It’s no
secret that those who suffer from mobility issues can have difficulty living
life to the fullest. But this doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have the same
quality of life that others do. Mobility aids can help those who struggle to
feel more independent, confident and free, as well as reduce any pain and
discomfort.
From
bathroom lifts to walking aids, there are many mobility aids available. One of
the most popular for the home though are chairlifts for stairs, to help those
with mobility issues to be able to explore the house without having to move
home altogether. However, who requires a stairlift for the home and who is
eligible for financial help?
This blog
explores which medical conditions may require the need of a chairlift for
stairs along with what funding and support is available including government
schemes, charities and helpful tips.
Requirements for stairlifts
For those
who have a physical or mental condition that means that their movement,
activity levels or senses are affected, mobility aids are essential to everyday
life, including stairlifts in the home. Whether an individual has been disabled
from birth, since became disabled from a medical condition or unfortunate
accident or is slowly struggling in their old age, those who might require a
stairlift isn’t so black and white and there is no right answer.
Medical
conditions progress differently depending on the person and mobility can
improve over time too. Disabilities can change over time, and more and more
treatments are being developed; one who might need a stairlift now, may not
need it in the future and vice versa. With this in mind, there are no strict
set of eligibility requirements put in place for those who might need a
stairlift, however, there are some loose guidelines and people who can help
determine whether a stairlift is needed.
Much of the
population use mobility aids every single day to help reduce the risk of
falling or progressing their condition. As well as physical and medical
benefits, there are also many mental and emotional benefits including boosting
independence levels, self-esteem and helping people to maintain their current
lifestyle. Many also have the benefit of receiving help and support from
carers, social workers or occupational therapists
(OT) too. These
healthcare professionals are the ones to turn to to discuss any lifestyle
changes and having mobility aids installed within the home.
As we get
older, we tend to suffer from mobility issues and can become more prone to
medical conditions. However, some conditions simply affect us at any time in
life; for example, arthritis and its many variations can affect any individual,
even those from a young age. It’s commonly recommended that if you suffer from
arthritis, that a mobility aid like a stairlift can heavily benefit you. This
is particularly relevant for those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis as both cause joint pain, stiffness and can either attack
healthy muscle tissue or the bone. If you suffer from joint pain in the legs, a
perched stairlift may be the best option for you.
Along with
arthritis, there are many other conditions that can affect people of all ages.
These include conditions like multiple sclerosis. MS is a known culprit for
affecting mobility and, for those days when the stairs can seem impossible, a
stairlift is a welcome helping hand. However, if you’re someone suffering from
MS, ask an OT’s advice and talk it through with them first before going ahead.
For more information regarding help and support for those living with MS, visit
the MS Society
website.
MS and
arthritis may affect the joints, but stairlifts can also be advised for those
suffering from invisible conditions such as heart or lung problems as physical
activity and tackling steep stairs puts a strain on our vital organs.
Additionally, stairlifts can also be recommended for those with spina bifida,
diabetic ulcers and wounds, walking impairments due to a brain injury or
stroke, visual impairment or blindness, a range of injuries and accidents from
broken bones to amputations, disabilities such as cerebral palsy and much more.
As we’ve previously mentioned, there simply isn’t a black and white answer when
deciding who may or may not require a stairlift.
Financial help with stairlifts and disabled
lifts
If you
believe that you or a loved one is in need of a stairlift, or have been advised
by an OT to do so, the next step would be looking into the installation
including type of stairlift and cost. However, a stairlift is a big investment
and you may have concerns about how to pay for it.
Before
getting too worried or discarding the idea of getting a stairlift or wheelchair
lift because of cost, consider that you may be eligible for financial help.
Let’s take a look at the multiple grants, schemes and funding available:
Government grant - The Disabled Facilities
Grant
Available
for those living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Disabled Facilities Grant
is a
government-funded grant awarded to eligible disabled individuals. This grant
can be for a range of home improvements including stairlifts, ramps, bathroom
aids and more.
How much you
are given depends on household income and household savings over £6,000 and,
depending on where you live, these amounts can vary. In England the maximum
grant is £30,000, Wales is £36,000 and Northern Ireland is £25,000.
To apply,
you’ll need to contact your local council
and fill out a
relevant form. From there, your council may send an OT to evaluate your
circumstances and what changes are needed.
Unfortunately,
this is not available for those in Scotland - alternatively, the Scheme of Assistance
and Help to Adapt
scheme are options
available.
Independence at Home
Independence at Home
is a charity that offers grants of
up to £2,000 to pay for or put towards the cost of home adaptations and
mobility aids. Aiming to help improve the quality of life and independence of
those who are disabled or suffering a long-term illness.
To apply and
be considered, you will need to be referred to Independence at Home by an
occupational therapist, nurse, physiotherapist or social worker. They’ll need
to write a letter to them detailing your situation and how the grant would be
helpful, along with a report regarding medical diagnosis, requirements and a financial
quote for mobility aids, e.g. a stairlift company.
Margaret’s Fund
Also a
registered charity, Margaret’s Fund
offers small disability grants to help with costs of specialist equipment
including stairlifts. However, this fund only helps unwell women from an
economically disadvantaged background. Similar to Independence at Home, an
individual cannot apply themselves and they’ll need a healthcare professional
such as an OT or social worker to apply on their behalf.
RABI - Royal Agricultural Benevolent
Institution
The RABI
is a welfare charity and the oldest and largest charity for those in the
farming industry. There are lots of opportunities for funding for those farming
families in financial hardship, but they offer long-term support for those in
need of disability and mobility aids including stairlifts, scooters and more.
To apply,
you’ll need to call their free helpline on 0808 281 9490 and they can advise
you. Then, you’ll need to complete an application form whilst providing
financial information and proof you’ve worked in the farming industry for 10+
years. A decision will be made within 6-8 weeks, as this is when the committee
meets.
SSAFA
The SSAFA
is a charity providing
support to men, women and veterans who are currently serving or who have served
in the British Armed Forces, along with their families. Like RABI, they can
offer assistance and grants for mobility aids including stairlifts. To begin
the application process, call their free helpline on 0800 731 4880.
VAT relief
Those
thinking about mobility aids and stairlifts may be eligible for relief from any
VAT rates. A 0% VAT eligibility depends on whether you meet certain criteria
set out by HMRC - the person must be ‘chronically sick or disabled’ and the
stairlift must be for personal use. For more information on eligibility and how
to apply, find out here.
Consider reconditioned used stairlifts
If you
happen to not qualify for any grants or schemes or you’re still nervous about
the cost of a stairlift, why not consider purchasing a used stairlift
that has been
reconditioned by a stairlift company? These will cost less than a brand new one
yet still work efficiently and effectively. Talk to our team today about
reconditioned straight and curved stairlifts for advice.
Alfix Stairlifts - providing a range of
stairlifts and wheelchair stairlifts to those living in the UK
At Alfix Stairlifts,
we provide a whole range of stairlifts to those in need in and around Oxford,
Gloucester, Worcester and more in the Midlands area. Our team can also offer
advice for the best stairlift for your home and provide free home visits and
assessments.
From
straight and curved to seated and perched, our fully trained stairlift
engineers provide a high-quality service. For more information regarding our
stairlifts, get
in touch
with us today.
