Stairlifts by Garaventa Lift

The stairlift - an everyday helper

Stairs can be an obstacle to easy accessibility, especially with increasing age, limiting everyday mobility.

To avoid extensive, expensive renovations or even moving, Garaventa Liftech AG offers seat stairlifts as a simple, cost-effective solution for overcoming stairs. Seat stairlifts can be used for straight, curved, and spiral stairs. They can be delivered immediately, are easy to install, and can be dismantled at any time.

Customize your stairlift

You have numerous options available to customize your very own stairlift to match your personal aesthetic preferences. There's a wide selection of seat and rail colors to choose from. The stairlift can be designed to seamlessly integrate into your living environment, appearing elegant and harmonious. As a result, your required assistance device won't be perceived as a disturbance by you or your guests.

Various types of stairlifts

There are various types of stairlifts, including straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts, and platform lifts. Each type has its own specific features and benefits.

Straight stairlifts

Since most stairs are straight, a straight stairlift is often the simplest and quickest solution. Specifically designed for straight stairs, these lifts have a standardized rail that can be precisely tailored to the length of each straight staircase. Straight stairlifts are quickly available, and one of our factory-trained technicians requires only a few hours to install the lift.

What are the benefits of a stairlift?

A stairlift offers numerous advantages that significantly facilitate and enhance life in one's own home. Here are the key benefits:

• More mobility: Allows individuals with limited mobility to move around the house more easily.
• Independence: Enables individuals to move between floors without assistance.
• Safety: Reduces the risk of falls and injuries on the stairs.
• Comfort: Provides comfort for individuals with joint or back problems.
• Ease of use: Easy to operate, even for older individuals.
• Adaptability: Can be adapted to different stairs and needs.
• Space-saving: Can be folded to keep the stairs clear.

Who bears the costs of a stairlift?

The question arises of who bears the costs for such an installation. In Switzerland, there are various ways to obtain financing.

Health Insurance Benefits

Depending on the health insurance provider, the costs of a stairlift may be (partially) covered. However, coverage is only possible under certain conditions. The insurance company must decide whether the installation of the stairlift is medically necessary and complies with legal requirements.

Supplementary Benefits

Supplementary benefits are government support aimed at supporting the livelihood of individuals with low incomes or retirees who cannot support themselves financially. If a person has difficulty due to physical limitations, the installation of a stairlift may be necessary for independent living. In this case, supplementary benefits can be applied for. However, there are certain conditions to consider when applying for supplementary benefits. Cost coverage is only possible if the person provides a medical certificate confirming the medical necessity of the stairlift. Additionally, the installation must comply with legal requirements and not be covered by another insurance.

Cost Coverage by Disability Insurance (IV)

If retirement age has not been reached, the Disability Insurance (IV) may consider covering the costs of a stairlift. Similar to other aids such as wheelchairs, two additional conditions must be met in addition to the working age. Firstly, everyday activities (private or professional) must no longer be manageable independently without the aid due to health reasons (physical, mental, or intellectual). This health impairment must be confirmed by a doctor. Additionally, the impairment must be expected to last longer than 12 months. For example, if someone breaks their leg, the IV will generally not cover the costs of a wheelchair. In addition to these general requirements, the installation of a stairlift must result in at least a 10% increase in performance for the IV to cover the stairlift costs. This performance increase could be, for example, independent leaving of the house and thus independent shopping. If all conditions are met, the stairlift will usually be provided on loan by the IV. This means that the lift is paid for by the IV and remains the property of the IV.

Is there cost coverage for a stairlift by the Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance (AHV)?

If retirement age has already been reached, consideration should be given to the Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance (AHV). However, unlike other aids such as wheelchairs, care beds, or electric mobility scooters, stairlifts are unfortunately not supported by the AHV. Only if the applicant is unable to cover the minimum cost of living, supplementary benefits can be applied for.

Tax deduction - Possible?

In Switzerland, the costs of a stairlift generally cannot be deducted from taxes. However, there are certain cantonal regulations that allow for the deductibility of costs. The exact provisions may vary depending on the canton and should be checked individually. It is advisable to inquire with the tax authorities of the respective canton to determine if and under what conditions the costs of a stairlift are deductible.

Self-financing

In Switzerland, the costs of a stairlift generally cannot be deducted from taxes. However, there are certain cantonal regulations that allow for the deductibility of costs. The exact provisions may vary depending on the canton and should be checked individually. It is advisable to inquire with the tax authorities of the respective canton to determine if and under what conditions the costs of a stairlift are deductible. 

Support from Organizations

In addition to various insurance companies, there are organizations that can support individuals in need of a stairlift. If financial support has been rejected by the AHV, IV, or health insurance, it is advisable to consider the following organizations:

• Pro Senectute (for individuals of retirement age)

• Pro Infirmis (for individuals of working age)

• Swiss Paraplegic Association

• Procap

Installation and maintenance of the stairlift

The installation and maintenance of the stairlift are crucial factors in ensuring the safety and functionality of the system. Installation should always be carried out by a qualified professional who adheres to all safety regulations and standards. Before installation, the staircase is carefully measured to ensure that the stairlift fits perfectly and can be securely mounted. During installation, rails and brackets are attached to the railing or wall to securely anchor the stairlift. After installation, the stairlift should be regularly maintained to ensure the safety and functionality of the device.