Stairlift Use Cases: A Guide for Physical and Occupational Therapists

As a physical or occupational therapist, you know that safe mobility within the home is one of the most important factors in maintaining independence and quality of life. For many clients, stairs represent one of the biggest barriers to safety and participation in meaningful activities.

While some individuals benefit from ramps, vertical platform lifts, or home elevators, a stairlift is often the most practical and cost-effective solution. Below, we’ll explore the most common stairlift use cases so you can better identify when this intervention may support your patients and their caregivers.

When Stairlifts Are Appropriate

1. Age-Related Mobility Decline

As clients age, joint stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and impaired balance can make stair climbing unsafe. A stairlift helps older adults reduce fall risk while maintaining access to all levels of the home.

2. Recovery from Surgery or Injury

Patients recovering from hip or knee replacements, fractures, or lower-limb injuries may temporarily lose the ability to manage stairs. Stairlifts provide a safe short-term solution that allows recovery to occur without the need to relocate to a single floor or move into a rehabilitation facility.

3. Chronic Conditions Impacting Mobility

For clients with conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

…a stairlift reduces daily strain and conserves energy, supporting participation in therapy goals and daily routines.

4. Caregiver and Family Concerns

Even if a client can manage the stairs independently, caregiver anxiety about falls may create barriers to safe discharge planning. Recommending a stairlift provides reassurance to families and reduces caregiver burden.

5. Long-Term Aging in Place Goals

For clients planning to age in place, stairlifts are a proactive solution that ensures ongoing access to bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas across multiple floors—before a crisis occurs.

When a Stairlift May Not Be the Best Fit

While stairlifts serve many clients well, they may not be appropriate for those who:

• Rely primarily on wheelchairs or power chairs indoors
• Need to transport large or heavy items up and down stairs
• Have a home layout that doesn’t allow for safe installation

In these cases, a vertical platform lift or residential elevator may be more suitable.

The Bottom Line for Therapists

Stairlifts are a valuable tool in the therapist’s home modification toolkit. They support fall prevention, independence, and caregiver peace of mind while often being more affordable and less disruptive to install than larger accessibility solutions.

By understanding the key stairlift use cases, you can help patients and families make informed decisions that align with their mobility goals, discharge planning, and long-term safety at home.