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Elderly parents
Original poster

The tale of the mysterious ghost stairlift

55 replies

TeenToTwenties · 05/12/2025 06:49

My DPs stairlift has started occasionally moving all by itself!

They called an engineer - apparently the code shows that one of the remote controls is missing and is being pressed down causing it to operate.

My brother has helped hunt for the controller - no luck.

We have sent away for a bug hunting device that should detect the signal from the controller but they probably won't try to use it on their own.

I'm the chief finder in the family, even when I am 70 miles away but I can't visit until Tuesday. Who wants to take bets on whether I find it within 10 mins of arriving without having to use the tech?

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Original poster
TeenToTwenties · 12/12/2025 11:42

BeMintFatball · 11/12/2025 21:09

@TeenToTwenties thank you for the update. I think I speak for all of us with relatives that use stairlifts, we are intrigued

Latest update:
Has all worked well since the engineer left yesterday afternoon. Fingers crossed.

It is good to be aware of what might cause issues. Between a software person, ex engineer, and 3/4/5G transmission expert we were struggling.

OP posts:
BeMintFatball · 11/12/2025 21:09

@TeenToTwenties thank you for the update. I think I speak for all of us with relatives that use stairlifts, we are intrigued

Original poster
TeenToTwenties · 11/12/2025 17:42

Young apprentice engineer visited my having phoned and discussed this morning. He had more experienced advice on the phone.

He has changed the channel (so we won't know if the still missing remote was part of the issue or not)
Has replaced the seat as one arm not working
Rebalanced
Cleaned the stair rail with a 'magic sponge'

Neighbours got their sky box boosted in about the right time frame which apparently could be the issue.

We shall see whether any of this helps. The chair did stay still for the 2 hours for my journey home so that's a start....

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snugasabug75 · 11/12/2025 11:27

St Antony is my go to aswell!

St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come around; something is lost and needs to be found

steppemum · 11/12/2025 11:01

I am so invested in this thread!
I am sincerely hoping that it turns up, because it will forever sit in the bakc of my mind - what did happen to that remote.....

magimedi · 11/12/2025 09:06

Inside the duvet cover?

deplorabelle · 11/12/2025 09:05

If it moved at 7am maybe the remote is in /on/under the bed?

BasilParsley · 10/12/2025 21:19

Two things to do that have often worked for me...

First: Send up a prayer to St Anthony, the patron saint of lost items and ask for his help in finding it.

Second: (Sort of contrary to 'first' above!) Pin the Devil... Take a pin, say those words as you stick the pin in a cushion or pillow, leave it there a while and then, curiously, the thing will turn up...

OLDERME · 10/12/2025 20:41

In the freezer, ?
in the bathroom, ?
is there a porch?
Is there a shed or, greenhouse?.
Compost or rubbish bin.?
Outside the back or front door?
In a plant pot?

Just trying to think outside the box

Safxxx · 10/12/2025 18:13

TeenToTwenties · 10/12/2025 17:57

We still have the main remote.
It is just there is the spare one somewhere giving out a signal.
Or not, and spare is just lost and something else is causing interference.

Show quote history

Let's hope the batteries run out soon lol 😁

Redrosesposies · 10/12/2025 18:03

My friend once found her missing watch laid out on a baking tray in the oven. She didn't cook much.🤣
Have you tried the airing cupboard @TeenToTwenties ?

Twiglets1 · 10/12/2025 17:59

Down the back of the sofa.

Original poster
TeenToTwenties · 10/12/2025 17:58

Though getting them to returned to a different channel could be a last resort.

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Original poster
TeenToTwenties · 10/12/2025 17:57

Safxxx · 10/12/2025 17:55

Could you possibly get a replacement remote?

We still have the main remote.
It is just there is the spare one somewhere giving out a signal.
Or not, and spare is just lost and something else is causing interference.

OP posts:
MinnieCauldwell · 10/12/2025 17:57

I lost my keys; found in an apron pocket?

Safxxx · 10/12/2025 17:55

Could you possibly get a replacement remote?

Original poster
TeenToTwenties · 10/12/2025 17:55

These are detached houses on large plots. Even next door is some distance, and they won't have a stairlift.

We have bought a bug detector, but I haven't had time yet to try it. (3 trips to opticians in next town today - don't ask!)

We do however have a workaround. Get it on a charging point and then turn the key off. Apparently that will stop it moving but will ensure it stays charging. Good for overnight.

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KiwiFall · 10/12/2025 17:51

Can you order new remotes for it and somehow change the channel it picks up via airwaves.

KiwiFall · 10/12/2025 17:50

It’s not being picked up by next doors having the same one and they using their remote is it?

AllTheWatersTurnedToClouds · 10/12/2025 11:42

Has a neighbour got a stair lift?

we got a ceiling new fan once and our remote turned the neighbours fan on

took them a while to figure it out 🤣

StepAwayFromMyCrutches · 10/12/2025 11:14

In the fridge?

Suzyloo · 10/12/2025 10:45

If they have a recliner chair, recline it fully (not sitting in it!) and have another look. I lost my TV remote that way but knew it was in there somewhere because every time I put the footrest up it changed the channel.😁

SeaAndStars · 10/12/2025 10:37

Places that things were when my mum started losing things -
Under her pillow
Under her pillow but actually in the pillow case
Dressing gown pocket
Apron pocket
Down the toilet having fallen out of her apron pocket
In her dressing table drawer (including on one occasion her cat!)
Knitting bag
Sewing bag
Daily hand bag
Special hand bag used at wedding and put back in wardrobe
Potting shed
Potato basket in kitchen cupboard
Bread bin

Bonjamin · 10/12/2025 10:27

Call Danny Robbins. This is a classic one for Uncanny. Evelyn Hollow will tell you it’s definitely the troubled spirit of the person who died falling down the stairs in 1964, and Kieran O’Keefe will locate the remote control for you, or work out it’s next door’s electric gates/security camera/tv causing it.

Original poster
TeenToTwenties · 10/12/2025 10:14

So it sent itself downstairs at 7am.
We are wondering if heating has anything to do with it.

No pets.

I have checked all the pockets and shoes I can think of, stripped beds, looked behind radiators, down sides of chairs. In piles of papers.

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