Dear Savvy Senior,

Because of chronic arthritis, I have a very difficult time going up and down stairs anymore and am interested in purchasing a stair lift for my two-story house. Can you recommend some good companies? — Arthritic Andy

Dear Andy,

Yes, of course! A good home stair lift is a great mobility solution for anyone who is unable or has a difficult time climbing stairs. To help you choose a quality stair lift that meets your needs and budget, here are a few shopping tips along with some top-rated companies.

• What to know: There are two basic types of stair lifts that are sold today: straight and curved. The type you need will depend upon the design of your staircase.

A straight stair lift is one that travels in a straight line up a flight of stairs uninterrupted by landings, bends or curves, and costs anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 installed. Curved lifts,