Aging in Place in Bergen County: Why More Families Are Choosing Stairlifts and Wheelchair Ramps
- Paul C. Bastante
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
Written by Paul C. Bastante, CAPS, BDM, for Jersey Stairlifts And Ramps and brought to you by The Agewise Institute.
Bergen County is one of the most densely populated counties in New Jersey, and it’s also home to one of the state’s largest aging populations. From the tree-lined streets of Ridgewood to the high-rise communities along the Palisades in Fort Lee, and from the historic downtowns of Hackensack and Englewood to the tight-knit neighborhoods of Teaneck, Paramus, Fair Lawn, and Bergenfield, Bergen County families share one thing in common: many of them live in homes that weren’t built with aging in mind.
That’s where Jersey Stairlifts and Ramps comes in. We install and service stairlifts and wheelchair ramps throughout Bergen County, helping seniors and people with mobility challenges stay safely in the homes and communities they love.
Why Bergen County Homes Present Unique Mobility Challenges
Bergen County’s housing stock is a mix of pre-war colonials, split-levels from the postwar boom, and townhomes built into hillside communities like those in Cliffside Park, Fort Lee, and Fairview. Many of these homes have steep, narrow staircases, split-level entries, or multiple flights between the garage and the main living space.
Add in Bergen County’s hilly terrain in towns like Ridgewood, Ramsey, and Franklin Lakes, and even getting from the driveway to the front door can become a daily obstacle.
We also see this challenge in Bergen County’s many two-family and multi-family homes in towns like Hackensack, Bergenfield, and Palisades Park, where stairs are often the only way to reach an upper-level apartment.
For families caring for aging parents in these homes, a stairlift isn’t a luxury. It’s what allows a parent to keep living independently instead of moving into assisted living or relocating out of the county entirely.
Serving Bergen County’s Senior Community
Bergen County has a substantial senior population, and towns like Teaneck, Paramus, and Fort Lee have some of the highest concentrations of residents 65 and older in the state. Many of these seniors want to remain close to their synagogues, churches, family, and longtime neighbors rather than move away.
We understand that staying local matters here. Bergen County isn’t just a place people live, it’s a place with deep-rooted communities, from the Korean-American community centered in Palisades Park and Fort Lee to the Orthodox Jewish communities in Teaneck and Fair Lawn to the multigenerational Italian and Irish families throughout Bergenfield, Dumont, and River Edge. Aging in place lets people stay part of the community they’ve spent decades building.
We also know Bergen County’s proximity to major medical centers, including Hackensack University Medical Center and Englewood Health, matters to families making mobility decisions.
When a loved one is recovering from surgery or managing a progressive condition, having a stairlift or ramp installed quickly means one less barrier between the hospital and home.
Straight and Curved Stairlifts for Every Bergen County Home
Every staircase is different, and Bergen County homes run the gamut. We install straight stairlifts for standard staircases found in many of the county’s colonials and capes, and custom curved stairlifts for homes with landings, turns, or spiral staircases, which are common in some of the older homes in towns like Ridgewood and Tenafly.
We also install outdoor stairlifts for homes with steep front steps or backyard elevation changes, which we see often in the hillside neighborhoods of Fort Lee and Edgewater.
For families who need a solution on a shorter timeline, whether recovering from surgery, hosting a visiting family member, or waiting on a longer-term renovation, we also offer stairlift rentals throughout Bergen County.
Wheelchair Ramps for Bergen County Homes and Businesses
Wheelchair ramps are just as essential as stairlifts for many Bergen County families, particularly for homes with front steps, raised entryways, or garage-level access. We design and install custom wheelchair ramps that meet the specific layout of your home, whether that’s a modular ramp for a quick installation or a permanent structure built to blend in with your property. We also offer wheelchair ramp rentals for shorter-term needs.
Why Bergen County Families Choose Jersey Stairlifts and Ramps
We’re licensed and insured in New Jersey (NJ HIC License #13VH09377200), and we install trusted brands including Bruno, Harmar, Access BDD, and Bespoke, so Bergen County families get equipment backed by real manufacturer warranties, not off-brand parts. Our team handles everything from the initial in-home assessment to installation and ongoing service, and because we work throughout Bergen County regularly, we know the towns, the housing styles, and what local permitting or HOA requirements might apply.
Frequently Asked Questions from Bergen County Families
Do you serve all of Bergen County?
Yes. We install and service stairlifts and wheelchair ramps in towns throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Paramus, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Tenafly, Cliffside Park, and surrounding communities.
How long does a stairlift installation take?
Most straight stairlift installations are completed in a single day. Curved stairlifts, since they’re custom-built to your staircase, typically take a bit longer to manufacture but installation itself is still fast.
Will a stairlift work on my curved or narrow staircase?
In most cases, yes. Curved stairlifts are custom-designed for staircases with turns, landings, or unusual angles, which are common in many older Bergen County homes.
Do you offer rentals if I only need a stairlift or ramp temporarily?
Yes, we offer both stairlift and wheelchair ramp rentals for recovery periods, temporary mobility needs, or while a longer-term solution is being planned.
Does insurance or Medicare cover a stairlift or ramp?
Coverage varies. We can help you understand what documentation may be needed and point you toward resources, though we recommend confirming details directly with your provider.
How do I get started?
Call us at 973-490-4375 to schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll assess your staircase or entryway and walk you through the right options for your home.
Ready to Make Your Bergen County Home Safer?
Whether you’re in Hackensack, Paramus, Ridgewood, Fort Lee, or anywhere else in Bergen County, Jersey Stairlifts and Ramps is here to help you or your loved one stay safe, independent, and home. Call 973-490-4375 today to schedule your free consultation.
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