Stair lifts

[Nick B]

Hi all I’m Nick and my wife Ali has recently been diagnosed with MND. I’m looking for advice on which stair lift companies are best and if there is any financial support for installation?

[Jo jo]

Hi Nick

we had a stair lift from our OT. It didn’t cost us anything. We were not asked to buy or contribute towards it and no financial assessment was done.
I Would speak to you OT before purchasing one.

[Mary C]

Hi Nick,
I think the OT is best placed to advise.I acquired a free stairlift and used it for a few months but my mobility changed.I then progressed to a through floor lift.
There may be financial help available via MND association but I believe it requires a health professional like the OT to apply.
If Ali has been linked to a hospice or palliative care team following diagnosis there should be an OT available for advise.
Hope you get advise you need soon.
Best wishes
Mary

[Ellie]

A warm welcome to you Nick B and to Ali, sorry you've had to join us.

To add to the above: if you do end up having to buy a stairlift, hopefully with a grant towards it, consider buying a reconditioned one, which are cheaper.

It's also possible to rent a stair lift, but I don't know if that qualifies for an MNDA grant - the helpline will give you advice too.

Love Ellie.

[matthew55]

Hi Nick B I am unable to get a stairlift but thankfully I am still mobile enough for twin stair rails.👍😁🤗😍xx

[PeterPan]

Hi Nick

My OT put us in touch with a local company that installs stair lifts. They are brilliant in terms of service and professional advice. The OT also applied for a grant from the MNDA, which was gratefully received (£1,500).

Our bedroom is in the converted loft, so we have two rented stairlifts. Rental is cheaper to start with and only becomes more expensive after 3 years… but I’m guessing that’s not something I’ll need to worry about.

For now the stair lifts are fine; it’s possible I’ll need a wheelchair lift to the first floor some time - maybe next year? Who knows?! In which case rental definitely will have been the best option.

Hope this helps

[Mary C]

One piece of advise I was glad of from the OT was when I got a through floor lift to have the largest one in case I progress to a powered chair.The powered chairs are heavy and bulky compared to manual wheelchairs.
Best wishes
Mary