The Hidden Cost of Stairs: Why a Home Elevator Might Be Your Best Investment Yet
If you're finding it harder to get up and down the stairs—or if a loved one has recently fallen—you’re not alone. Every day, families search for answers to questions like:
“Is it safe for my parents to live at home?”
“What’s cheaper: a stairlift, a home elevator, or assisted living?”
“Can I stay in my two-story home if I’m using a walker?”
At Keystone Accessibility, we hear these concerns daily from clients across Pennsylvania and beyond. The good news? There’s a smart solution that’s often overlooked—and it might be exactly what your home needs.
A Real-Life Example: Safety, Dignity, and Staying at Home
Take John and Mary, a retired couple in their 70s from Lancaster, PA. After John tripped going upstairs and ended up with a fractured wrist, their kids started looking into assisted living. But with monthly costs over $4,000 and long waitlists, it felt overwhelming.
Instead, they called us. Within just a few weeks, we installed a Pollock 2-Stop Shaftless Elevator in their home. No major construction. No disruption. Just a quiet, modern elevator that now gives them full access to both floors—safely and independently.
What Is the Pollock Shaftless Elevator?
The Pollock 2-Stop Elevator is a compact residential lift designed for two-story homes. Unlike traditional elevators, it doesn’t need a pit, hoistway, or bulky equipment. That means:
Fast installation: Usually completed in a few days
No structural upheaval: It fits in a closet, hallway, or open living space
Quiet, smooth operation: Whisper-quiet traction drive with soft start/stop
Safe for everyday use: Built-in sensors, emergency backup, and intuitive controls
Whether you're using a cane, walker, or wheelchair, there’s a Pollock model to match your needs—including wheelchair-accessible sizes with a weight capacity of up to 507 pounds.
Keeps Your Home’s Open, Spacious Feel
Many homeowners worry that installing an elevator will make their home feel crowded or disrupt its layout. But the Pollock 2-Stop Shaftless Elevator is designed with modern living spaces in mind—offering functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.
Here’s how it preserves your home’s open design:
Shaftless Structure: Because it doesn’t require a bulky hoistway, the Pollock elevator installs along wall-mounted rails with a small footprint. It fits seamlessly into corners, closets, or other out-of-the-way areas—ideal for maintaining an open floor plan.
Flush-Mounted Floor Panel: When the lift is on the lower level, a sturdy, flush-mounted panel automatically closes over the upper floor opening. This creates a smooth, walkable surface that blends into your existing flooring—allowing you to move freely through your space as if the elevator weren’t even there.
Discreet and Unobtrusive: The design is clean, modern, and customizable to match your home’s style—far from the industrial look of commercial elevators.
With the Pollock, you don’t have to choose between accessibility and aesthetics. You get both—along with the peace of mind that your home is still your sanctuary.
How Does It Compare to Assisted Living?
MAP pricing (Minimum Advertised Price allowed) is $28,000, the Pollock 2-Stop Shaftless Elevator is a significant investment—but when compared to the annual cost of assisted living, it often becomes the more economical long-term choice.
Typical assisted living costs:
National median: over $51,600 per year
Nursing home care: often exceeds $100,000 per year
That means in just 6 to 12 months, assisted living can cost twice as much as installing a home elevator—without offering the comfort, independence, or homeownership benefits.
With a Pollock elevator, you get:
A one-time investment in home safety and mobility
Continued use of your home, on your terms
The ability to avoid or delay moving to costly care facilities
Cost-saving options may also apply, such as:
Home modification grants (local/state programs)
VA benefits for qualifying veterans
Tax deductions for medically necessary installations
Financing plans to spread the cost over time
At Keystone Accessibility, we walk you through every funding option so you can make a confident, informed decision that protects both your lifestyle and your savings.
Why Choose a Home Elevator Over Other Options?
Stairlifts: ~$4,000–$18,000, limited to stair travel, can be awkward and difficult to use
Platform lifts: ~$9,000+, mostly for porches or garages, not practical for indoor use
Pollock elevator: Total access between floors, better aesthetics, and far more comfort
When you consider comfort, safety, and long-term savings, a Pollock elevator is one of the best investments you can make in your home and your independence.
The Keystone Accessibility Difference
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Pennsylvania transform their living spaces with accessibility in mind. Our mission is to help people age in place with dignity—and the Pollock 2-Stop Shaftless Elevator is one of the most effective tools we offer to do that.
From consultation to installation, our certified team handles everything with care, speed, and respect for your space and your needs.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Before you commit to assisted living—or risk another fall—get the facts. A home elevator might not just be more affordable; it might be the thing that keeps you in the home you love.
Call Keystone Accessibility today to schedule your free in-home assessment. We’ll show you what’s possible—and make sure your home supports you for the years ahead.
