Can You Rent a Stairlift for Short-Term Recovery? A Knee Surgery Story
Yes, you can rent a stairlift. If you only need one for a few months, for example while you recover from knee surgery, renting is often the better fit. You get to use all of your home during recovery, and you do not buy equipment you will not need for long.
We want to answer this the way we answered it for a real client, so here is her story first. Then we answer the questions we hear most.
A visit on Vancouver’s west side
Not long ago we visited a client on the west side of Vancouver. She had called for a stairlift assessment on the recommendation of her occupational therapist. She was about to have a knee replacement at VGH, and she had a plan: get a stairlift.
We did not start with a product. We started by sitting down and listening. We let her explain what was coming, how she wanted to live at home during recovery, and what she was most worried about. Then we looked at her stairs and talked through what we saw.
This is how every assessment goes. We take the time to listen first, assess second, and advise third. A stairlift is not the right answer for everyone, and the right type of stairlift, or the right way to get one, depends on the person and the home. The only way to know is to listen.
What she told us was clear. She did not want to sleep on the living room couch after surgery. She did not want to settle for sponge baths. She wanted to live in her whole home while she healed.
Buying a stairlift was the way she had planned to do that. But as we talked, it became clear she would only need one for less than 6 months, and she was not ready to have a stairlift installed in her home for good. So we suggested a different option: rent one.
She liked the idea right away. She also had one more question, which a lot of people have.
Why do people look at a stairlift before surgery?
Because planning ahead takes the stress out of coming home. After a knee replacement, stairs can be one of the hardest parts of the house. If the bedroom and the shower are upstairs, the options without a stairlift are not great: sleeping downstairs and washing at the sink for weeks.
Thinking about this before surgery, as our client did, means the solution is in place when you come home. It is much easier than trying to solve it during recovery. Always follow the advice of your surgeon and your occupational therapist about stairs and movement. A stairlift is a tool that can help you follow it.
Do I have to buy a stairlift to use my stairs after surgery?
No. Buying is one option. Renting is another. They suit different situations.
Renting is usually a good fit when:
- You expect to need the lift for a limited time, such as recovery after surgery.
- You are not ready to have a stairlift installed permanently.
- You have a straight staircase. Curved rails are custom-made, so they are normally bought, not rented.
Buying is usually a better fit when:
- You have a long-term mobility condition that is unlikely to improve.
- You plan to stay in your home for years and expect to use the lift every day.
- Your staircase is curved.
We give you the honest answer at the assessment, even when it means a smaller job for us. You can also read our full guide to renting vs buying a stairlift.
Will a stairlift be attached to my wall or glass railing?
This was our client’s biggest worry. One side of her staircase had a glass railing, and she believed a stairlift is fixed to the wall. She was concerned about installing it on the side with the glass.
She was very happy to hear that a stairlift is not attached to the wall or the railing. It is fastened to the stair treads. The rail sits along the stairs themselves, so a glass railing is not an obstacle. On her carpeted stairs, the only trace left behind would be a few small holes in the carpet.
It is a common misunderstanding, and an important one, because it stops people from even asking about a stairlift. If you have a glass railing or walls you do not want to touch, ask us. We will look at your stairs and tell you what is possible.
What does it cost to rent a stairlift, and what is included?
Our straight stairlift rentals start from $250 per month. Here is what to know:
- Terms are flexible and month-to-month.
- Maintenance is included while you rent.
- Set-up and removal costs are billed on the first invoice.
We confirm the details for your staircase at your assessment, so there are no surprises.
Prices are indicative and accurate at the time of publishing; contact us for a current quote.
You can see what we rent on our Rentals page.
How do I plan ahead for life after surgery?
If you have surgery coming up, these questions can help you get ready before the day:
- How long will I need help with the stairs? Ask your surgeon or therapist for their estimate. It decides between renting and buying.
- Which rooms do I need to reach? Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry. If they are on different floors, the stairs matter.
- What kind of staircase do I have? A straight staircase can be rented. A curved staircase needs a custom rail.
- Who will be at home to help? Think about the first days after you come back.
- Is the bathroom ready? Our guide to coming home after a stroke or surgery covers other changes to think about.
Start early. Our client planned ahead of her surgery, so she could focus on her recovery instead of her stairs.
Are rented stairlifts safe?
A rental is a real stairlift, installed on your stairs by our team. You should ask any company how it is installed, what safety features it has and who looks after it. We cover this in Are Stairlifts Safe? Safety, Care and Maintenance.
What was the outcome for our client?
She now has a plan that fits her situation. She can use her whole home after surgery. She does not have to live on one floor. And she does not have to buy a stairlift she will only use for a limited time.
That is what listening first makes possible. We did not arrive with a sales pitch. We arrived with questions, and the best answer turned out to be different from the one she first had in mind.
Planning surgery or a hospital stay? Let’s talk first
If you or someone close to you is facing surgery and the stairs are a worry, book a free in-home assessment. We will listen to your situation, look at your stairs and give you honest advice, whether that means renting, buying or neither. Or call us at 604-259-1211.
Learn more about stairlifts at Home2stay.