How to Get a Stairlift or Ramp Installed Before a Loved One Comes Home From the Hospital

You just got the call. Your parent is being discharged in five days. Hip replacement. A fall. A stroke. And there are three steps at the front door — or a full staircase between the bedroom and the bathroom.

It feels impossible. But it isn't. This is one of the most common calls we get at Able Home Accessibility, and we've solved it more times than we can count — often with less notice than you have right now. Here's exactly what to do and how fast it can happen.

The Timeline: Faster Than You Think

The most common fear we hear is "there's not enough time." In most discharge situations, there is — if you call early.

• Modular wheelchair ramp: Our most common discharge solution. These are pre-fabricated aluminum sections that we configure to your home's entry. Most standard installations are completed within the same week, sometimes in as little as one to two days.
• Straight stairlift: The installation itself takes two to four hours. We can typically schedule within a week of your call, often sooner.
• Curved stairlift: These require a custom-built rail measured to your specific staircase. Manufacturing typically takes two to four weeks — so if a curved lift is needed, call us the day you find out about the discharge.

One of our clients called us from a rehab facility while her mother was still recovering. Our President Matt drove out, assessed the home, and had the ramp installed two days before she came home. She walked in without a problem.

The key: call as early in the discharge process as possible — even before a firm date is set. Getting on our schedule early is the single most important thing you can do.

What to Have Ready When You Call

We know you're dealing with a lot right now. When you call, you don't need a plan — just a few basic details:

• Whether your loved one uses a walker, wheelchair, or standard mobility aids
• A rough discharge date (approximate is completely fine)
• Whether this need is likely short-term (recovery) or long-term (permanent condition)

That's it. We'll handle everything else — measurement, installation, and a walkthrough so you feel confident before your family member arrives home.

Ramp or Stairlift — Which Do You Need?

These two products solve different problems, and some families need both.

Ramps address entry and exit — the front steps, back steps, or garage entrance. They work with wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, and mobility scooters. For most hospital discharge situations where the patient is coming home in a wheelchair or using a walker, a ramp is the first priority.

Stairlifts address interior stairs — getting from the first floor to a bedroom, bathroom, or basement. If your loved one's bedroom is on the second floor and they can't safely climb stairs, a stairlift may be just as urgent as a ramp.

We can assess both in a single in-home visit and give you a complete picture of what's needed before you commit to anything.

Renting vs. Buying for a Hospital Discharge

Many discharge-related needs are temporary. A parent recovering from hip surgery may be fully mobile again in two to three months. In those cases, renting often makes more sense than buying:

• Lower upfront cost
• All maintenance is handled by us
• We remove the equipment when it's no longer needed

If the situation turns out to be long-term — or the recovery takes longer than expected — we'll walk you through your options at that point. There's no pressure to decide everything upfront.

Don't Wait Until the Day Before

Massachusetts families managing a parent's discharge are already stretched thin — coordinating with doctors, insurance, home health aides, and a dozen other things. Accessibility equipment often gets pushed to the last minute.

Don't let it. Call us the moment you know a discharge is coming. You don't need a firm date, a full plan, or even a clear sense of what you need yet. Just call.

We'll prioritize your inquiry, get eyes on the home as quickly as possible, and do everything we can to have everything ready when your loved one walks through the door.

Call Able Home Accessibility at 1-800-355-5451 or request a free assessment online at ableha.com. Mention the discharge date and we'll get you on the schedule.