Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Stairlifts

(16 Posts)
Pixieboots Tue 05-Apr-22 06:54:23

Hi, my mother is contemplating a stairlift to maintain her independence of living in her own home. She is mobile and quite agile but has to negotiate a fairly steep stairs which I worry about if she gets up in the night to use the toilet which is downstairs, especially if a bit sleepy.
We’ve started some research but it’s a nightmare with all the different companies and reviews. Acorn seems to be the only British manufacturer which would indicate ease of access should replacement parts be required.
Apart from initial and maintenance costs has anyone got advice regarding questions to ask or ant companies you would recommend. Many thanks.

BlueBelle Tue 05-Apr-22 07:54:10

My mum and dad had a reconditioned one from a local mobility store it was maintained each year through an insurance scheme and they never had any problems they had it about 10 years and always had a quick call out on the very few times (I think twice) that it had to have something quite minor done

Su22 Tue 05-Apr-22 08:05:49

Acorn was brilliant when we needed one in an emergency fitted it the next day, the stairlift is easy to you and fitted in an hour by their engineer very neat and tidy, then was shown how to use it etc. would recommend them.

Had it for 6 months and was used twice a day before my husband died now stuck with it Acorn doesn't buy them back even though at the time it was still under their guarantee and they sell reconditioned ones, they did offer to come and remove it for free.
I did advertise it free to anyone who genuinely needs one had someone contact me with a story of really needing it for his gran on looking on a well know selling site he was selling used stairlifts angryso now have the painful reminder of it on my stairs.

Pepper59 Tue 05-Apr-22 10:38:18

My friend rented one but unfortunately it was many years ago and I don't know from which company. The company maintained it once a year and sadly, when my friend passed, the family made arrangements with the company for the stairlift to be returned. It all seemed very straightforward.

Hithere Tue 05-Apr-22 11:23:26

1. Prices are very high if they need to be customized (go around corners) and may take weeks for it to be ready and installed.
2. You get stuck with it when you do not needed, you may have to pay to remove it

They are super super useful and an investment

FannyCornforth Tue 05-Apr-22 11:45:03

Mine is Thyssenkrupp.
Highly recommended.
They have the best reviews and ratings in Which?
I’ve had it for 18 months.
I had a minor problem with it and a chap came and fixed it on the same day.
Their customer service is top notch.
If you want to ask me anything, ask away!

Daisymae Tue 05-Apr-22 13:03:50

We bought one from the local mobility shop. Thought that there would be a better chance of getting assistance if things went wrong. They came out measured up, advised and no pressure selling. They also sold reconditioned models

Luckygirl3 Tue 05-Apr-22 16:00:46

Mine cost £2000 from a local firm. I thought that was reasonable. They have a local reputation to maintain, so I thought that might be a plus. They have been back to adjust something for me - no hassle.

Pixieboots Tue 05-Apr-22 18:36:40

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will look at Thyssenkrupp and check with the local mobility shop.

Sloegin Mon 18-Apr-22 15:35:26

An occupational therapist came to see my husband after a recent stay in hospital and he may be getting one from NHS. I don't know if any different from one from a private company.

timetogo2016 Mon 18-Apr-22 15:44:38

FYI Pixieboots,Jacksons lifts/escalators and stairlifts company are fabulous.
I know that from family experience

Pixieboots Mon 18-Apr-22 22:19:42

Thanks for the updates. Will follow up your suggestions.

Auntieflo Tue 19-Apr-22 09:17:09

I have just had a look at the Jacksons site, and saw that they installed 15 Handicare stairlifts in a residential home.
My own stairlift is a Handicare,so was glad to see them being used. Mine was a recommendation by the social worker.

JosephSummers Sat 30-Nov-24 14:29:10

For a reliable and user-friendly stairlift, I highly recommend Stair Ride Company. They offer excellent customer service and a variety of models to suit different needs, ensuring your mother’s safety and independence at home.

silverlining48 Sat 30-Nov-24 15:20:02

A friend w as offered one that was being taken out for free, there seem to be a lot about. It was fitted and it’s proving very helpful.
If you have a local Facebook group it might be worth asking.

JamesandJon33 Sat 30-Nov-24 16:19:34

My aunt had one which when stopped at the top of the stairs, blocked them. So she could never unwittingly fall down them. Also it would not go until her seatbelt was fastened. I thing all have these facilities now. It was excellent, and enabled her to use parts of her house she hadn’t seen for a while. Her’s was Acorn I believe, and installed by a very proficient and respectful young man. Sadly my aunt is now in a care home , so we may donate it , always assuming we can .