Has anyone got experience of a stair-lift? - PSP Association
Has anyone got experience of a stair-lift?
We bought a reconditioned Stannah stair lift a year ago. The OT did not recommend it for PSP sufferers but my husband was falling backwards walking upstairs, dangerous for him and me walking behind him. He can still walk with help to the chair, I strap him in and he works the controls. He has a walker upstairs as well. If we hadn't bought it, we would have had to convert our dining room by now. I know that we will probably have to one day but will put it off as long as possible. The OT also said we couldn't have a hospital bed upstairs because of it's weight and the difficulty getting it up there. I told her my 3 strong sons would get it upstairs and she phoned back to say they would take it up. I expected at least 2 men to deliver it but it was one very slim young man who said as it is all in pieces, he couldn't see what the fuss was about and he takes lots upstairs. I just have to remember to remove the key when my grandsons come. They love having rides and am conscious of the danger it could be. Oh, it's also good for taking the laundry basket up and down.
Nanna B
Thanks NannaB, like you the OT did not recommend it!
But the stairs are too much for me (and I'm only 56!-ahh the delights of PSP!!)plus our toilet is upstairs so we are going to go ahead.
I hope it works well for you. Thinking of the future, is there any way you can get a WC downstairs? My husband's PSP diagnosis was a few months before my 60th birthday. I worked for the KCC so was entitled to a small pension. I retired a year before my state pension but took the maximum lump sum from my private pension and used the money to convert our attached garage into a wet room / bedroom. The wet room with toilet has been brilliant. The bedroom, however, has been deemed too small by the OT. All the carers say they have worked in smaller bedrooms but the OT said he will have to go in the dining room, hence the battle with the bed. So for now we are OK. Sleeping upstairs, toilet and wet room downstairs (he uses a bottle at night).
The first time my husband used the lift, he did his funny humming laugh and said, "turbo boost". His way of saying it is slow.
Take care on those stairs until you get the stair lift and enjoy it when it comes.
Nanna B
Dear Nanna B,
Maybe worth checking on your bedroom size - As for with us one OT advised that our main bedroom was too small to accommodate my husband from bed to hoist to chair. I took it to be and thought our lounge-room would become the bedroom.
That was until we started bathroom modifications and were lucky enough to have another OT visit (who is heavily involved in testing and trialling all sorts of equipment for the disabled) She came with an interior designer (who designed fit-outs for hotels and state housing interiors for the disabled). They could both see why the first OT said the room was too small (who also said there would be great difficulty moving from bedroom to bathroom) however they emphasized it was no longer the case (as carers later also confirmed) - as there are now new hoists better designed to use in restricted spaces for use in family homes.
Regards, Alana - Western Australia
Hi LizAB, We have a second hand Stannah stair lift, a bargain at £150 off e-bay plus £100 to have it fitted. Its been used by my wife for 2 years with no problems, having a walker both upstairs and down. Getting on is now becoming difficult, I some times catch her standing up on it. Very useful for transporting heavy things up and down as well.
Peter.
Thanks toyota11 very useful for me and my partner!
Thanks NannaB ! I can't find space for a wet room down stairs.Your information about a hospital bed was useful, as I am determined to stay upstairs and my partner is clear that we should use the living room downstairs for when I need another bed.
I was lucky enough to pay into private pension schemes so now have an annuity to fund things.
I will take care.
Hi,
I have a stair lift which we rent. It has been a godsend.
R
trjatfaAR ,
Weedy
Thanks Weedy2!
Hello LizAB, we have a second hand Stannah, purchased from Stannah so it has a two year guarantee. We could not have managed without it.
All the best, Christopher
I don't have experience with one but I have something for you to thing about. If and when your patient can no longer stand or walk and needs a Hoyer lift or other lift to be transported will a stair-life work then? Eventually most PSP patients get to a point of absolute mobility loss. Will you then have two Hoyer lifts, one on each floor? I hope someone else can help you with this important question. Jimbo
Thanks Jimbo-it's for the short term.The stair lift will be replaced by a stair walker and as you say Hoyer lifts as and when needed. Thanks to this site I am as well prepared as I can be. Sorry for your loss, Sharyn would be so proud of you !
Thanks barnacle/Christopher !
stairlift best thing since sliced bread . My husband no longer used , sleeping downstairs now but did so . I use it now especially when I am tired .
The OT s were the same with me . My advice is don't struggle as long as we did , nearly killed both of us . I always said that whenever I thought we needed more help aids I would wait . . We now have the lot including hoists . I am 77 and already this morning I have bed washed my husband rolled and trousers on straight hoisted him off the bed and then hoisted hIm into his chair in the living room . It was all done by the time the carers arrived . I did leave them his top half to freshen up and change his top .
With the help of the hospital bed hoist and rise and recline chair none of this would have been possible . I must say my husband isn't a big man . It might be a different story then . He can also understand and help when I roll him at my instruction .
Please get everything YOU!! think you need . We do have brilliant OT at the moment who fully understands because she cared for her own mother .
Anyone else got a hangover?
Has anyone else had this experience with chc? 
Does anyone have a good experience with Sinemet?
