How to Get a Stairlift on The NHS? Complete Guide (2024)
- The National Health Service or NHS does not cover a stairlift, but helps you in obtaining one through grants. Your eligibility depends on various factors, including your health needs and mobility level.
- Acquiring a free stairlift involves an assessment carried out by an NHS occupational therapist. Following approval, the NHS refers you to the local council’s social services and grant options, which will outline available options for assistance.
- From initial assessment to installation, the process can vary and on average, it can take up to 3 to 18 months, so planning ahead and understanding each step is essential.
If you’re struggling with mobility at home, a stairlift can make a world of difference in maintaining independence and safety. However, with the cost of installation being a significant investment, you may wonder if the National Health Service (NHS) could assist you in getting a stairlift for free.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and assessment processes to potential timelines for receiving a stairlift from the NHS.
If you need a stairlift sooner or want to explore other options, we can help you find the best deal! Instead of spending hours researching stairlift providers, complete our quick 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with up to 4 trusted installers near you for free, no-obligation quotes.
Can you get a stairlift on the NHS in 2024?
It’s important to understand that the National Health Service (NHS) does not directly fund stairlifts. However, it does provide the health assessment necessary to obtain grants like Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG).
To be eligible for an assessment through the NHS, you generally need to demonstrate:
- Significant mobility impairments: Individuals with severe mobility issues, such as arthritis, heart problems, respiratory issues and other long-term disabilities or age-related declines that make it challenging to navigate stairs, are more likely to qualify.
- Health and safety risks: If using stairs presents a considerable risk of falls or further health complications, the NHS may consider a stairlift necessary for your safety.
- Independent living needs: The stairlift should play a critical role in helping you remain independent at home, allowing you to access essential areas of your residence safely.
In some cases, your local council may offer financial assistance through several stairlift grants or other home adaptation schemes.
How do you get a stairlift on the NHS?
The NHS helps you to get started with your application for a free stairlift. You’ll need to go through a structured process that includes an assessment, approval from the occupational therapist, and, in some cases, additional support from your local council.
Each step has specific requirements and can vary in duration, depending on demand and resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s involved.
Step 1: Initial contact and referral (1–2 Weeks)
Start by contacting your GP or local social services department. They can refer you to an occupational therapist (OT), who will assess your mobility needs as well as your home and determine if a stairlift is appropriate.
Once the referral is made, you will be placed on a waiting list, depending on the availability of occupational therapists in your area.
Step 2: Assessment by an occupational therapist (2–4 Weeks)
An occupational therapist will visit your home to thoroughly assess your mobility and safety needs. This assessment includes evaluating your ability to navigate stairs safely and the impact a stairlift could have on your daily life.
The OT may also discuss other adaptations that could be necessary. Your council should pay for each adaptation that costs less than £1,000. This usually includes things such as: grab rails, a concrete ramp or steps or lights that come on when someone is at your front door. If they determine that a stairlift is essential, they’ll recommend it for further review.
Step 3: Financial assessment and approval process (2–8 Weeks)
After the occupational therapist’s recommendation, you are required to undergo a financial assessment. This is because the NHS itself does not cover the cost of stairlifts, and support is sought from the local council and grants like Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG).
The financial assessment will review your income and savings to determine your eligibility for grants or additional funding. Having savings over £6,000 may impact your eligibility for the full grant. However, if the application is for a child under 19, the parents’ savings will not be taken into account.
Step 4: Installation arrangements (1–4 Weeks)
Once approved for a Disabled Facilities Grant, the local council will handle arrangements for stairlift installation. They will liaise with a stairlift provider to organise the installation. In some cases, the wait times may be longer depending on provider availability and local demand.
Each of these steps is essential to ensure that you receive the necessary support and the right stairlift for your home. The entire process can take several weeks to months, so it’s best to start as soon as possible to minimise delays.
What does the assessment from the NHS look like?
The assessment from the NHS, conducted by an occupational therapist (OT), is a key step in determining whether you qualify for a stairlift. The OT’s visit aims to evaluate your specific mobility needs, how a stairlift could support your safety and independence, and whether other home adaptations may also be required. Knowing what to expect from this assessment can help ease concerns and prepare you for the visit.
During the assessment, the occupational therapist will focus on the following areas:
Mobility needs
The OT will assess your overall mobility, particularly your ability to navigate stairs independently. They’ll look at any medical conditions or physical limitations that make using stairs challenging and discuss how these issues impact your daily life. The OT may also review relevant medical records, letters from your doctor outlining your mobility challenges, and any other evidence that supports your need for a stairlift.
Health and safety risks
Part of the assessment involves evaluating any risks associated with stair use, such as potential falls, fatigue, or strain that could worsen your condition. The OT will consider these factors when recommending a stairlift or alternative solutions to improve safety.
Home layout and suitability
The OT will examine the layout of your home, including the staircase’s width, shape, and location, to determine if a stairlift can be safely installed. They may also discuss whether modifications to your home are needed for the stairlift or suggest other solutions if a stairlift isn’t feasible.
Support for independent living
The primary goal of the assessment is to support your ability to live independently. The OT will discuss how a stairlift could help you access essential areas of your home, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and make daily tasks easier and safer.
Following the assessment, the OT will provide a recommendation. If they deem a stairlift necessary, this will move you to the next step in the application process. This thorough evaluation ensures that any mobility aids offered are genuinely beneficial for your specific needs.
Get the best deal for your stairlift
If you’re considering a stairlift and want the best value, comparing stairlift quotes from reputable providers is essential. While the NHS may provide the assessment necessary for a stairlift grant, others may need to explore alternative options to find a reliable stairlift within their budget. Shopping around ensures you receive a fair price, high-quality installation, and excellent aftercare service.
Here’s how comparing quotes can help you secure the best stairlift:
Compare costs across trusted providers
By obtaining multiple quotes, you can get a clearer picture of current prices and avoid overpaying. Different providers may offer varying prices for similar stairlift models, so getting quotes helps you understand the range and choose an affordable option that fits your needs.
Evaluate features and services
Each stairlift provider has different models and customisation options, from basic models to advanced options with added safety features. Comparing quotes allows you to see what each provider offers, from warranty terms and installation timelines to aftercare services, helping you choose the best combination of quality and value.
Get free, no-obligation quotes
To simplify the process, you can fill out a short form to connect with up to four trusted stairlift providers in your area, allowing you to receive free, no-obligation quotes. This way, you can make an informed decision without pressure, ensuring you choose the best solution at the best price.
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