safer and more accessible for as long as needed.
For homes with curved or narrow staircases, LifeCare Mobility Solutions offers both straight and curved rental options to fit virtually any layout. Just know that, no matter the type of staircase your residence has, there is a stairlift solution to match it!
Financial flexibility.
Renting a stairlift spreads costs over time. This is especially appealing for those with short-term needs or limited budgets. Instead of a large upfront expense, families can pay a manageable monthly fee. This can also be useful when waiting for funding approval through Ontario programs, such as the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), or for insurance coverage to take effect. Renting ensures immediate accessibility while longer-term solutions are arranged.
Providing accessibility during palliative or end-of-life care.
Another compassionate reason for renting a stairlift is to support individuals receiving palliative or end-of-life care at home. Many families in the GTA prefer to keep their loved ones in familiar surroundings rather than hospital settings.
In these cases, stairlift rentals can make it easier and safer for both the individuals and their caregivers to move between floors, access bedrooms or reach bathrooms located on upper levels. When the stairlift is no longer needed, it can be removed promptly, leaving the home as it was before.
Seasonal accessibility needs.
Some homeowners in Ontario experience seasonal fluctuations in mobility. This is particularly true during colder months when arthritis or joint pain worsens. Renting a stairlift during the winter can help seniors maintain full home access comfortably until spring, when their mobility may improve. This seasonal rental approach offers a cost-effective way to adapt to changing mobility needs throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How long can I rent a stairlift for?
Rental durations are flexible. You can rent for weeks, months or as long as you need. LifeCare Mobility Solutions offers both short- and long-term rental plans.
Can I rent a stairlift for curved stairs?
Yes! We offer rental models designed for both straight and curved staircases, ensuring a perfect fit for your home layout.
Is renting a stairlift cheaper than buying one?
For short-term use, renting is typically more affordable. For ongoing mobility needs, purchasing may be more cost-effective over time.
How soon can a stairlift be installed?
Straight stairlifts can often be installed within hours. Custom curved stairlifts may take a few days, depending on design requirements.
Can I purchase the stairlift after renting it?
Absolutely! Many of our clients decide to buy their rental stairlifts after experiencing the convenience and safety they provide.
What happens when I no longer need the stairlift?
Our team will remove it quickly and safely, restoring your home to its original condition.
Are rental stairlifts covered by funding programs?
While most funding programs like Ontario’s ADP cover purchases, our staff can guide you through available options and help determine eligibility.
Get in touch with us today!
To learn more about the Stairlift Rentals offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 416-267-9800, email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca or fill out the form on our Contact page! Be sure to ask about our Bruno, Handicare and Access BDD options!
