My home is of two levels, with entry on the upper level. The lower level is down a 16 step stairway which I have no trouble managing, but my wife avoids going downstairs. In truth we spend 98% of our time on the main level, and mostly go downstairs to the exposed lower level just to access the utilty room or the second refrigerator. Years ago we used that level, fully finished, to house the extended family (up to 20 something people) during family gatherings, but that type of celebration seems to no longer happen now that the grandchildren are grown. My wife, facing the reality that we hardly use half of our home, thinks we should consider moving to a one level ranch style home, one that would have no basement at all. I'm 82 and do not want to even think about going through the hassle of a move anymore.
I imagine that adding a stair lift is a much better solution than moving, even if it still means we are still heating and cooling about twice the footage of a house that we actually use. For those here who have gone this route, what was the cost to you of getting the stair lift installed? I've hesitated to contact any of the companies that advertise this product because I know it will result in me being innundated with solicitations just because I asked for into.
