In this case study we follow the story of one of our clients who was having problems with a stairlift on his narrow stairs, near Bolton, North West UK.
Having previously had a perch stairlift, he realised he would need an upgrade as his condition was deteriorating. The perch lift only took him to the top step and he realised this could be dangerous, should he lose his footing.
This was becoming more likely since Mr Brushett had a rare muscle-wasting condition known as Desmin Storage Myopathy.
Desmin Storage Myopathy
Desmin storage myopathy (or desminopathy) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the DES gene, leading to the buildup of abnormal desmin protein in skeletal and heart muscles. This causes progressive weakness, heart conduction blocks, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sometimes respiratory/digestive issues. Symptoms vary greatly by mutation and inheritance.
Mr Brushett was kind enough to share his story for this article. He told me he had a heart and kidney transplant simultaneously in 2006! This was after the initial diagnosis of the condition in his mid to late 30’s when a pacemaker was fitted. This had worked for 7 years, before heart failure, a stroke, and hearing loss followed.
Due to the muscle wasting nature of his condition, Mr Brushett was careful not to fall, since he didn’t have the strength to get up and this would require an ambulance call-out.
Of course, you can only try to imagine the disruption and distress this has caused him and his family over the years.
Stairlift Problems Stairlift Solutions
After reading some good reviews Graham found a stairlift manufacturer, but they made two failed attempts to install a stairlift on his stairs. This was after the initial perch lift had to be replaced due to his worsening condition. In the process, the company had disposed of the old stairlift so Graham was left with no stairlift at all until UK Stairlifts came to the rescue!
The stairlifts offered by the first company were simply too big. They were too wide for the stairs – the survey measurements were wrong. Graham’s knees would clash with the wall when using it, so he would have to cramp himself into a strange position to use it. It was also parked blocking the stairs, getting in the way for other people to get upstairs.
Stairlifts and Stone Steps
To give a little context here, the house was built in 1745, and had uneven, stone steps. This makes it much more difficult for a stairlift fitting. You can’t afford many mistakes when screwing the stairlift rail into stone. To make too many attempts could even crack the stone.
The staircase was also incredibly narrow too; far too narrow for a standard stairlift. It also had an awkward door at the top of the stairs and little space at the bottom!
The width of the stairs was so narrow, it was obvious to us when we arrived on the scene. Only one stairlift could be used – the Flow X!
Arriving On The Scene
Arriving on the scene the other stairlift was still in place. This meant that we couldn’t do the photo survey which was needed to determine whether the Flow X could be installed. Once it was removed we found there were various snapped screws and holes in the stone steps. This was where the previous engineer had obviously been “fighting” with the stone staircase! Stone stairs can be particularly difficult especially if you make a mistake! Wooden stairs are much simpler!
This one was definitely going to be a challenge!
We carried out a photo survey on the staircase. This is the manufacturers computer aided, digital design phase where they determine if it can even be done; using the most agile stairlift on the market!
We all waited with bated breath for the results.
Stairlift Installation – Door At The Top
The good news was that the stairlift installation was approved by the manufacturers photo survey. This meant we could go ahead with the rail manufacture.
The other slight issue was one of parking the lift at the top of the stairs. The staircase had the bedroom door right at the top.
This presented a potential problem for parking. Due to Mr Brushett’s muscle wasting condition, and the obvious danger of leaving him at the top of the stairs, Scott, our chief engineer decided to take the rail into the bedroom. This meant that Graham could take the stairlift all the way to his bedside. This would prevent any potential mishaps on the way, and allowed parking of the stairlift safely away from the stairs.
Scott even created a flap for the door which meant the door could be closed over the top of the rail!
Summary
This was another tricky stairlift installation but a very rewarding one in the end.
This one is another example of the versatility of the Flow X stairlift and how it is often the best solution where there’s a fitting problem. The Flow X is definitely the best stairlift for space saving with its ASL technology it can pivot and climb simultaneously, and parking is a doddle with it’s slimline adaptability when folded.
This made it perfect for this job and Mr Brushett’s wife had plenty of room to get past the stairlift!
Graham’s story was quite extraordinary and incredibly humbling. Thank you so much Graham for your generosity in sharing it and your kind review.
