Help choosing a stairlift.

You need to actually to talk to the main companies installing stair lifts - not just looking at their catalogue, and tell them what you require.

Hi I think most stairlifts are fitted to the stair treads. The walls would not be able to hold the weight of the user and stairlift.
The holes left after removal should be very small and covered with wood filler.
Another option would be to look at a through floor life like a STILTIZ model
You can get more information here;
www.stairlift-forum.co.uk/buying-a-stairlift/

Look at the small print regarding maintenance and make sure you can get the chairlift repaired within a few hours at the most if/when it breaks down as when you start using it you’ll realise how important it is once it’s out of use. Sorry I know this wasn’t what was asked for here but when I was working with a client one time her chairlift failed to work and it was impossible for her to get upstairs to bed the company who repaired the chair (sorry I forget who) came very promptly to repair it and I was really impressed.

When my mom lived with me in my old house I looked into stair lifts. All the companies I tried the lifts fitted to the treads. It was a year to wait for a council fitted one. (My house was not a council one. ) The cost was very high and free servicing for a year then there was a fee after that. It would have cost over £3,000 this is 3 years ago. They said they would buy it back after we didn't need it anymore but only give me £500. Decided against it. And mom just stayed upstairs once she couldn't climb them anymore. My brother's in law's paid over £5,000. The lift broke with his mother in law on it took 2 hours for someone to come out. She couldn't walk up the stairs her husband couldn't help her due to his health.

You need to check if the person using it is stable enough to use it. An aunt of mine had rheumatoid arthritis this is going back nearly 20 years the council came out to access her and decided she needed a lift which they fitted free. It went from the living room into their bedroom. When not in use it was in the bedroom so it didn't take up room downstairs. They lived in a private house.

Does your council have a falls unit? Before my mom had to live with me they supplied her with some equipment to help with day to day living . Fitted hand rails on outside of doors and extended the hand rail outside up the steps and inside up the stairs. Supplied a frame for the toilet and side of the bed.

Community nurse was a great source she got mom a pressure cushion, 2 wheeled walkers on for downstairs and up stairs, wheelchair and commode.

When she lived with me had that equipment at my house. Also district nurse provided a pressure mattress.

Check what your council can help you with. All the things mom had done and equipment was free. She lived in a private house.

Hope this info helps.

Do you have a large(ish) hall and wide landing?

I once nursed a chap with mobility problems and he had something like this 'platform' lift, which takes a wheelchair, and also has fold up seat if you don't need a wheelchair.

I can't remember which company he used but it was an excellent piece of kit - during the day the lift was sent back upstairs so all that was visible was the wall tracks; the bottom of the lift was flush with the ceiling.

It was similar but aesthetically more pleasing than these:

lift

Have you thought of a ‘through the floor lift’ may be more use long term.

Whiff (or anyone else) - which department of the Council do you contact for help?
I'm having a stair lift fitted on Tuesday.
It's from Thyssonkrupp who are the best company accordingly to Which.

Before my move to the north west I was under Dudley council in the West Midlands. But just phone the council and ask for disabled services. The falls unit was part of that department along with occupation therapy. Hope that helps FannyCornforth.

Thank you Whiff. Btw I'm from Dudley
I think that I could do with seeing an occupational therapist.

Stanna lift basic we got for my mother. Be careful though they do try to talk you into fancy techno models that are very expensive.

I ran into a similar issue trying to protect hardwood stairs. From what I learned, true “wall mounted” stairlifts are pretty rare now. Most modern systems are stair-mounted because they’re more stable and easier to install safely.

That rubber pad style you mentioned did exist, but it’s not common anymore due to safety standards. You might still find custom solutions though.

I’d suggest talking to a specialist installer. I spoke with Stair Ride Company during my search, and they explained options clearly. Not guaranteeing it’s possible, but definitely worth checking with experts before ruling it out.

6 year old thread

May I suggest you ask the advice of an Occupational Therapist. They will give impartial advice, unlike the companies trying to sell you their product. There may be better/cheaper alternatives you haven’t considered. Could your GP put you in touch with one through the NHS maybe? Failing that, a one-off private consultation with an OT. I don’t know what they would charge, but could be money well spent if it saves an expensive mistake.

I called out Acorn to design a stair lift, our stairs needed 4 turns, but it was a good design going up the inside of the staircase. There is a local company that sells reconditioned Acorn stairlifts, I showed them the drawing and they used it to fit one for DH after his brain bleed. Very much cheaper than buying a new one from Acorn. You can rent them for 6 months in case you dont need a permanent one.

B9exchange

I called out Acorn to design a stair lift, our stairs needed 4 turns, but it was a good design going up the inside of the staircase. There is a local company that sells reconditioned Acorn stairlifts, I showed them the drawing and they used it to fit one for DH after his brain bleed. Very much cheaper than buying a new one from Acorn. You can rent them for 6 months in case you dont need a permanent one.

That’s actually really helpful insight. I didn’t realize reconditioned stairlifts were even an option, but it makes a lot of sense especially given how unpredictable recovery can be. Sounds like you got the benefit of a custom design without the full new price tag, which is ideal in situations like this.

The rental option for 6 months also feels like a smart middle ground. It gives you flexibility without overcommitting financially.

Really appreciate you sharing this definitely something I’ll look into, especially since we’re still unsure how long the need will be.