Hi
I’m new to this site
My dad (79) has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s early stages.
He has for last few years been struggling with stairs & walking.
There is no way social work will fund a chair lift for us as we live in a close (private)
Is there any other help out there
Tia
Hi E-Burns,
Welcome to our community forum. We’re sorry to hear your father is struggling. We do have a store here: https://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/ which may have some items that would interest you, but unfortunately not chair lifts specifically. However, our advisory team is excellent at helping our members find financial aid and may be able to assist in another way. The team can often surprise with what they are able to do and how far they are willing to go, as our community can attest. Do reach out to them on 0808 800 0303. They are truly happy to help.
With our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator
Hello E-Burns21
I have to say I don’t understand why you say social services won’t fund a stairlift for you - unless I am misunderstanding what you have written. As far as I am aware, your father would be entitled to an assessment and if a stairlift is considered appropriate for his needs then this will be the recommendation made. It may be that your father may need to make a contribution to the cost of this depending on his financial situation
- the most common way to pay for adaptations is by using the Disabled Facilities Grant that is mean tested. If your father has quite a high income or savings the financial assessment will probably mean he will in effect have to pay for the stairlift but most only pay a contribution, if anything at all. There are alternatives to a stairlift such as these two pieces of equipment below - one of these may help and are relatively inexpensive and may be worth considering.
https://www.cncest.com/uk/products/stair-climbing-assist-cane-half-step-stair-lift-aid-for-seniors-stair-steady-to-walk-up-and-down-stairs-or-steps?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq-u9BhCjARIsANLj-s3JnIbgv-VgnoZ4Pk7AfAgsOlDlirBw51T5NoCVmxR5Q7qIG6xdREcaAiB3EALw_wcB
Having said that it sounds like your father may benefir from an assesssment by Adult Care Services at your local council anyway, to make sure all issues are addressed, not just stairs and walking, and he is offered the support he needs.
Hope this helps.
Tot