Star lift options - thoughts?

Cyclamen

Hi Chillibob 

Have a google for 'stair steady'  there may be other names/ shops but that's the closest to the 'gadget' i sa am trying to describe with the moving hand rail.  

ChilliBob

Cyclamen said:

Hi Chillibob 

Have a google for 'stair steady'  there may be other names/ shops but that's the closest to the 'gadget' i sa am trying to describe with the moving hand rail.  

Thanks, I'd completely forgotten about those but I remember seeing them before ages ago actually - I think when we had the second rail fitted for my Dad and a handhold on the other side. The thing I had seen looked almost like a step on a step with a handle, it was a while ago though so not sure what it was!

Having spent a weekend with my Dad and used sticks, a rollator and a wheelchair, I can see he can still manage stairs, not tall ones, just 'normal'/shallow height ones. But this needs to be taken slowly, is painful, and only works with support of a handrail on both sides, or a human on one side and a handrail on the other. 

He's seeing another consultant in a couple of weeks I believe - the result of that will dictate what comes next I feel - for example if his knee is replaced for a second time, I think a lift may need to be installed - otherwise he'd not be able to get up stairs whilst it's recovering. (Probably, anyhow).

I think this weekend has taught me that no single mobility aid is going to work - there needs to be an arsenal of them of which different ones suit different situations - basically a mobility tool kit essentially. Sometimes you need a hammer drill, sometimes just a cross head screwdriver is enough!

chrisw

The other option is a bed downstairs which might be acceptable whilst he's recovering from his knee operation.

ChilliBob

chrisw said:

The other option is a bed downstairs which might be acceptable whilst he's recovering from his knee operation.

Yeah, depending on the length of the recovery, perhaps. Although I can't see my folks not sleeping in the same bed for long! 

chrisw

ChilliBob said:

chrisw said:

The other option is a bed downstairs which might be acceptable whilst he's recovering from his knee operation.

Yeah, depending on the length of the recovery, perhaps. Although I can't see my folks not sleeping in the same bed for long! 

My wife had a bed downstairs whilst recovering from a foot operation. Some of the best nights sleeps I've ever had.

Albermarle

chrisw said:

ChilliBob said:

chrisw said:

The other option is a bed downstairs which might be acceptable whilst he's recovering from his knee operation.

Yeah, depending on the length of the recovery, perhaps. Although I can't see my folks not sleeping in the same bed for long! 

My wife had a bed downstairs whilst recovering from a foot operation. Some of the best nights sleeps I've ever had.

Plus maybe some brownie points for bringing her breakfast in bed ?

ChilliBob

Ha ha, it's actually a beautiful thing to see my Mum and Dad, 81 and 84, still so in love and caring for each other so much, nearly 60 years later! I know from operations and stuff my Mum finds it hard to sleep if my Dad's not there, and my Dad sleeps fine but worries if my Mum isn't there. I guess it's just such a different time to now when people are often away on business trips, even doing solo holidays for different persuits etc. Not my folks, together all tie time!

Anyhow, back OT, I have some ideas now when the situation atrises. I'll certainly make sure my and or my wife or brothers are there when people call, although my Mum's probably still scarrier and sharp ! 

fryedslyce

ChilliBob said:

Ha ha, it's actually a beautiful thing to see my Mum and Dad, 81 and 84, still so in love and caring for each other so much, nearly 60 years later! I know from operations and stuff my Mum finds it hard to sleep if my Dad's not there, and my Dad sleeps fine but worries if my Mum isn't there. I guess it's just such a different time to now when people are often away on business trips, even doing solo holidays for different persuits etc. Not my folks, together all tie time!

Anyhow, back OT, I have some ideas now when the situation atrises. I'll certainly make sure my and or my wife or brothers are there when people call, although my Mum's probably still scarrier and sharp ! 

Nothing to do with stairlifts, but if your parents have been married for almost 60 years you can apply for a anniversary message from the King, if you think they might like that.
https://www.gov.uk/get-birthday-anniversary-message-from-king

ChilliBob

That's mental that, seems they'd have a couple of years to wait! 

teddysmum

An actual lift is a lovely idea, but most people would find it impossible to site one. I think stair lifts are ugly, as they have a large part built of plastic, with little upholstery and the shape is very 'utility'. Some of the  Stannahs look better, in photos anyway, but they are among the most expensive.

Another problem is the holes in the stair carpet. ( I did once see a Stannah ad saying that carpets are not damaged, but haven't seen that comment since.) We are having new carpet fitted, so the thought of spoiling my new carpet puts me off even more. I'll just have to put up with hands and feet, up and bum bumps, down, as I can only walk a few steps without support.

A bungalow would be lovely, but those in our area are instantly snapped up, although much more expensive than houses and often in need of a complete makeover.