Stairlift Help: Can You Get a Stairlift on the NHS?

For many adults in the UK, as they age, stairs can become one of the largest obstacles to their ability to be independent at home. For people who live in houses rather than bungalows, the idea of losing access to areas of their home can be incredibly upsetting, and it raises the question of: can you get a stairlift on the NHS?

In a nutshell, the answer is that the health service typically doesn’t fund NHS stairlifts directly, however there are times where help is available through your local authority or through a joint health and social care assessment.

If you’re asking the question: can I get a stairlift on the NHS?, it’s important to understand that the NHS doesn’t typically buy stairlifts and instead, support comes through your local council’s social care team, usually after an Occupational Therapy, or OT, assessment.

The occupational therapist takes a good look at your home safety and mobility needs during this evaluation and if they find that a stairlift would be helpful to let you to live independently, they may suggest one as part of a larger package of home adaptations.

These adaptations are offered in England as part of the local authority’s duty of care to provide safe living environments for people with disabilities or chronic conditions. Similar systems are in effect in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though it’s worth noting that funding levels and eligibility requirements may vary depending on where you live.

The first step is to speak with your general practitioner or the social services department of your local council if you think that a stairlift could be helpful.

You can ask your council for an occupational therapist directly, or your general practitioner may refer you to one. To assess your needs and determine what modifications might be appropriate, the occupational therapist will come to your house.

Your local authority will then make the choice on whether a stairlift installation can be fully or partially funded through their home adaptations program.

Some councils tend to do this internally, but others forward applications to outside providers or housing associations, so it’s important to remember that waiting times can differ, especially in areas with less funding.

Find your local authority contact here.

When people ask, can you get a free stairlift on the NHS, what they’re really asking is whether they qualify for full funding.

The means test that takes your income and savings into account applies to home changes like stairlifts. You might be eligible for a free stairlift or a grant that pays for the majority of the cost if you receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit Guarantee, Income Support, or Universal Credit, and you could still receive a partial contribution if you are not eligible for full funding.

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer Disabled Facilities Grants, or DFGs, to help with these types of home changes. The grant can cover up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, local councils provide similar types of support through their Scheme of Assistance.

You can check your eligibility for a DFG here.

There are certain other things you can look at if your local authority assessment is unsuccessful in obtaining funding or if you do not fit the means-tested requirements.

Charities and non-profit organisations like Turn2Us, Independence at Home, and The ACT Foundation offer grants for mobility aids and home adaptations.

Some stairlift manufacturers, including many of our partners, also have plans for flexible payment or reconditioned stairlift choices that make private purchase way more affordable.

Low-interest loans made for accessibility upgrades are also available from some credit unions and neighbourhood housing improvement organisations.

Buying a stairlift privately might be the best way to go if you’re not eligible for NHS or local government funding, this means that there are no long wait times, and you have more control over the kind of stairlift you select, whether it’s a straight, curved, narrow, or outdoor models made especially for your staircase, despite the upfront cost.

A professional installer can give you a home survey to find the best fit for your space and these for free for the most part. We collaborate with dependable local partners who are experienced in all types of home designs and layouts.

So, can you get a stairlift on the NHS? You’ll need to check your specific situation to determine that answer. However, your local council or general practitioner can set up a free evaluation to see what help you are able to get if you’re not too sure where to begin. A stairlift can still be made accessible even if you don’t fit the NHS or council funding requirements thanks to programs like Disabled Facilities Grants, private funding, or charitable donations.

Always schedule a professional survey to receive customised guidance for your home’s layout and mobility requirements before making any significant decisions.

A stairlift is a crucial first step towards increased independence, but it’s also important to think about how other home modifications can work towards this.

Everyday comfort is so easy to achieve by making small changes like installing grab rails in the hallways, better lighting, or a walk-in shower. Local authorities can take a look at your other accessibility needs at the same time as your stairlift eligibility. Although stairlifts are usually the first step, they can be a huge part of a bigger plan to age in comfort and confidence exactly where you belong.