Expert Stairlift Installation in New London, CT

A straight stairlift installs in about 3 hours. A curved stairlift takes 5–7 hours. Outdoor units run about 4 hours. These times hold for most New London homes — including older historic-district properties — because the rail bolts directly to the treads, not the wall. There is no drywall repair, no rewiring, and no structural modification. The lift plugs into a standard wall outlet at the top or bottom of the stairs.

No. The rail bolts into the stair treads, not the wall or banister. There is zero contact with wainscoting, moldings, or original woodwork. In New London's historic districts — Coit Street, Hodges Square, Hempstead — we've installed on 1830s oak treads and 1890s Victorian staircases without leaving marks on any finished surface. The bolt holes are 3/8-inch and can be filled if the lift is ever removed.

Yes. The seat, armrests, and footrest all fold up when not in use, clearing to about 12 inches from the wall. That leaves enough walking room on staircases as narrow as 28 inches — common in Starr Street row houses and other whaling-era homes. During the free assessment, Luis measures the exact width and confirms clearance before ordering anything.

Outdoor stairlifts use IP55-rated rails and marine-grade stainless steel fasteners built for salt-air exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and nor'easter winds. The seat has a waterproof cover, and the motor housing is sealed against driven rain. In the seven years we've been installing outdoor units along the New London waterfront, we've had zero corrosion-related failures. We recommend hosing down the rail twice a year to clear salt residue.

Yes. The VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant covers up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities — which covers the full cost of most straight stairlifts. Non-service-connected veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating can receive up to $2,000. The grant is one-time, tax-free, and never has to be repaid. Start at the John J. McGuirk VA Outpatient Clinic at 6 Shaw's Cove, Suite 104, New London, CT 06320 (860-437-3611). A VA primary care provider must prescribe the stairlift as medically necessary.

Yes. The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) — the state's Medicaid HCBS waiver for seniors — covers home modifications including stairlifts when deemed medically necessary to prevent nursing-home placement. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and a functional needs assessment conducted by DSS. In 2026, the individual asset limit is $1,600 for the 1915(i) benefit track. A physician's order and a home safety evaluation are required. CHCPE is administered through the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the New London regional DSS office handles applications for New London County residents.

Yes. The Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP) runs a low-interest Assistive Technology Loan Program that covers stairlifts and other home modifications for state residents with disabilities or age-related mobility limitations. Loan terms range from 1–10 years with below-market rates. This is not income-restricted — any Connecticut resident with a documented disability or functional need can apply. Reach CTTAP at cttechact.com or call their Hartford office for a pre-application consultation.

Medicare Part B does not classify stairlifts as durable medical equipment (DME), so it does not cover purchase or installation. However, Medicare Part B may cover the in-home assessment visit if your physician orders it as part of an occupational therapy evaluation for home safety. Some Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut offer supplemental home-modification benefits — check your specific plan's evidence of coverage document. For most New London seniors, the CHCPE Medicaid waiver or the CT Tech Act loan program are more practical funding routes.