Our Veterans gave up their right to Freedom to enforce ours. They signed on the dotted line, packed up their bags and went to fight. Some returned with permanent physical injuries that limit their mobility and sense of independence.
Our Veterans need assistance when they come Home. They need physical treatment in many instances. For instance, when you have a Soldier who has lost a leg, or has suffered a severe brain or back injury, he or she will experience difficulty walking, bending, climbing, running and standing. Thankfully, there are medical equipment options available for our Veterans to stay home, and retain the independence they so much treasure. A stairlift is a medical equipment that can solve many of the challenges our Veterans face when climbing up and down stairs.
Benefits of Stair Lifts
- Ensures safety and prevents falls from the stairs
- There are indoor and outdoor models available
- Some models can accommodate overweight individuals
- Models for straight and curved stairs are available
- May be tax-deductible
- Models and additional features can be tailored to your budget
Can’t afford to invest on a stair lift?
For some Veterans, the cost of acquiring a stairlift may be a daunting one. But, before discarding the purchasing of a stairlift, let’s look at some funding alternatives.
The VA can help!
In looking through the VHA Handbook, Section 1173.08, Medical Equipment and Supplies, Medical Equipment is referred to as items that are used for therapy or rehabilitation purposes and are medically needed at the eligible Veteran’s home. Examples of those items are bathroom equipment, invalid lifts, stair glides (stairlifts), and mobility walking aids. A VA evaluation team visits the home to assess the space and the Veteran’s ability to safely sit on the stairlift.
Tricare
Tricare does not cover stairlifts.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Part B covers patient lifts under Durable Medical Equipment and needs a doctor’s prescription to be considered. Unfortunately, patient lifts do not include stairlifts. In addition, check with your Medicaid local office about assistance for funding.
Grants and Loans
Check with your state of residence for stair lift funding options as well as Federal funding options. In addition, you may want to explore financial institutions for loan products that may help, especially if you own a home.
IRS
Check with your Certified Accountant or the IRS website to see if your stair lift may be tax-deductible.
Used options
You may be able to buy a refurbished stair lift are a much lower price. Just make sure that the stair lift comes from a Certified Distributor and that it has warranty.
Yikes! A lot of information here, but it’s worth looking into. We hope we have shed some light into what you kindly do to buy a stair lift for yourself or a Veteran loved one. The most important thing is, that a stair lift can virtually eliminate the risks associated with climbing stairs. A stair lift is an investment that can help our Veteran feel safe in his or her home, while allowing him or her to continue to live as independently as possible!
Want to learn more? Speak to one of our mobility experts today! Call 888-637-8155 or request a callback.
