Need A Stairlift For Disabled Child Can Anyone Advise

Js_Other_Half

In my area it's not the Social Workers that are the issues, it's the Occupational Therapists. They aren't even taking referrals for children at the moment in one half of the authority.

Do get your MP involved, and cite your child's safety if necessary.

space_rider

lukiesgirl wrote: »

My son is disabled and cannot manage the stairs. We have been carrying him up and down but he is 6 years old and quite heavy so I am unable to do this for much longer. I am only 5' tall and 7 stone! We are thinking of having a stair lift fitted but cannot seem to find any that are specifically for small children.

Can any of you helpful little bunnies on MSE help?

Thankyou :A

Lukiesgirl
xx

Have you tried family fund. I know there are somethings they won`t help you with if another agency is supposed to provide it but its worth a try.

jlj_2

I think it may be worth trying your childs occupational therapist as in some areas they are able to get things moving quite quickly once they have done a home assessment.

lukiesgirl

Afternoon everyone - just getting organised! I am feeling a little overwhelmed by how kind you all are. Sailorsam thank you for going to so much trouble :A. I reckon I could fit DS harness on the chair and OH has just done a quick rekkie of our stairs and I think the chair would fit. I will give acorn a ring on Monday :T
Re Occuptional Therapist - they are the ones with the waiting list. I have RA and Osteoporosis (hence difficulties lifting etc) so I am going to phone my Rheumatologist to see if he will do a report on how this is affecting my health. All your advice has got me all fired up :mad: so I am glad I posted! - thanks jlj & Js_Other_Half!

Spacerider - my OH earns too much so we cannot apply for family fund. I think we are £250 over the limit. Thanks though

rev229

You may be able to have the stair lift through the disability facilities grant (DFG) it is not means tested if it is for a child. We had our bathroom converted to a shower room last year for DD as we could no longer help her in and out of the bath following an injury to my back. DD has autism and epilepsy so having a bath wad a tad dangerous if she had a fit and we could not get her out. Go to your GP and explain to him that having to carry your child upand down stairs is no longer possible he can refer you to the OT. If you are getting no where then contact you local MP and social service manger and local PCT to get things moving. We were very lucky assessed in Feb 08 work completed April08!!! That was the only thing we have managed to get for our daughter without a fight!!!!

lukiesgirl

Thanks for that. I have never heard of this grant. I have to see my GP on Monday so I will ask him about it. I was lucky enough to go on an Early Bird Plus programme last year and it was brilliant. We finally found a way of communicating with Luke and his behavior is definately easier to control. I met other parents in the same situation and we were able to pool resources. Yes we have all had to fight for everything but we found so many other resources available for children with ASD.
Thanks again for your advise

Lukiesgirl;)

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello lukiesgirl,

Here is a link to an organisation that will help individual children with mobility equipment.
It was set up by John Caudwell, founder of Carphone Warehouse.

http://www.caudwellchildren.com

At least there seems to be a few options available to you, all will take time.
My 28 days assessment for my son, took 6 months, and it was surprising how fast things moved once I emailed direct the head of social services department, the OT was out in a matter of days,

Good Luck,

Munchie

longhotbath

Hi - we looked into getting a stair lift for our son, but social services say that he is not suitable as they only provide them for children who can operate the on their own - and that also means getting in and out of it!!!?!!!

But that is in my county - yours may have a different view.

You will not be able to use a standard chair. There is a company that produces chairs for children - it is an adapted car seat and has a 5 point harness. If I can find it, I will post the details for you.

The social services OTs are very short staffed all over the country, and often dont know all the products out there.

I would reccomend going to NAIDEX in Birmingham where they have a great childrens section.

Often Social services OT's prefer through floor lifts, if your house can be adapted, but they should assess you for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

I still carry my child - nearly 6 up and down the stairs. IWe have decided to move then adapt that house. Not sure it was a wise decision.

Also, if your child has a physio, can they help you with a way of your child helping with getting up and down the stairs. A few children I know have been shown how to slide themselves safely down, with support - but less support than carrying.

Oops, this is a bit long.

Best wishes.

longhotbath

Hi - wow how things have changed since we went to NAIDEX 2 years ago!!!!
Foud 3 stair lift companiesTLC, Churchill and Stannah.
they all have childrens seats.

Good Luck.

lukiesgirl

Thanks for that Longhotbath. I have heard of stannah but not the others so I will take a look. I have to carry a 6 year old as well - I can persuade him on the odd occasion to slide down but he has to be on my lap and screams continually on the way down. I am now starting backward training. He will start at the last two stairs it will be a long proccess but at least I wont have to carry him. My poor OLD back wont hold out much longer:rotfl:

H