For many homeowners, there comes a point when stairs become more than just an inconvenience. What was once a simple daily routine can gradually become a source of anxiety, frustration, and even danger. Unfortunately, when mobility challenges begin to affect access to different parts of the home, many people feel they only have two options: move house or significantly alter their lifestyle.
At DHG Services, we believe there is often a better solution.
As specialists in stairlifts, home lifts, through-floor lifts, and accessibility solutions throughout Staffordshire and the wider UK, we regularly help customers regain independence while remaining in the homes they love. This case study highlights one such project, where a Staffordshire couple were considering selling their family home due to increasing mobility concerns.
After a detailed assessment and consultation process, we helped them identify the most suitable accessibility solution for both their immediate and long-term needs. The project involved evaluating several options, including a stairlift, a through-floor lift, and ultimately a Stiltz home lift.
The result was a life-changing installation that allowed the couple to continue enjoying their home safely, comfortably, and independently.
John and Margaret (names changed for privacy) had lived in their detached Staffordshire home for more than 30 years.
The property held decades of memories. They had raised their children there, welcomed grandchildren, and invested heavily in maintaining and improving the house over the years. Like many homeowners approaching retirement age, they had always assumed they would remain in the property indefinitely.
However, mobility challenges began to change their perspective.
John had developed arthritis in both knees, making it increasingly painful to climb stairs. Margaret had recently undergone hip replacement surgery and was finding recovery slower than expected. Although both remained active and independent, they were becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term practicality of their home.
The staircase had become a daily obstacle.
Tasks that were once routine were now physically demanding. Carrying laundry upstairs, accessing bedrooms, and moving between floors required significant effort and caused discomfort.
More importantly, they were worried about falls.
Like many people experiencing mobility issues, they had started discussing the possibility of moving to a bungalow or single-storey property. However, the emotional and financial implications of moving house were considerable.
Property prices, moving costs, legal fees, stamp duty, and the stress of leaving a beloved family home all weighed heavily on their minds.
Before making a final decision, they decided to explore whether an accessibility solution could allow them to remain in the property safely.
This is when they contacted DHG Services.
Every accessibility project begins with a conversation.
Rather than immediately recommending a particular product, our team focuses on understanding the customer's current situation, future requirements, property layout, and lifestyle.
During our initial consultation, we discussed:
It quickly became apparent that the couple needed more than a short-term fix.
While a simple mobility solution may have addressed their immediate concerns, we wanted to ensure any recommendation would continue supporting them for many years to come.
Following the consultation, we arranged a comprehensive home survey.
One of the key reasons DHG Services is trusted across Staffordshire is our detailed assessment process.
No two homes are identical.
Likewise, no two customers have identical mobility requirements.
During the survey, our accessibility specialists carefully examined:
The staircase itself was relatively wide and would comfortably accommodate several stairlift models.
However, the assessment revealed something important.
Although a stairlift could address the immediate issue of accessing the first floor, it might not be the ideal long-term solution.
Given the progressive nature of arthritis and age-related mobility decline, we wanted to explore options that would continue meeting their needs in the future.
This led to a detailed discussion comparing stairlifts, through-floor lifts, and domestic home lifts.
For many customers, a stairlift is the perfect accessibility solution.
Modern stairlifts are reliable, affordable, quick to install, and highly effective.
Benefits include:
For John and Margaret's property, a straight stairlift could have been installed quickly and efficiently.
We discussed several options and demonstrated how modern stairlifts offer features such as:
From a practical perspective, a stairlift would certainly have solved the challenge of climbing stairs.
However, the couple raised several concerns.
Margaret worried about future mobility deterioration.
John expressed concerns about transferring onto the stairlift seat if his arthritis worsened.
They also felt a stairlift would serve as a mobility aid rather than a complete future-proofing solution.
This prompted us to explore alternative options.
The next option considered was a through-floor lift.
Through-floor lifts are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking for a long-term accessibility solution.
Unlike stairlifts, which travel along the staircase, through-floor lifts move vertically between floors through a carefully designed aperture.
Benefits include:
We identified a potential location between the dining room and an upstairs bedroom.
The layout was suitable, and installation was technically feasible.
The couple were impressed by the concept.
However, after further discussions, several considerations emerged.
The through-floor lift would require:
Although still a viable solution, the couple hoped for an option that combined accessibility with a more contemporary aesthetic.
This led to the introduction of a Stiltz home lift.
When we demonstrated the Stiltz home lift concept, the couple immediately recognised its advantages.
Stiltz lifts have transformed the domestic lift market by providing an elegant, compact, and highly practical accessibility solution.
Unlike traditional lifts, Stiltz home lifts:
For John and Margaret's property, the Stiltz lift offered the ideal balance between functionality and aesthetics.
It would provide:
Most importantly, it would allow them to remain in the property for many years without worrying about stairs.
After reviewing all options, the couple decided that the Stiltz home lift represented the best overall investment.
One of the most common questions we receive involves costs.
Naturally, every installation is different.
Factors influencing pricing include:
During consultations, we always provide transparent guidance regarding costs and value.
For John and Margaret, the decision was not solely based on initial expenditure.
They considered:
When compared against the true cost of moving home, the Stiltz lift represented excellent value.
More importantly, it enabled them to remain in a property they genuinely loved.
We also discussed potential funding opportunities.
Many homeowners are unaware that financial assistance may be available through local authorities.
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can help eligible applicants fund adaptations that improve accessibility within their home.
Depending on circumstances, grants may contribute towards:
We provided guidance on the application process and explained how local authority assessments typically work.
Although grant eligibility varies, ensuring customers understand available support forms an important part of our service.
Once the Stiltz lift had been selected, detailed planning began.
Our installation team carried out precise measurements and prepared a full installation schedule.
Key considerations included:
The aim was to minimise disruption while ensuring the highest installation standards.
Throughout the process, the couple remained fully informed and involved in every decision.
One reason Stiltz lifts are so popular is the relatively limited structural work required.
Compared to many traditional lift systems, installation can often be completed with minimal alterations.
For this project, modifications included:
The overall impact on the property was remarkably small.
The lift integrated naturally into the home's existing layout.
Visitors often assume it was part of the original design.
Our experienced installation team arrived as scheduled and began work immediately.
Every project is carefully managed to maintain safety, cleanliness, and efficiency.
The installation process involved:
The team worked closely with the homeowners throughout the process.
By completion, the lift was fully operational and ready for use.
The difference was immediate.
For the first time in years, both homeowners could move between floors without discomfort, anxiety, or assistance.
Bedrooms became easily accessible again.
Laundry tasks became straightforward.
Night-time bathroom visits no longer involved navigating stairs.
Most importantly, the fear of falling was significantly reduced.
The lift restored confidence that had gradually diminished over time.
The installation provided several long-term advantages.
The couple maintained complete control over their daily routine.
The risk associated with stair usage was dramatically reduced.
They remained in the home they loved.
The lift would continue supporting them as mobility requirements evolved.
Daily activities became easier and less physically demanding.
Family members gained reassurance knowing their parents could safely access all areas of the property.
"We honestly thought moving house was our only option. The stairs had become a daily challenge, and we were worried about what the future would look like. DHG Services took the time to understand our situation and explain every available option. We never felt pressured into making a decision.
The Stiltz lift has completely transformed how we use our home. It looks fantastic, it's easy to use, and most importantly, it means we can stay in the house we love. The entire team was professional, friendly, and supportive from start to finish. We couldn't be happier with the result."
— John and Margaret, Staffordshire
One of the most important lessons from this project is that no single accessibility product is right for everyone.
Some customers benefit most from:
The best solution depends entirely on:
By evaluating every option rather than promoting a single product, DHG Services ensures customers receive genuinely tailored advice.
This project is just one example of how DHG Services helps people remain independent within their own homes.
We provide:
Our mission is simple: help people stay safe, independent, and comfortable in the homes they love.
For John and Margaret, the decision to contact DHG Services changed everything.
What began as a concern about mobility and the possibility of moving house became an opportunity to future-proof their home and regain confidence.
Through a detailed assessment process, careful consideration of multiple accessibility solutions, and professional installation of a Stiltz home lift, they achieved exactly what they hoped for: the ability to remain in their beloved Staffordshire home.
For homeowners facing similar challenges, there are often more options available than they realise.
Whether you're considering a stairlift, through-floor lift, or home lift, the key is finding a solution tailored to your property, lifestyle, and future needs.
At DHG Services, we're proud to help homeowners throughout Staffordshire and across the UK discover the accessibility solutions that make independent living possible for years to come.