Abstract:

Once it has become difficult or impossible for someone to get up and down the stairs, they face a choice of options: living downstairs, moving to a bungalow or ground floor flat or installing a domestic lift. The first option may not be practical because although it is easy to move a bed downstairs, providing bathroom facilities can prove difficult and costly and downstairs living space will be reduced. The second option is not only costly but may result in the loss of good friends and neighbours. Installing a domestic lift is often the most practical and economical option. The aim of this factsheet is to provide first stop information on equipment to assist someone getting up and down stairs, and details about the useful features of different types of lift.