Lifetime Homes
Criterion 12
Possibility for stair lift and future through floor lift
What is required?
Stairs in a house that have adequate width to enable convenient use of a stair lift if this becomes required, and an invisible ‘knock out panel’ somewhere in the first floor construction that could be removed, at some point in the future, to allow a through floor lift to pass through.
Why is this important?
If, in the future, a member of the household became less mobile, or began to use a wheelchair, then adaptations such as stair lifts or through the floor lifts would be essential for that person to move upstairs or downstairs. Without them, it would probably be necessary for the household to move to another, more suitable property, or have a large ground floor extension built. Having the above requirements means that the household can have either of these options installed as cheaply as possible, enabling continued access throughout the house, with minimum disruption to the home. This may prevent either a forced move or the need to build a large extension.