My Father is at home currently using a downstairs bedroom , he would like to return to his upstairs bedroom but we are unsure if a stairlift would be viable on this staircase , i would appreciate any input on others that use a stairlift and if you think it would be a good solution for him to get upstairs .A accorn salesman said it is possible but i would like some opinions of staitlift users if possible, TIA
Hi Sam Jo and I see it’s your first post on the Community so welcome.
This is such a challenge and a big decision…. as normality is important part of recovery.
The only experience I have had with stairlifts were with my Father, Mother and my Mother in Law……none had cancer…… but the challenges was various health issues, respiratory and old age.
My father could not climb a few steps and they did not have a bedroom and bathroom downstairs so it was the only option….. and he always used it until he passed away…… this was removed after his death…… the stair had a very sharp turn at the top and in my view it was a very dangerous stair.
My mum refused to have one as she become more frail…… and the local authority Home Care Adviser agreed with her as the exercise was required to help protect her mobility…… she went in to live independently until she passed at 92…. she did have medical issues and required regular toilet visits upstairs…… and she refused to use a commode and we had no real problems with her even although it was the same stair that my dad needed the lift for.
My Mother in Law also had health issues and like my parents had no bedroom or toilet downstairs.
She had a straight flight stairs…… the stairlift landed in front of the lounge door partially obstructing the door so she would stop the star 3 steps up so it did not obstruct the door…… she would climb the first 3 steps, navigate her way into the seat and use the lift to do the rest of the stairs…… no matter how much we told her not to do it she just continued….. and she did stumble a few times.
If that is a picture of his stair I would imagine that the clear width of the stair once the stair gear is put in place with significantly reduce the walking width….. I come from a construction background (Joiner) and I would hazard a guess that a stair life for a stair like that would be rather expensive.
Ok so to open your question up further in the community you may want to join and post in our dedicated……
Carers only (if you are their caregiver)
Supporting someone with incurable cancer (If this is applicable)
……. support groups where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
All the very best.
Hi Sam Jo,
Glad it was helpful, maybe don't move the furniture until you know where the lift will go!
Mark.
