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Falls are not a natural part of aging. Anybody can fall, but doing things like balance exercises, modifying your home to remove trip hazards, and using mobility tools like stair lifts, can help reduce your falls risk.
Despite not being a natural part of aging, older adult falls are still common—more than one in four older adults falls each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Stair lifts are one possible tool to help manage your falls risk.
Stair lifts are pieces of accessibility equipment that help prevent falls and allow users to maintain mobility while living independently. Stair lifts can reduce the likelihood of falls by securely transporting people up and down straight, curved, indoor, or outdoor staircases.
Stannah is a leading manufacturer of some of the best stair lifts on the market today. The brand has been making various types of lifts for the last 150 years. Given the company’s long-running history and good reputation, our Reviews Team decided to test the company’s two main models, the Starla and the Siena. We compared the two model’s features to help you decide what option could be better.
The Starla stair lift is Stannah’s most customizable device, available for straight and curved staircases. In total, the Starla comes in 15 upholstery, color, and trim combinations. In addition to the customization options, our testers also appreciated the model’s safety features. The standard Starla has a manually swiveling footrest and is built with a retractable seat belt users can fasten with one hand. Our testers enjoyed how simple the seat belt is to clip and unclip and would recommend the standard seat belt for people with arthritis or those with dexterity issues.
The Starla is Stannah’s latest addition to their product line. Our testers thought the model’s standout feature is the seat load sensor that prevents the chair from operating until the user is firmly seated, upright, and buckled in. It also features sensors around the edge of the carriage and footrest to bring the chair to a safe stop if there is something blocking your way.
The Stannah Starla is installed with an intuitive, wall-mounted remote to call the seat to the bottom or top of the stairs. Once you’ve sat down in the chair, you maneuver the device up or down the track using the joystick located on the armrest. When you reach your destination, the chair swivels up to 70 degrees for an easy exit. Users can choose to upgrade to power swiveling, which automatically turns the chair for you to make it easier to exit.
Our Reviews Team tested the Starla stair lift ourselves and conducted several test rides to get a sense of what users can expect from this model. Our tester had no trouble calling the seat to their location and controlling its movements using two fingers on the joystick. They described the ride as smooth and steady and appreciated that it wasn’t loud or disruptive.
The Starla model we tested included the powered footrest upgrade that keeps users from bending over to put the footrest down whenever they need to use the chair. All footrests on Stannah chairs automatically lift whenever a user folds the armrest or seat after they are done using the device. Overall, this model impressed testers with its intuitive controls, reliability, and attention to safety.
“All of the controls on the Stannah Starla are on the armrest so there was no need for me to lean down. I think they’re straightforward and easy to use for users with limited dexterity.”
Buyers rate their experience with Stannah highly on third-party review websites like BBB and TrustPilot. Positive reviews generally praised the professionalism and knowledge of the Stannah customer service representatives and stair lift installers.
“Very happy with the stair lift. Stannah was prompt and professional, the technician did an excellent job installing the stair lift as well as communicating how to operate and maintain the unit. I highly recommend Stannah.”
— Jim W., verified buyer on 08/14/2024
“July 2023, my 93 year old aunt was admitted to a rehab hospital in Whitestone, Queens and in order for her to return home and gain the independence that is vital for her to have, I called Stannah Stair Lifts and spoke to Will. From that first call to the installation, everything happened exactly how Will said, and for the price. Best of all, my aunt returned home and she loves it and is on it everyday doing what she does — lives independently! The lift itself is also superb.”
Steven S., verified buyer on 08/01/2023
The Stannah Siena is the company’s most popular model. The Siena has many of the same standard safety features and available upgrades as the Starla, but fewer customization options. What the Siena lacks in upholstery and decorative elements, it makes up for with a wider seat and longer armrests to give users more leverage as they sit down and stand up.
It works on straight and curved stairs, but keep in mind that curved stair lifts from Stannah have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, not 350 pounds. If you are someone who needs a curved stair lift with a higher weight capacity, the Stannah Model 260 Plus can work for users who weigh up to 352 pounds. This model comes with the same safety upgrade and color options as the rest of Stannah’s product line.
The Siena stair lift also works well along narrow staircases, with its track extending only six inches from your wall or handrail. Depending on your staircase’s configuration, a curved staircase may require 30 inches of space to prevent users’ knees from knocking into other objects. Stannah offers a retractable track option for straight stair lifts so users can fold the stair lift track up or down at the push of a button. This prevents your stair lift and track from blocking the stairs.
After testing the Stannah Siena, our Reviews Team thought the model offers a pleasant and secure ride.
The Siena’s standard seat width is 19.5 inches, which felt comfortable to our tester and works for many different body types. But you also have the option to purchase a slim seat model that is 16 inches wide. For those who need it, the Siena comes with the option to add a one-way or two-way power swiveling that makes it easier to exit the seat at the safest angle.
The Siena’s safety features such as its edge sensors and swivel levers were put to the test and were easy for our tester to control with the armrest panel. One safety feature our testers especially liked: If the chair were to stop due to something blocking the staircase, the user must hold down the arrows for a few seconds before the chair will move again. Reviews Team testers thought this feature could help prevent accidental movement and protect the stair lift from damage.
“The Siena’s seat belt has a great retractable design that I think will accommodate people with dexterity issues and arthritis very well.”
Stannah receives high praise on third-party websites for its reliable stair lifts and professional staff. As of this writing, Stannah has earned a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from 859 customer reviews on TrustPilot.
“From start to finish everything was wonderful. I am still sad that I need a chair but this chair is so helpful. My knees are happy. Your staff was kind, helpful, knowledgeable and they deliver a safe product. Many thanks.”
— Trudy C., verified buyer on 06/14/2024
“I am completely satisfied with this company. They were so informative and quick from my first online inquiry. David called within minutes of the online inquiry I made. He was very professional and answered all our questions. The next day he was at our home to take measurements and determine if a Stannah stair lift could be installed. David gave us an estimate and information so we could make a decision. We accepted and within a week Max was at our home for installation. Max is so professional, knowledgeable, kind, respectful and the fastest installer ever! It was a pleasure to do business with Stannah. The staff is fantastic. Thank you for your wonderful service.”
— Marlene M., verified buyer on 10/6/2023
Stannah’s straight stair lifts typically range in price from $3,800–$6,500, with most people choosing a model with upgrades costing between $4,000–$5,000. Its curved stair lifts range from $11,000–$19,000.
But these prices are estimates—costs vary by factors such as stair rail length and configuration, and purchasing optional upgrades. The largest factor that impacts total cost is whether a stair lift rail is straight or curved. The price of purchasing a brand new stair lift from Stannah is all-inclusive, which includes installation costs, an extended warranty, and no hidden fees.
If buying a new Stannah stair lift is not an option, the brand sells reconditioned stair lifts that have been pre-owned and repaired so they are 100% safe. Reconditioned stair lifts go through a rigorous testing process and arrive with full documentation of upgraded parts so you have reassurance it will perform reliably in your home.
Renting a Stannah stair lift could also be an option. A short-term rental could be ideal for users who are temporarily recovering from a fall or other injury. Stannah’s short-term rental period ends after six months, allowing users to decide whether they would like to purchase their stair lift or not. New and reconditioned Stannah stair lifts are eligible for its rental program.
Private insurance and Medicare typically do not extend coverage to help older adults afford home stair lifts and wheelchair lifts. Medicaid coverage for stair lifts can vary by plan, so contact your Medicaid state authority for more information on coverage limits. Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) may waive the cost of home modifications and other assistive technologies.
If Medicaid will not cover the entire cost of a stair lift, there are charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together that can help find low-cost or used stair lifts for those that need them. Stair lifts may be tax deductible through the IRS if you can submit a written recommendation or prescription to prove the expense was medically necessary.
You can also check NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp online tool to discover financial assistance programs in your area. Get started by typing in your ZIP code and the type of help you’re looking for.
Purchasing a Stannah stair lift starts by calling a representative to schedule a free in-home survey. A phone consultant will answer your call with little wait time (based on our testers’ experiences) and ask basic questions about your staircase, mobility needs, and what day and time you can meet with a specialist advisor. You may also request a quote online for a representative to reach out to you and schedule a survey.
During a survey, a stair lift professional will measure your staircase and discuss your preferences to determine what seat model is the best fit for you. Unlike other stair lift brands like Acorn, Stannah doesn’t require buyers to take their own measurements or pictures. The advisor can also inform you of your financing options available through your local dealer. In-home surveys last no more than one hour and are free.
By the end of a survey, an advisor will offer a free quote for the best Stannah chair and rail (track) system to meet your accessibility needs with no obligation to buy. Once you are ready to move forward with your purchase, contact your local Stannah showroom or authorized dealer to schedule an installation. You can select a contact-free installation where a Stannah professional will wear a mask and gloves to minimize risk of exposure to illnesses.
Stannah offers several payment structures including six-month rental programs, rent-to-own programs, financing packages, and financial assistance from grants and state programs. Contact your local Stannah dealer or ask your Stannah home surveyor to learn what financing options are available in your area.
| Starting price (straight) | $3,400 with installation | $3,400 with installation |
| Starting price (curved) | $8,800 with installation | $8,800 with installation |
| Environment (indoor or outdoor) | Indoor | Indoor |
| Financing | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum weight capacity (lbs) | 350 (straight), 300 (curved) | 350 (straight), 300 (curved) |
Stannah stair lifts could be a good fit for people looking for customization options and intuitive controls. The Starla and Siena models include similar safety features such as edge sensors and retractable seat belts that offer users a sense of independence and an extra layer of safety. The Starla stands out as the brand’s most customizable model and the Siena provides ease of use for users with limited mobility.
The consultation and installation processes are straightforward with no hoops to jump through, hidden expenses, or obligation to purchase.
Although Stannah offers rent-to-own and financing packages, these can vary by dealer and state availability. Stannah stair lifts can be expensive, especially for curved staircases. Determine what options you have to purchase or rent a Stannah stair lift and reflect on your current and future mobility needs to make the most informed decision about this investment.
Certain Stannah stair lift models are designed specifically for narrow staircases. The Siena is ideal for small spaces because of its slim design and curved back when folded while maintaining a wider seat and longer armrests.
Unfortunately, Medicare usually does not extend coverage to stair lifts. These devices are typically not considered durable medical equipment ⓘ Medical equipment expected to last at least three years, prescribed for in-home use for a medical reason (DME) because of the nature of their installation. Select Medicare plans, particularly Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part B, may cover partial or full coverage if a stair lift is considered medically necessary by a doctor.
Several models of Stannah stair lifts are available for curved staircases. The brand can manufacture custom railings to fit parallel, perpendicular, and spiral staircases that are made to measure with your home in mind.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
