Shaftless Elevator Cost vs. Independent Living
February 16, 2026
As Baby Boomers and Generation X rethink what retirement really looks like, one question comes up over and over again: “Do I move to an independent living community—or invest in my home so I can stay?”
For many homeowners, installing a shaftless home elevator is emerging as a practical, empowering alternative to relocating; however, that sticker shock might cause some hesitation. We’ve broken down the real costs, the long-term financial picture, and why aging in place may be the smarter move.
What Is a Shaftless Elevator?
A shaftless elevator is a compact residential lift designed to travel between two floors without requiring a traditional elevator hoistway. Unlike conventional home elevators, these systems:
- Require minimal construction
- Have a smaller footprint
- Install faster
- Blend seamlessly into existing homes
- Offer premium safety and design features
The Pollock Residential Elevator, for example, features a shallow entry ramp, full-length door, sleek cabin lighting, and compact rails positioned behind the lift for a clean aesthetic. It’s designed specifically for homeowners who want accessibility without sacrificing style.
What Does a Shaftless Elevator Cost?
In the U.S., a high-quality shaftless elevator typically ranges from:
$25,000 to $50,000+ installed
Final pricing depends on:
- Cabin size and customizations
- Electrical requirements
- Structural modifications or installation complexity
- Optional upgrades (digital display, folding seat, upgraded finishes)
While that may seem like a significant upfront investment, it’s important to compare it to the true cost of independent living.
What Does Independent Living Really Cost?
According to national senior housing data, independent living facilities in the U.S. average:
$3,000 to $5,000 per month
(In many metro areas, costs exceed $6,000 per month.)
That means:
- $36,000 to $60,000 per year
- $180,000 to $300,000 over five years
- $360,000+ over ten years
And that’s assuming rates don’t increase—which they often do annually.
Independent living may include amenities like dining, housekeeping, and activities—but you are paying monthly, indefinitely.
A shaftless elevator, on the other hand, is a one-time capital investment in your own property.
Financial Comparison: Elevator vs. Independent Living
| Factor | Shaftless Elevator | Independent Living |
| Upfront Cost | $25K–$45K | Minimal move-in deposit |
| Monthly Cost | None (minor electricity + service) | $3K–$6K+ |
| 5-Year Cost | ~$30K–$50K | $180K–$300K |
| Home Equity | Increases value | No equity gained |
| Control | Stay in your home | Relocate |
From a strictly financial perspective, the elevator typically pays for itself in less than one year compared to facility costs.
Beyond the Dollars: Lifestyle Considerations
Money matters—but so does your life.
1. Control and Independence
Aging in place means:
- You choose your schedule
- You keep your routines
- You stay near neighbors, friends, and family
- You remain in a familiar environment
Relocation, even to a beautiful community, can feel like a loss of autonomy.
2. Emotional Attachment to Home
Boomers built their homes. Raised families there. Hosted holidays there.
Installing an elevator allows you to preserve:
- Memories
- Comfort
- Community connections
Without navigating stairs becoming a barrier.
3. Property Value and Market Appeal
Accessibility upgrades are increasingly attractive to buyers.
A modern shaftless elevator:
- Appeals to multigenerational families
- Supports long-term resale potential
- Differentiates your property
As more homeowners plan for aging in place, built-in accessibility becomes a competitive advantage.
When Independent Living Makes Sense
To be fair, independent living can be a great fit if:
- You want full meal service and social programming
- Home maintenance feels overwhelming
- You prefer a downsized lifestyle
- You anticipate needing higher levels of care soon
But if your primary challenge is stairs, the solution may be simpler—and much less expensive—than moving.
Why Many are Choosing a Shaftless Elevator Instead
Today’s residential elevators are not bulky medical devices. They are refined, modern, and engineered for safety and ease.
Key benefits include:
- Shallow entry ramp for easy transition
- Full-height door for added safety
- Compact rail system behind the cabin
- Digital display options
- In-cabin emergency phone
- Optional folding seat
- Multiple cabin sizes for flexibility
These features allow homeowners to move safely between floors without sacrificing aesthetics.
Instead of downsizing, many Boomers are “rightsizing” their homes for longevity.
The Aging-in-Place Advantage
Aging in place is not just a trend—it’s a movement.
Studies consistently show that most adults over 60 prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible. A shaftless elevator is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to reach that goal.
It allows you to:
- Delay or avoid facility costs
- Preserve retirement savings
- Maintain independence
- Continue enjoying the home you love
All while preparing for future mobility needs.
Is a Shaftless Elevator Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Are stairs becoming more challenging?
- Do you want to protect retirement savings?
- Would you prefer modifying your home instead of moving?
- Is maintaining control over your environment important to you?
If the answer is yes, installing a shaftless elevator may be the smarter financial and lifestyle decision.
Final Thoughts
Independent living communities provide value for many people—but they come with ongoing, rising costs.
A shaftless elevator is an investment in:
- Your home
- Your independence
- Your long-term financial health
For those who want to stay where life already feels like home, it may be the most practical choice of all.
If you’re considering your options, speaking with a local authorized Pollock dealer can help you understand pricing, installation requirements, and how quickly your home can be future-ready.
Because sometimes the best move isn’t moving at all.
Are you ready to speak with a certified Pollock Residential Elevator dealer? Contact a local dealer here.
Interested in Becoming a Distributor?
If you are looking to expand your product offerings or trying to reach a new market, then the Pollock Residential Elevator could be perfect for you. Reach out to our team to learn more.
