Does anyone know ballpark prices of hiring a stairlift?

[Thethingswedoforlove]

Mum’s Alzheimer’s is primarily affecting her mobility and her vision. It is now getting quite acute and her carers have suggested we consider renting a stairlift. I need to have an idea of rough costs before dad will even entertain the idea of getting someone round to give a quote. It’s a standard 1930s semi so a regular staircase albeit with a gap (which may or may not be a surmountable problem). If anyone has any idea of even a rough ballpark we might be looking at?

Ask GP for occasional therapy referral. As far as I know stairlifts are provided / subsidised. At least they will advise. OT will also advise on other equipment that may be needed and perhaps provide.

Ask for OT referral and advice as above. Dementia adds an increased risks to use of stair lifts. People have become confused and fallen as they have tried to squeeze past them to get down the stairs or stood up halfway etc.

Someone I know got a second hand one for £1k ish.

Thank you. we have an OT referral but I didn’t know it would be this comprehensive. Strangely I did have concerns about her using the stairlift so that is echoed in some comments here. Thank you

In my area they are surprisingly cheap to rent as long as its a straight staircase
Around 40-60 a month. If I remember correctly you pay 6 months upfront
Cheap to buy second hand but then you are stuck with it and with the service/repair costs
Is she generally compliant? I've had some success teaching people with alzheimers new skills. Problem solving is the most difficult so if they push the control the wrong way they don't always think to try the other way iykwim
If she is generally compliant she could learn with practice and prompting.

Does she have a downstairs bathroom and a room that could easily be her bedroom?

If OT won't supply one best to rent as they carry out the maintenance. Roughly £60 a month.

Shop around a bit though as there can be a few differences in price.

Certainly ask for a referral.. in our area, they won't recommend stairlifts for people with dementia though, they say the risk of falls is increased with them. I can see that- someone with dementia using it on their own/middle of the night or something. They are more flexible with through floor lifts.. is that an option?
Ask though, might be different in your area.
Age UK are great for advice too.

Definitely get an OT referral as stair lifts are often not recommended for people with dementia. They need to be able to understand how to use it, not become distressed at sitting on something that's moving, try to get up etc

We have the referral. Thanks to those who have suggested it. I will wait for that. My dad is there so I assume it might be ok as he can help her? But you are right the middle of the night is a risk - she sleeps through at the moment but who knows what might change.

There is the possibility of a downstairs room and bathroom. The question is whether my father would countenance that level of major works :(