Stairlift - recommendations

[crashingagainandagain]

I am getting fed up of getting marooned either up or downstairs then getting too tired to go back up / down the stairs.

I have Long Covid and now POTS and stairs are the bane of my life along with hair washing and laundry.

lI’m not yet ready to give up the dream of recovering… but I need to be practical.

Husband isn’t thrilled about the damage it would do to our walls…

Can anyone recommend a good responsible company, please?

Google second hand suppliers or join the thread on Elderly Parents board where loads of people can't sell theirs. But definitely a good short term option.
SIL got one for MIL for £1700 but never ever used it, Not even once.
Sorry you have ben so badly affected.

Thank you that’s a great idea @Mum5net and for your kind words. I like the idea that it might not be forever

Dad had a Stannah. Not cheap but very efficient. Rep came out, discussed options and it was fitted within a couple of weeks. They made contact when it needed servicing (I think 2 were included)

When we lost dad they bought it back off us (for peanuts) and removed it promptly.

Very very little damage to the stairs or walls

Expensive, hassle free. Very professional.

They don't attach to the walls, fasten to the stairs themselves. Did used to be able to hire them. However, I had long covid, quite badly. I'm a therapist in NHS, got it before first lockdown from a patient, and used the stairs as part of my own rehab. Forced myself to improve breathlessness. Couldn't work for a year and then another good 6 months before felt anywhere near normal but if you keep pushing yourself, along with pacing strategies/resting, it will get better and you may not need one. Stairs are good exercise to keep muscles strong as well as improve the breathlessness💐

I had a stairlift installed for my mum last year. I used a local company called Acorn, much cheaper than Stannah.
They fit the track to your stairs, not the wall so there is no damage to any walls. It's a game changer for my mum who's had several strokes

Thank you @Mossstitch Glad to hear some people are improving.

My breathlessness has long gone.

The muscle weakness however is a huge problem. I can only operate in a very narrow band of activity and I can’t seem to get past it without having a big relapse.

It’s like fighting an invisible enemy. It’s been 18 months now.

I am prepared to get rid of some stair carpet if that is what it takes.

I’m going to keep doing more research so please keep the suggestions coming.

@crashingagainandagain stannah fixed through the stair carpet. The only thing attached to the wall was a holder for the control. When it was all removed there were screw holes through the carpet which were barely noticeable and just a couple in the walls. Very very minimal.

Sorry your still feeling so bad, I do understand as have spent the last 12 months fighting it (the first 12 months I couldn't fight it, just had to go with the flow, a day doing anything much even just a supermarket shop was followed by a few days of relapse, symptoms back and extreme fatigue). Many times it feels like sheer willpower got me through, a day in work took two days to recover, I reckon it was at least 18 month mark before things got easier so don't give up hope!
Even last night I spent 12 hours in bed after only two days work and still have minor symptoms such as sinus problems, specific pressure headaches that are triggered by exertion and raised heartbeats, plus the fatigue of course, but all manageable in comparison to first 12 months. I am, however, in the fortunate position of semi retired and can work whatever hours I want and no young children to look after, it must be very difficult for younger people with long covid!
I'm a hospital occupational therapist, so have some knowledge of equipment but would still advise against it at this stage. Yes, many a time I drag myself up the stairs by pulling on the handrail and feels like wading through treacle but it is surprising how quickly muscles get weaker through lack of use. My pet hate is riser recliner chairs that assist people to stand, people think it's a good idea to get them then wonder why they then cannot get up off the toilet a few months later. Muscles that aren't used quickly decondition and become useless. However if you feel the need a stair lift does not entail getting rid of carpet, they are simply bolted through the carpet to the stair treads. 💐

God you poor thing, that sounds rotten.

My mum said the best people she dealt with were Age Concern, they knew more than any of the other reps. There are even perching lifts now which might suit you better. I hope you find something that helps 💐

We got dolphin mobility in when my late mum got hers , they did lots of different brands so could advise on the most suitable one . It fixed through the stair carpet and there was very little damage when it was removed . You can also rent them if you don’t think you will want it long term . Hope you feel better soon .

We used Stannah for DM's stairlift and I was impressed with them. They actually talked her out of having brand new and into having a refurbished one as it was quite a lot cheaper. Unfortunately DM died before it had to be serviced so I can't comment on that but they also bought it back from us.