Stairlift Funding in Ireland

The bottom line:

• Seniors who decide to age in place may need to modify their home to do so safely.
• One of the main barriers to ageing in place is a staircase, though this problem is easily solved with a stairlift.
• Irish seniors may be entitled to grants to help them fund the stairlift they need.

As more and more seniors in Ireland choose to age in place, it’s only natural that they begin to explore the options and solutions available to help them do so. As their mobility decreases, one of the main concerns in a senior’s home is their stairway, which, over time, can become a barrier, limiting residents to a single floor, and even dangerous should they continue to use it unsafely.

One of the most cost-effective solutions to bypassing stair usage is a stairlift, which can be installed directly on stairs with minimal disruptions to residents’ lifestyles. Providing a quick, easy solution to stair mobility, a stairlift is a popular choice for many, but how do you know if it’s right for you?

Do you need a stairlift?

The first sign you may need a stairlift is instability on the stairs. Whether this unsteadiness is caused by reduced balance – a natural process as we age – or painful joints, it is undoubtedly a cause for concern, reducing senior safety in their home and hugely increasing the risk of a fall, which could be detrimental to a senior’s long-term mobility and independence.

When seniors start to feel unsafe on the stairs, it’s only natural they begin looking for a solution. A popular option, a stairlift can be installed in a matter of days, causing minimal disruptions to a senior’s home and stairway thanks to:

• Measurements being taken at a first home visit so that a stairlift can be manufactured to the exact specifications of your stairs.
• As such, it will fit every curve and bend, allowing it to be fitted quickly and efficiently.
• A stairlift attaches securely to the stair tread thanks to a few well-placed screws, which means only a few holes need to be drilled.
• A stairlift folds neatly out of the way when not in use, which means other residents and guests can use the stairs safely while the stairlift is not in use.

 Stairlifts: a cost-effective solution

The most cost-effective solution to remove the danger of the stairs, stairlifts are often the go-to answer thanks to:

• Their price
• Quick installation
• Minimal disruption
• Ability to match home décor.

But how much does a stairlift cost?

Stairlift Pricing

Stairlift pricing depends on a range of factors, including:

• Whether your stairs are straight or curved
• If your staircase has any landings
• The length of your stairs
• The design you choose for your chair

However, here is an idea of the average cost of a straight stairlift:

Straight stairlift: between € 1,300 and € 3,000

Curved stairlift: between € 4,000 and € 8,000

While the price tag may seem high, we’re pleased to say that Irish seniors may qualify for state funding, which could go a long way towards paying for the stairlift they need.

Stairlift funding in Ireland

Mobility Aids Grants Scheme

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is primarily for seniors who need help with their mobility, specifically covering mobility aids like stairlifts for those who need them. The maximum amount available through this grant is € 6,000, which, if you compare with the ball-park prices of stairlifts listed above, could go a long way towards funding the entirety of your stairlift!

To find out more about this grant, click here, or find out more about applying for a grant here.

Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with a disability

Seniors registered as having a disability may have access to the Housing Adaptation Grant, which covers housing works required to allow a senior to age at home – like a stairlift, for example. Stretching to a maximum amount of € 30,000, this grant could also cover any number of other modifications a senior with a disability may need to age in place safely.

To find out more about this grant, click here, or find out more about applying for a grant here.

Other funding to help you age in place

Though the two main grants applicable to stairlifts are listed above, this isn’t the only help available to Irish seniors who want to age in place and modify their home in order to do so. If you’re interested in finding out more about all the grants, loans and VAT refunds available, read our blog post that takes you through all the funding options available in 2022.

Here at Ageing in Place Ireland, we do our utmost to ensure you have all the information you need, when you need it, so if you don’t find what you need and are still in doubt, fill in the right form here, and we’ll be more than happy to help!