By PensionsWeek Team
Reviewed by Rosemary Bointon
Looking for the best home elevator for senior? Then check out the best selling home elevator brand based on the consumer report. Read about the pricing, reviews & more!
- Our Top Pick – Savaria elevators
- Best Design – Stitzlifts elevators
- Most Customizable- Inclinator elevators
- Easy Installation process – Easy Climbers elevators
- Offer best warranty – Nationwide Lifts elevators
Overview
Statistics show that over 13.7% of adults in America have mobility problems [1]. For seniors with stairs in their homes, these mobility issues make it difficult to enjoy the home they love to the fullest. However, with the invention of home elevator for senior, can now move around their homes and do as they like. But then, home elevator for senior come in various designs. To get the best value for your money, you should understand all your options before you make a purchase. Therefore, we have put together this article containing a list of the best home elevator for senior.
5 Best Home elevator for senior
We understand that choosing and installing the best home elevator can be challenging—especially if it’s your first time selecting.
That’s why we’ve decided to make the process easy for you; through this review—we looked at various options and picked the best home elevator companies in the market.
Our goal is to make the home elevator buying process as simple as possible. Check out what we found below
Best Overall - #1 Savaria Home Elevator for Senior
Savaria is one of the leading companies when it comes to accessibility. They manufacture lifts and residential elevators for seniors and people with mobility issues.
Is Savaria residential elevators Value for money?
Yes, Savaria offers you value for your money with quality residential lifts of different designs.
Savaria lift Product Specifications:
Savaria offers five different models of elevators for home use. All of them come with the following features:
- 360-degree views
- Customizable cabs with different size options
- Gearless traction technology
- Elevator drive options
Watch a video On savaria elevator review
What We Like
- The elevators are easy to use.
- It is quiet and will move almost unnoticed.
- The machine is energy-efficient, consuming electricity like a dishwasher.
- All of the wires and parts are in one place and away from sight.
- Installation is fast.
What We Don't Like
- Customer service is not 24/7
Customer Reviews
Savaria has an impressive A+ rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). In addition to that, they have a 3.5 rating on Facebook. There have only been three complaints about the company on BBB in the last three years.
Check our Best Walker With Seat if your loved ones are having trouble walking and you’re seeking for mobility solutions.
Best Design: # 2 Stiltz Home Elevator for Senior
This is an innovative company that helps adults age in place with their unique residential elevators for seniors. The attractive and practical elevators are affordable and can carry up to three people alongside a wheelchair.
Is Stitz home elevator for senior are value money?
Yes, the company offers you value for your money with their elevators as it will carry up to three people. It can also bear a load of your vacuum cleaner along with a large pet.
Stitz Elevator Product Specifications:
- Overhead winding drum
- All models do need hoistway
- Pricing starts at $22,000
- The maximum Carrying Capacity is 500lb.
- 2-3 years warranty.
What We Like
- The entire unit takes less than 7 square feet.
- It is quiet and will move almost unnoticed.
- The machine is energy-efficient, consuming electricity like a dishwasher.
- All of the wires and parts are in one place and away from sight.
- Installation time is fast.
What We Don't Like
- You must keep your hand on the button to move the elevator
- The elevator can only reach three floors.
Customer Reviews
Most of their products have 5-star ratings on most review websites. The only noticeable complaint seems to be the customer service that is not available all day. On Facebook, 926 people awarded a five-star rating to a nationwide lift.
Also Read – Best Adjustable Bed For Senior
Most Customizable: #3 Inclinator Home Elevator for Senior
This is one of the first companies to create residential home lifts in the United States. They are by far one of the oldest mobility companies globally, with over 90 years of experience. Although it started in Philadelphia, the company now has branches in the US, Canada, etc.
Is Inclinator lifts Value for money?
Inclinator is one of the elevator companies you can trust because they have a long track of excellence.
INCLINATOR lift Product Specifications
- Drive can be cable drum, overhead winding drum, or hydraulic
- Most models require a hoistway
- Pricing starts at $40,000
- The maximum Carrying Capacity is 1000lb.
- 2-3 years warranty.
What We Like
- Their elevators are easy to use
- You can have them installed outside your house.
- Come in detailed exquisite cab designs.
- There is an all-glass option available to add a touch of class.
- Installation does not take too long.
What We Don't Like
- The website is a bit confusing.
- Construction will require an amount of space.
Customer Reviews
Inclinator rakes impressive ratings on most retail websites like Better Business Bureau where you find their elevators. That testifies to their quality and experience over the years. They give A+ rating to inclinator review.
Easy Installation-#4 Easy Climbers Home Elevator for Senior
Accessible climber Elevators are sold by Aging in the Home Remodelers, Inc at the moment. This is because Easy climbers are no longer in business right now. Aging in the Home Remodelers, Inc has been in business for more than 25 years, providing solutions to many mobility problems seniors face.
Is Easy Climbers Value for money?
Easy climber residential elevators come with affordable construction costs that will suit almost all budgets.
Easy Climber lift Product Specifications
- The drive works with cable and pulley
- Most models do not require a hoistway
- The maximum Carrying Capacity is 350lb.
- 30 days warranty.
What We Like
- Their battery powered elevators are easy to use
- Installation typically takes 16 hours
- It does not require shaft or complex wiring
- An energy-efficient system does not use power when coming down .
What We Don't Like
- It can only carry a minimal amount of weight
Customer Reviews
Consumer reports show that the majority of customers are dissatisfied with the service. Customer service at Easy Climber isn’t great, according to customers. On the website pissedconsumer.com, the easy climber house elevator receives a 3/5 rating.
Best Warranty: #5 Nationwide Home Elevator for Senior
Founded in 2003, Nationwide lift is a renowned retailer of residential elevators. Although they are a third-generation company, they claim to offer the best warranty in the industry. When you buy their residential lifts, you get up to 10 years warranty.
Is Nationwide Lifts Value for money?
With up to 10 years warranty, elevators from this company are a good buy.
Nationwide Lifts Product Specifications:
- Drive can be cable drive, overhead cable drive, pneumatic or hydraulic
- Some models require a hoistway
- Pricing starts at $20,000
- The maximum Carrying Capacity is 1,400lb.
- Ten years warranty.
What We Like
- 24/7 customer service
- Easy financing/ payment
- Up to 11 designs that you can choose from
- Energy-efficient systems
What We Don't Like
- High-interest rates on installments.
Customer Reviews
Nationwide Lifts has 5-star ratings on most retail platforms like eBay, Amazon, etc. on Better Business Bureau customer give A+ rating to nationwide lifts. According to customers its offer best warranty and customer services.
How to Choose The Best Home Elevator for Senior?
1. Types of residential elevators
All residential lifts work the same way; lift people from one place to the other. However, when you consider the lifting mechanisms and the power consumption, you will see the difference between the types of elevators. Therefore, when choosing a type of elevator, you choose between efficient power consumption and smooth rides. With that in mind, residential elevators generally fall into four categories:
- Hydraulic elevators: This type requires a motor that pushes oil into pistons to move. They can also have pulley systems, called roped elevators. They are perfect for residential areas because they do not require extra space.
- Overhead Cable Drum/Winding Drum: These are older types of elevators. The elevator cabs in this type move using rolling steel ropes attached to a drum. As the elevator moves, the ropes wind around the drum. This type of elevator is commonly used because they are affordable. The only issue is that they are noisier, and the rides are also not so smooth.
- Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE): These are relatively new types of elevators using vacuum systems. They allow smooth rides and are energy efficient. More so, they do not require as much space as other types of elevators.
- Wheelchair lifts: These are particular elevator types with wheelchairs for seniors and other persons with mobility issues. They usually take less space compared with regular elevators, and they are more affordable.
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2. Choose a proper cab style:
The cab of an elevator refers to the part of the elevator where passengers stay to be carried from one floor to another. Usually, different brands have different model types that offer varying degrees of comfort and style to their users.
When choosing the cab style for residential elevators for seniors, you must first consider space. Some seniors with mobility have problems walking with wheelchairs and walking sticks, so they need as much space as possible. Also, elevators for seniors should have support frames like handrails for these elderly citizens to hold during their rides. The floors should be non-slip, flat surfaces to allow their wheelchairs to have a good grip while they are in transit.
3. Residential Elevator Sizes for Any Size Home:
The size of the elevator is vital when selecting a residential elevator. Ideally, the elevator should be large enough to carry members of the family without any problem. Also, the size should not be too big for the home in question.
4. Check a plan for Installation and Maintenance:
After you have found the brand and type of elevator for home use, the next thing is to plan for installation. Usually, the type of elevator you choose and the customizations you need will play a vital role in the installation time. Some other factors include the manufacturer and their choice of logistics partners. Depending on all these factors, installation should take between 4 to 8 weeks.
After installation, the elevator needs to be inspected for compliance by a local authority. Usually, the dealer will help you secure appointments with the inspectors. The dealer will also give you a maintenance and inspection plan for your new elevator. Usually, you need to check the elevator parts at intervals to be sure everything is fine. Besides the safety guarantee these inspections give you, you will need the inspection reports for insurance purposes.
5. How Much Do Home Elevators Cost?
Home elevator price varies between 20,000 and 100,000 dollars. Usually, the final price you get is a total of several costs that depend on several factors. At the basic level, the price you get is a total of the home elevator cost and the cost to install an elevator in the home. Almost all companies have this as their benchmark price, and they release it to their clients as the starting cost. In most cases, the starting cost is usually between $20,000 and $50,000. Other factors like the cost of customizations, shipping, and the price of labor might also add to the final cost that you get.
SEE ALSO – Best Walk In Tub for seniors
6. Before Buying, check Your Needs and Compare Quotes:
To get the best value for your money, you need to compare companies and their offerings. You are looking for the best company that offers you style, suitable capacity, and the least noise, all at the best price. This process might take a while, but then it will pay off in the end.
In terms of style, you might want to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I need a visible elevator?
- Do I want my elevator to match the surroundings?
- Am I willing to drop aesthetics for cost?
For capacity, you will be asking yourself questions like:
- How much space does my body/wheelchair need?
- Will I be having multiple people use the elevator?
- How much space am I willing to give for the installation of the elevator.
7. What are the safety measures of home elevators for senior?
After you have considered the price, the next thing to consider is safety for senior. Usually, safety comes in two parts. They are as follows:
General Home Elevator Safety :
Generally speaking, residential lifts must have the following safety feature:
- Backup power source to prevent free fall in case of power failure.
- In-cab phone lines
- Door sensors that can stop the doors in dangerous situations
- Handrails
- All elevators must be installed using the safety standards of the ASME A17.1
Child Safety:
To keep children safe, home elevators must have the following safety feature:
- Key and lock to prevent unauthorized child entry.
- The United States Safety Commission warns that there should be no gap between the hoistway door and the home elevator gate.
Recommended Read: Bed Mobility Exercises for Elderly
What to Consider Before Installing A Home Elevator?
1. Space Available:
Space is always a significant consideration when installing residential elevators. This is mainly a big deal for old homes built in the 80’s long before the invention of residential lifts . Many of these buildings were designed without the thought of having elevators in them in the future.
As a rule, homes with elevators installed should have about 20 to 25 square feet of space around their staircase or by the corner of a room. However, these vary by state in the United States. However, most elevators need at least 18 square feet of floor space. In addition to that, they will also require about 5 square feet for the elevator shaft.
2. Application / Purpose of the Home Elevator:
Another significant factor to consider before installing an elevator is the reason why you are installing the elevator. While all home elevators allow you to move quickly between floors of your home, the specific need for getting an elevator will determine the model you choose. More so, the reason behind the need will also determine where the elevator will be.
For instance, if you install the elevator to help a senior move around the floors, you might want to install a simple Wheelchair lift around the staircase. But then, if you plan to increase the resale value of your house, you might want to install a PVE where everyone can see it.
3. When Aging in Place or Staying Independent with a Disability :
Aging in place comes with several advantages. But then, of all the advantages, the most obvious is the fact that it saves cost. Moving to a nursing home means the adult will have to pay a fortune to assist caregivers. Surveys show that the average of assisted living in the United States is about 4,051 dollars a month. Seniors with mobility issues quickly benefit from home improvements as it helps them stall their admission in care homes and consequently helping them save some money.
4. Construction Time/Timing of Installation:
Construction and installation time for elevators typically takes weeks. The number of weeks is usually influenced by the features that you want in the elevator. For instance, the number of floors the elevator will access, the type of the elevator itself, and many other factors.
For most accessibility lifts, on-site installation time takes about two to four weeks. However, hydraulic elevators can take as long as six weeks.
Read Also – Overbed Table with Wheels
Pros and Cons of a Home Elevators:
Pros:
- With elevators installed, seniors can age safely in their homes, even with stairs.
- Elevators allow for easy access in homes. It also improves safety for children staying in homes where they are installed.
- Elevators help with easy transportation of heavy items across floors in the house.
- Besides allowing easy access, elevators can also add to the beauty of the house.
- Finally, the presence of elevators in a building adds to the resale value of the home.
Cons:
- Elevators cost money to install, and you will need the help of a professional to do it for you. On average, homeowners will need between 20,000 to 50,000 dollars to own an elevator.
- The process of building and installing elevators takes weeks.
- Elevators require a large amount of space to work.
- You must maintain your elevator yearly, and that comes with extra cost.
People Also Ask
Conclusion
Elevators are an excellent addition to any home that has them. Now that you know all it takes to select the best home elevators for seniors, it is time to put that knowledge to good use. Ensure that when buying an elevator for the elderly, you put all the factors above in mind. To make things easy for you, we will conclude with a brief description of the best home elevator companies that you can choose from.
Reference
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