Anonymous wrote:How much is it to install an elevator?

Elevators are almost certainly nonstarters. It’s a huge structural change unless your house was built “elevator ready” with an existing shaft that is currently closets or something. But there are wheelchair lifts that are kind of like elevators where the whole structure is attached externally, like on the side of a porch.

I think the mixed experiences with stair lifts here show that you have to just see where you’re at. Imo someone in general decline who can’t navigate the stairs independently is very unlikely to happily use a stairlift independently. If someone has an acute physical problem prohibiting stairs but are otherwise physically and mentally capable, maybe they can use it independently. But if you have caregivers helping with transfer at top and bottom, a stairlift can be fantastic and essential. It depends on the caregiver in that case too. An also elderly, overwhelmed spouse might not be able to do it.

Acorn stairlift. My parents used it for 12 yrs before assisted living. No problems at all. Had to replace battery once.

^^I meant uninstallation.