Expert Stairlift Installation in Franklin Center, NJ

A straight-rail install on a typical Franklin Township split-level staircase takes about 3 hours from arrival to final test. Curved-rail installs take 4 to 6 hours because the custom rail sections need to be assembled and aligned on site. Outdoor lifts take 3 to 4 hours. We schedule most Franklin Center installs within the same week as the assessment — often within 2 to 3 business days.

No. The rail bolts directly into the stair treads, not the wall. The drywall, baseboards, and handrails stay intact. The carriage runs on a geared track along the rail — there is no wall-mounted track and no structural changes to your home. For carpeted stairs, the rail sits on top of the carpet; for hardwood, a thin rubber pad goes between the rail and the tread to prevent any scratching.

Yes. Most Franklin Township homes built in the 1960s and 1970s have staircases that are 36 to 42 inches wide, which easily accommodates a standard stairlift. For narrower staircases — some of the older homes in East Millstone and Griggstown have stairs as tight as 28 inches — the seat, armrests, and footrest all fold up when not in use, leaving 20+ inches of clearance for others to walk past. Luis checks the width during the free assessment and will tell you exactly what fits.

Every stairlift we install includes a DC motor with an integrated battery backup. The battery charges automatically while the lift is parked at a charging point — usually at the top or bottom landing. During a power outage, the battery runs the lift for approximately 20 to 30 round trips, which covers several days of normal use. Central Jersey sees its share of winter storms and summer thunderstorms that knock out power in Franklin Township; the backup means you are never stranded on one floor.

The VA's Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant covers up to $6,800 for service-connected veterans and $2,000 for non-service-connected veterans. It is a one-time, tax-free grant that does not need to be repaid. Franklin Township veterans can access the grant through the Lyons VA Medical Center at 151 Knollcroft Road in Lyons (about an 8-mile drive from Franklin Center). A VA primary care provider must submit a prescription stating medical necessity for the stairlift.

The Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) program is a state-funded program for New Jersey residents age 60 and older who meet nursing-home-level clinical eligibility but want to stay in their own home. JACC provides up to $1,090 per month per participant, and its covered services include Environmental Accessibility Adaptations — which covers stairlifts, ramps, grab bars, and other home modifications. A care manager assesses the need and includes the stairlift in the participant's Plan of Care. Franklin Center residents qualify by age and clinical need; there are also income and resource limits.

Yes — through the NJ FamilyCare Housing Supports Program, eligible Medicaid members can receive up to $15,000 as a lifetime benefit for residential modifications, which includes stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, and bathroom accessibility upgrades. The benefit is administered through the member's Managed Care Organization (MCO). A clinical assessment and prior authorization are required. This is a newer program — launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025 — and we have helped Franklin Township residents manage the application process.

Somerset County's Office on Aging and Disability Services, located at 27 Warren Street in Somerville, provides information and referral for seniors seeking home modification assistance. While the county itself does not operate a direct grant program for stairlifts, the county's Veterans Services office (same address) helps Franklin Township veterans connect with HISA and other VA benefits. The Somerset County Park Commission also operates the Senior Wellness Centers in Basking Ridge, Hillsborough, and Quail Brook, where staff can provide guidance on aging-in-place resources.