Home Lift vs. Stairlift: A Compassionate, OT-Led Guide for Hawaii Families

September 25, 2026 by Damian Sempio, OT - Occupational Therapist · Co-Founder, Thrive for Life LLC

Damian is a licensed occupational therapist and co-founder of Thrive for Life LLC, an OT-led home accessibility company in Hawai'i. His work focuses on aging-in-place design, equipment specification, and accessible home modification project management across O'ahu and the Hawaiian Islands.

When stairs become difficult, families often compare a stairlift with a compact home lift. Both can help a person move between floors, but they ask the user to complete very different movement tasks and they affect the home in different ways.

The right decision depends on transfers, mobility devices, caregiver needs, available space, construction, service, and how the person’s abilities may change. Neither product is automatically best because of age or diagnosis.

The deciding issue is the full movement task

A stairlift may fit when the user can approach the stair, transfer onto the seat, maintain a stable position during travel, and transfer off at the other floor. The rail also has to leave an acceptable stair width and a safe place to park the chair.

A home lift may fit when the user needs to travel with a mobility device, caregiver, pet, laundry, or household items—or when transfers at the stair are the main barrier. Model capacity, landing space, floor opening, electrical work, and the path on both floors still need to be verified.

Home lift vs. stairlift at a glance

Decision factor	Stairlift	Compact home lift
Transfer required	Usually transfer onto and off the seat at each floor	May allow the user to enter with a compatible mobility device
Mobility device travels with user	Usually no; a second device may be needed upstairs	Possible with a model and layout designed for it
Caregiver can ride	Generally one rider	Possible on some models within capacity and space limits
Effect on staircase	Rail and parked chair occupy part of the stair route	Staircase can remain unchanged, but floor space is used elsewhere
Construction scope	Rail attachment and electrical preparation; stair geometry must fit	Through-floor opening, landings, electrical, structural and finish coordination
Landing needs	Safe transfer and parking space at both ends of the stair	Safe approach, entry, exit, and onward route on both floors
Changing mobility needs	Depends on continued ability to complete transfers and ride safely	Depends on model capacity, mobility-device fit, caregiver needs, and the route

When a stairlift may fit

A stairlift can be a practical option when the person transfers reliably, can remain positioned during travel, and has a safe approach at both landings. Straight and curved stairs require different rails, and doors, narrow hallways, or traffic at the landing can affect the installation.

Consider where the walker or wheelchair will be when the person reaches the other floor. Some households need a second device upstairs. Also confirm how the chair folds or parks and whether other family members can continue using the stairs safely.

When a home lift may fit

A compact home lift can reduce transfer demands and may allow a compatible mobility device to travel with the user. It can also move a caregiver or household items when the chosen model’s capacity and dimensions allow.

Stiltz’s current U.S. brochure lists an approximate 8.5-square-foot footprint for Duo models and approximately 15 square feet for Trio Alta models. These are general reference values, not construction drawings. The exact model, door arrangement, landings, structure, and route still need site verification. Learn more about the Stiltz home lift options available through Thrive for Life.

Questions that reveal the better fit

Can the user approach and transfer at both ends of the stair on a difficult day?
Does a wheelchair, walker, oxygen, caregiver, pet, or other item need to travel too?
Will the stair remain safe and usable for other household members?
Is there a workable lift location with safe routes on both floors?
What change in mobility is reasonably likely during the expected life of the project?
Who provides installation, training, warranty service, and maintenance locally?

Compare the complete project—not a starting price

Ask each proposal to separate equipment, accessories, electrical work, structural or finish work, freight, permits, training, maintenance, warranty, and possible change orders. A low product price may not represent the full installed route.

Do not rely on an unsourced national price range to decide a Hawaiʻi project. Island freight, site access, construction, permitting, and service can change the scope. A site-specific proposal is more useful than a generic online estimate.

Start with an OT-led home accessibility consultation

Thrive for Life evaluates the person, transfers, mobility device, caregiver, stairs, landings, floor plan, and likely future needs before recommending equipment. Request a free consultation to compare a stairlift, home lift, reconfigured living plan, or another option for your Hawaiʻi home.

Call us: +1.808.289.7816

Get a Clear, OT-Led Recommendation to Help You Stay Safe at Home
Before anyone decides about a homelift, we begin with a brief questionnaire to help our licensed occupational therapist understand your home layout, daily movement, and any safety concerns.
Once submitted, our team reviews your answers and contacts you to schedule your free consultation. There is no obligation, no sales pressure, and no commitment. You receive medically informed guidance to understand whether a Stiltz Homelift is the right fit for your ohana.

Full Name* Phone Number* Email Address* Does your home have two or more floors?* Where do you need the homelift to travel between? Who is the lift for?* Primary safety concern you’d like support with

Knee pain or arthritis Fall history or balance issues Post surgery recovery Aging in place planning Caregiving support Other

How soon would you ideally like to improve safety at home* Anything you’d like your OT to know before the consultation?

A licensed OT will review your answers and contact you with the next steps. No pressure at any point.

Prefer to speak with someone? Call us at (808) 289-7816.

Case Study: Accessible Home Modification Ramps

November 2, 2021 by Damian Sempio, OT - Occupational Therapist · Co-Founder, Thrive for Life LLC

Ramps are some of the most common accessible home modifications requested. They support a variety of people with disabilities including those who utilize wheelchairs as a means of functional mobility as well as users who require a ramp to support their temporary recovery from elective hip and knee surgeries to individuals who are looking to modify their homes for aging in place.

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Which Type of Wheelchair Lift is Right for You?

August 5, 2021 by Damian Sempio, OT - Occupational Therapist · Co-Founder, Thrive for Life LLC

You love your home, and you want to live in it for as long as possible. But how do you continue to live your golden years in a home that no longer accommodates your level of mobility? Some elderly and mobility challenged opt for senior or group housing, but many are choosing to stay put.

With many different styles of home modifications and lifts on the market, it is time to narrow your search down to two: A Stiltz lift and the more widely recognized stairlift. While both are helpful solutions when the stairs become too much, we have a clear favorite.

Before we get into that, let’s explore your options.

Differences between Stiltz and stairlift

Odds are you have seen a stairlift (or stair glide) in action. A stairlift is a motorized seat (usually battery-powered) mounted to a stair rail. The lift transports the chair up and down the stairs controlled by a joystick, remote control, or power button. Stairlifts are a bulkier option and, depending on your mobility levels, potentially more dangerous.

Some stairlift purveyors offer self-installation options, which, although cost-effective, we do not recommend because you lose the option to have an evaluation from a medical and mobility specialist. Trying to save a few dollars installing a stairlift yourself could result in costly modifications down the road.

One serious consideration for stairlifts is the transfer from wheelchair to the lift chair back to the wheelchair. Although on the surface stairlifts seem like a more affordable option, you must consider having a separate wheelchair for the second floor and whether the transfer process could leave the user in a compromised situation.

In contrast, whether you are ready for a home lift now or are future-proofing, Stiltz home elevator lifts put the sexy into home modifications. You aren’t a one-size-fits-all person, and Stiltz lifts allow the flexibility to find a lift that fits your needs.

A Stiltz lift is a unique and compact design that can be installed almost anywhere in your home. Stiltz offers three different variations of lifts to ensure that you never feel dependent on a caretaker, even though you might be. The installation for your Stiltz isn’t complicated, but there are lots of nuances you need to think about—hire an expert!

Who is Stiltz right for

Getting older (or living with a disability) is not for the faint of heart! No one likes to feel compromised in any way, but time has its own plans. Home modifications don’t have to carry the stigma of old age or disability. They can increase the value of your home, be entirely out of sight, and make you the envy of all your aging friends!

The Stiltz Duo Alta is compact and installed almost anywhere in your home, including closets, corners, and hallways. The Stiltz Trio Alta offers two different versions to accommodate a wheelchair and up to three people. Stiltz elevators can also move heavy, awkward items between floors and all but guarantee your spot as the coolest grandpa on the block.

Why you need a pro

Regardless of the type of home modifications you choose to implement, we strongly recommend the involvement of an accessibility specialist. Without the participation of a professional, you could invest in an expensive home modification that ends up causing more harm.

In the case of stairlifts, we have seen misaligned transfers create falls and more injury. We do not want this to happen to you, which is why we endorse Stiltz home lift elevator! A quality elevator and professional guidance take the guesswork and room for error out of the chair transfer process and keeps you and your loved ones safe.

The installation of a Stiltz elevator requires bi-yearly maintenance and power considerations—all best handled by an accessibility specialist.

Let’s work together to make sure your home is where you will stay.

Have questions about accessibility modifications for your Hawai'i home?

We offer free home consultations across O’ahu and the Hawaiian Islands. Call, text, or email — we’ll point you in the right direction.

How Accessibility, Isolation, and Continuity of Care are Affecting Your Community

August 5, 2021 by Damian Sempio, OT - Occupational Therapist · Co-Founder, Thrive for Life LLC

Approximately one in four Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated (NAP). This isolation presents significant health risks, including premature mortality, poor mental health, high blood pressure, and obesity. Social isolation is linked with a 50% increase in dementia, higher risks of stroke, and, in some cases, even suicide (CDC). We have the unique opportunity to help identify, limit, and alleviate the adverse effects of social isolation on the aging population. But how?

Accessibility

So what is accessibility? Merriam-Webster defines accessibility as capable of being reached, capable of being understood, or accessed by differently-abled individuals. As OTs and accessibility specialists, we can use our skills to increase the quality of life for the communities we serve.

Importance of continuity of care

Complications in care surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a reality many of us were already aware of, continuity of care is vital to our communities’ health and well-being. With hospital beds full and the healthcare industry stretched to its maximum capacity, it was our elderly community that paid the price. Many individuals who needed care no longer felt safe leaving their homes for treatment. Those who did leave their homes were hurried through the system to create more space for more critical COVID patients. The cumulative effect of a lack of medical accessibility and receptivity is critical in its own right. With an increase in ageism, inability to receive preventative care, and the onset of a more sedentary lifestyle, our older population was left feeling isolated and abandoned by the health community on which they depend.

Value of accessible home modifications

For some individuals, leaving their home is not only about if but how. Physical limitations on mobility isolate our elderly communities, even if they are highly motivated to get out and experience the world. Often what we think creates mobility opportunities still leaves accessibility gaps. It’s great that your town has a curbside shuttle service for those in need. How will those individuals get to their curb or into the office once they arrive at their destination without extra support? Those three steps between your garage and living room can feel like a mountain for someone experiencing limited mobility and isolation. Creating home modifications and physical mobility solutions keeps the elderly and people with mobility issues safe in their own homes while also creating a bridge between their isolation and the outside world. Poor mental health brought on by isolation compromises the body’s ability to fight off illness and disease. Neglecting mental health can create new ailments while compounding preexisting conditions (Blue Cross Blue Shield). By increasing accessibility through home modifications, we allow individuals with limited mobility the freedom to connect with the outside world or even parts of their home which were previously inaccessible. Physical and emotional accessibility is not a luxury. It’s a vital component to a healthy mind, strong body, and happy life. Reach out to learn more about creating an accessible environment for yourself or your clients. CONTACT US TODAY

Have questions about accessibility modifications for your Hawai'i home?

We offer free home consultations across O’ahu and the Hawaiian Islands. Call, text, or email — we’ll point you in the right direction.

How To Make Your Pool More Accessible

December 21, 2020 by Damian Sempio, OT - Occupational Therapist · Co-Founder, Thrive for Life LLC

At Thrive for Life, we’re all about helping customers to age in place, as they experience what it’s like to live at home in their later years. Many people really desire to stay on their property rather than moving to a retirement community, and we help to make that happen. If a senior happens to have a pool on the premises, there’s no reason they can’t outfit this amenity for enhanced access so that they can continue to use it. Today we’ll talk about some aspects of making pools accessible for those with mobility restrictions and other kinds of limitations. Here are some key ways to add ADA access for a pool. Pool Stairs and Ramps One way to help with this kind of access is to re-engineer the entrances to a pool in the form of pool stairs and ramps. Some out-of-the-box pool stairs are very narrow, and not very easy to navigate for anyone. They’re halfway dangerous! When it comes to convenient and safe access for the mobility impaired, a ramp is the gold standard. A ramp with a rail provides that level of safety that you need to enjoy your pool confidently as you age. It’s also more convenient for most pool-goers. Lifts Pool lifts can be another way to get ADA accessibility for a pool. The key here is to make sure they have the right safety features and lock-up designs to prevent accidents related to unauthorized use. Aquatic wheelchairs Doctors and physical therapists know that pools are a great way to work the body and maintain muscle tone for seniors. The key here, though, is that if someone has particular limitations like lack of lower body strength, they may not be able to do the cardio and training exercises in the pool safely. An aquatic wheelchair can fix this problem. Ask us for more detail about how to use one of these tools to work out safely in a pool. Slip Safety With any of these solutions, it’s also very important to monitor areas around the pool for slip safety. Additional railings and textured non-skid surfaces may be necessary. Having the right eye for safety is critical in designing these systems to really protect seniors who may be more vulnerable to injury from a fall scenario. Ask us about how to customize an outdoor or indoor pool for use by at-home seniors. We excel at helping to offer aging family members more independence and a better quality of life at home!

Have questions about accessibility modifications for your Hawai'i home?

We offer free home consultations across O’ahu and the Hawaiian Islands. Call, text, or email — we’ll point you in the right direction.

Top 3 reasons why you shouldn’t make your remodeled bathroom ADA compliant

December 18, 2020 by Damian Sempio, OT - Occupational Therapist · Co-Founder, Thrive for Life LLC

1. ADA guidelines do not apply to the home setting.

The United States Access Board states, “These enforceable standards apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities” (https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards). The next time you have a contractor work on your home for either you or a family member with a disability and the contractor starts to use the term “ADA”, ask them what their experience is working on ADA jobs in non-residential and residential arenas just to see if your situation would benefit from ADA guidelines.

2. ADA design and specs is a cookie cutter approach.

Often, people with high medical needs such as those who have had a stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), brain injury, or ALS require custom home modifications. Why would a person who has a high-level SCI and no functional use of upper and lower extremities, require grab bars at ADA specifications installed in their bathroom that they cannot physically use? They don’t, there isn’t a need to install them – though it is always a good idea to install blocking for future grab bar use if you are going to be building new walls anyways. Don’t get me wrong ADA is better than nothing and it is a good foundation to start from, though its a guideline and will not suit everyone’s needs. Example: We had a client with a spinal cord injury that was 6 feet tall. Her routine was to use the toilet, then shower immediately after. She did this for hygiene and routine reasons because it just made sense to bath after using the toilet. She also did this because it provided an opportunity for her to be reclined in her chair afterwards as some people who have had a SCI have a difficult time regulating their blood pressure, especially after a bowel movement, which is known as a vasovagal episode. Compound this with medications and a full stomach after breakfast equals the possibility of passing out. Our client had general contractors come in and redesign the bathroom to ADA specs which included a 60″x30″ minimum roll in shower. This might have sufficed for other people, though in her situation she was 5’6″ long when reclined in her shower commode wheelchair after using the toilet in order to increase her blood pressure and prevent dizziness and fainting. Add on a couple more inches for the wheelchair leg rests and handles in the back and her total length was coming out to almost 6 feet. Ultimately she had to bath perpendicular to the shower with her feet and half of her body protruding out into the bathroom as the ADA designed bathroom that her contractor made, did not address her specific medical needs. She contacted us at Thrive for Life LLC and we created a design that provided more comfort and accessibility, while at the same time addressed her medical needs and her caregivers’ needs.

3. ADA design can end up costing more.

When remodeling for accessibility, it is critical to employ a designer who is experienced, educated and knowledgeable in creating modifications for residents with disabilities. Those of us who have this expertise can create a customized space without the cost of unnecessary modifications or even worst, having to redo the bathroom all together. Two areas where money is unnecessarily spent in a remodel include: 1. Installing items that are not needed like grab bars for someone who cannot complete transfers. 2. Installing 36″ doors. This is a common misconception that all doors need to be 36″ wide, when, in reality, it’s the door width opening that matters. If a resident has a 32″ door and we can install swing-away hinges and achieve 32″ of space, then the doorway is ADA compliant. We work with contractors all the time that say, “So you’re gonna need 36″ doors everywhere, correct?” This depends. If a caregiver uses a 16″ wide transport chair to push a resident around the house, and we don’t have any 90-degree left or right turns in order to access the bathroom or rest of the home, then no we will not need any 36″ doors that yield “at least” a 32″ door width opening. This is because a 16″ transport chair with small wheels in the front and back, will be at most 20″ wide, putting money back in your pocket instead of widening doors that you do not need. ***HACK TIP*** If you have a walker and you cannot get through some doorways in your house and all you need is a couple of inches, try this. Switch the 2 front wheels, so put the right wheel on the left leg and the left wheel on the right leg and you will instantly have a walker that is 2″-4″ narrower.

Planning a bathroom remodel for accessibility?

Before your contractor writes a spec, talk to an occupational therapist. We’ll tell you exactly what your family member needs — and just as importantly, what they don’t. It’s a free conversation that could save you thousands.