Due to my dad’s rapidly reducing mobility, we need to get him a stairlift. He has good days and bad days, and on a good day, we (and he) would want him to use the stairs as it’s good physio, and will help towards not losing the little mobility he has. Dad needs the additional handrail that was fitted for him, so that he can hold onto both sides of the stair as he goes up.
My mum also lives there, she does not need a stairlift at all, but due to a failed knee replacement she couldn’t get down the stairs without the additional handrail. So even if my dad didn’t need it, it’s a must for mum.
So today we had our first visit to get a stairlift quote. However they are saying it is not possible to have any form of handrail, and have the stairlift installed. I appreciate that the stairlift seat needs space to go up/down, but we said we were happy to move the handrail or replace with a different type, if it accommodated the stairlift. But have been told no.
We do have a different brand coming next week to quote, but I am now really worried. If we simply cannot get any form of stairlift installed, then on bad days dad will be completely stuck. He’s at the stage now where he really needs a stairlift option.
I’m posting here as this can’t be a unique situation - lots of elderly couples must have one needing a stairlift, and the other needing mobility aids installed instead - and am hoping someone may tell me of a make/model where this has been possible?
It confirms my thought that depending on the positioning of the handrail - height…and its protrusion from the wall it could still stay in place IF the company can accommodate it. But the chair has a secure anchor and can be tight against the wall…
Perhaps call a mobility shop or OT department for advice before talking to another company who’s selling you a product.
local charities, ageUK, Maggies or care homes may have insights for local companies
A couple of thoughts we went through…
the seat needs to flip up or be able to sit with enough space around it at the top or bottom, to get around it.
Paramedics would use the lift or may need to get up/down with an ambulance chair.
hi @lancslass ,when we had the stairlift put in for my parents, we had to lose the one set of hand rails because of the stair lift. as @Victoria_1806 has said , it would be worth asking the OT for advice. But most medical people will not use them or go past them if a person is stuck in bed but that red tape for you. Hope you have some luck.
We once considered getting a through-floor lift, but you would need space and finance for that. We didn’t get it because my brother’s wheelchair would not have fitted.
@lancslass I can just say that we had a stair lift and a handrail, so get other quotes and if the existing handrail is in the wrong place then they can install one for your mum in the right place.
Good news, we have found a solution! I wanted to post back to help anyone else that may read this thread in future. We have met with TKE/BDD who are a lesser known brand, but one of the 2 Which recommends. Their straight stairlift won’t work with a handrail BUT their curved stairlift will.
Although it’s for curved stairs, it can be fitted to straight stairs as well. Because the chair goes up backwards rather than sideways, you need less width and so the handrail is not a problem. I am so relieved.