Home Lifts for Elderly & Ageing in Place

Why a home lift supports ageing in place

For many older Australians, the stairs become the single biggest barrier to staying in the home they love. A fall on the stairs is one of the most common causes of serious injury for people over 65 — and the fear of falling can be just as limiting as the fall itself.

A home lift removes that barrier entirely. Rather than moving to a single-level home or into residential care, a lift lets someone continue living independently in a multi-storey house, with full access to every level.

This matters beyond convenience. Older people who remain in familiar surroundings tend to maintain stronger social connections, better mental health, and greater day-to-day autonomy. A home lift is one of the most effective home modifications for making that possible long-term.

If you are researching this for a parent or family member, the key question is not just what they need today — but what they will need in five to ten years. Choosing the right lift now avoids a costly second modification later.

Essential safety features for elderly users

Not all lifts are equally suited to older users. When comparing options, prioritise these features:

Automatic doors open and close without the user needing to push or pull — critical for anyone with reduced grip strength or balance issues. Look for doors with slow-close settings and obstruction sensors.

Level threshold entry means no step or lip between the landing floor and the lift cabin. Even a 10mm lip can be a trip hazard. The best home lifts have a flush or near-flush transition.

Emergency phone and battery backup are required under AS/NZS 1735.18:2002 for residential lifts. The emergency phone connects to a monitoring service, and battery backup ensures the lift reaches the nearest floor during a power failure — so the user is never stranded.

Handrails on at least one wall provide support during travel and when entering or exiting. Some cabins offer fold-down seats for users who cannot stand comfortably during the ride.

Non-slip flooring and good cabin lighting reduce fall risk inside the cabin. These are simple additions but easy to overlook when specifying a lift.

For a detailed side-by-side analysis, see our home lift vs stairlift comparison.

Future-proofing: plan for the next decade

This is the most important advice for families choosing a lift for an older person: choose for the mobility level you anticipate in five to ten years, not the level today.

A person who walks independently now may use a walking frame in three years and a wheelchair in seven. If the lift cabin is too small for a wheelchair, the entire installation may need replacing — at significant cost.

Wheelchair-compatible cabin size means a minimum internal dimension of 1100mm × 1400mm, accommodating a standard manual wheelchair with an attendant. This is the size specified in AS 1735.12:2020 for accessible lifts, and it is the size most platform lifts are built to.

Through-floor access on both levels means the lift opens directly onto the living space without steps or narrow corridors. Check that both the upper and lower landings have clear, level access.

Even if a wheelchair is not needed now, choosing a cabin that can accommodate one costs very little extra at installation and avoids a far more expensive retrofit later.

Costs and funding options

As of Q2 2026, a home lift suitable for elderly users typically costs between $25,000 and $60,000 installed, depending on the lift type, number of stops, and extent of building works required. For a detailed breakdown, see our home lift cost guide.

Several funding pathways may reduce the out-of-pocket cost:

Support at Home programme — the Australian Government’s Support at Home programme (which replaced Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme from July 2025) can fund home modifications including lifts, subject to an occupational therapist (OT) assessment.

NDIS — for participants with a plan that includes home modifications, a lift may be funded as assistive technology. The process involves an OT assessment, a recommendation, and NDIA approval. Our NDIS-funded lifts guide covers the full pathway.

DVA — Gold Card holders may be eligible for home modifications through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Funding rarely covers the full cost, but it can reduce the gap substantially. Start with the OT assessment — it is the gateway to most funding pathways.

Choosing the right lift type

The right choice depends on current mobility, anticipated future needs, and the layout of the home.

A stairlift ($3,000–$15,000 as of Q2 2026) is the lowest-cost option and installs in a day. It suits someone who can sit, stand, and transfer independently. It does not accommodate wheelchairs and has limited weight capacity (115–160 kg). For stable, moderate mobility, it may be the practical choice — but if needs are likely to change, it may not last.

A platform lift ($22,000–$45,000) accommodates a wheelchair and requires minimal structural work. It suits single-level access where wheelchair compatibility is needed now or anticipated.

A home lift ($25,000–$60,000+) offers the most flexibility: multiple stops, higher weight capacity, and a cabin large enough for a wheelchair user and attendant. It requires a shaft and structural work but is the most future-proof option for a multi-storey home.

A site assessment from two or three lift installers — combined with an OT assessment if funding is part of the picture — is the best starting point. Get free lift quotes to compare options for your home and situation.