Cost guide
Backup Power for Aging in Place
Work out what has to keep running, then size the solution to that list.
Written by David Chen
Reviewed by Sarah Jenkins
Updated August 26, 2026
Fact-checked August 26, 2026
2 min read
Editorial policyScroll the table sideways to see all columns.
What actually needs power
In an accessible home the list is usually shorter than people expect, and more specific: hallway and bathroom lighting, the refrigerator, the internet router and phone, a powered bed or lift chair, and any charging equipment for a mobility device.
- Lighting on the routes between bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen
- Refrigeration for food and anything that must stay cool
- Internet, cordless phone base, and mobile charging for calling for help
- Powered adjustable bed or lift chair, so nobody is stranded in a raised position
- Charger for a mobility scooter or power wheelchair
Elevators, stair lifts, and outages
Most stair lifts run on batteries that charge from the mains, so they continue working for a number of trips during an outage. Home elevators vary: some have battery lowering, some do not. Ask the installer directly what happens during a power cut, and write the answer down.
Choosing between the four options
A UPS is a cheap first step that keeps the router and a phone base online. A portable power station covers lighting, phones, and a fridge for several hours and can move room to room. A standby generator handles multi-day outages automatically but needs fuel and a permitted installation. A home battery is usually only worth it alongside solar.
Frequently asked questions
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Most modern units can, for several hours, if the surge output is high enough. Check the fridge's startup surge, not just its running watts.
Is a generator or a battery better?
Generators run as long as they have fuel and suit long rural outages. Batteries are silent, need no fuel, work indoors, and pair well with solar, but run time is finite.
Keep reading
Sources
- Power outage preparedness — Ready.gov
- Portable generator safety and carbon monoxide risk — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
David Chen
Editor, Ramps & Entryways
David covers ramps, entry modifications, and the geometry that decides whether a project costs $1,500 or $9,000. He builds the calculators on this site and checks every dimension against published accessibility guidance before publishing.
Covers: Ramp design · Entryway access · Slope and rise calculations · Porch lifts
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