Restoring Safe Access to the Home with Stiltz – Marian’s Story.
Marian Ramsay, who lives with complex, long-term mobility impairments including rheumatoid arthritis and limb amputation, was finding stairs increasingly challenging and unsafe.
Together with her husband Eric, both now retired, she sought a practical home adaptation to reduce fall risk, support independence and enable her to continue living safely in their two-storey home.
Supporting Independence, Safety and Wellbeing at Home
When long-term mobility challenges began to affect Marian, maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life in her home became a growing concern. Marian and her husband Eric, both retired and living in North London, had spent their entire married life in their two-storey home and were keen to remain there for as long as possible.
However, changes in Marian’s health meant that navigating stairs was becoming physically demanding and posed a growing risk to her safety.
Long Term Mobility Needs and Fall Risk
Having lived with early adulthood arthritis and the long-term effects of cancersurgery that resulted in a leg and part of the pelvis amputation, Marian has used a prosthesis for many years. While she has remained active throughout her life, the cumulative impact of pain, fatigue and reduced stability meant stairs were becoming a significant daily challenge.
By the end of the day, stair use required considerable effort and reliance on handrails, raising concerns about the risk of falls and long-term independence.
“We started to question whether it was sensible to stay in a house with two flights of stairs,” Marian explains, “But we love this home and the area we
live in.”
Finding a Practical, Future-Proofed Solution
Like many couples facing progressive mobility needs, Marian and Eric briefly considered moving to a single-storey property.
However, limited availability and their strong connection to their home led them to explore home adaptation options instead.
Traditional stairlifts were ruled out due to transfer challenges, the physical demands involved, and Marian’s preference for a more supportive and less intrusive solution.
A through-floor homelift offered a safer, more accessible alternative, providing level access between floors with minimal strain.
After visiting a Stiltz showroom, they chose the Duo+ Homelift and in consultation with a Stiltz Trusted Assessor, made the decision to install it between the living room and a small upstairs bedroom.
Promoting Safety, Independence and Confidence
The Stiltz Duo+ Homelift has made an immediate difference to Marian’s day-to-day living. She can now move safely between floors without assistance, reducing fatigue and preserving her independence.
“On a daily basis, I don’t have to ask Eric to fetch things for me anymore. I can manage my own space again,” she says.
From a healthcare perspective, the adaptation has reduced physical strain, supported continued use of a prosthesis and significantly lowered the risks associated with stair negotiation.
Enhancing Wellbeing at Home
Safe access to the upper floor has also allowed Marian to repurpose a previously unused bedroom into an art studio. Painting and drawing form an important part of her routine and contribute positively to her mental wellbeing.
“It’s calming and gives me focus, having a space where I can do that again makes a real difference.”
With their homelift in place, Marian and Eric feel confident they have a long-term solution that supports safe ageing in place and ongoing independence in the home they love.
Marian shares, “We know we’ve secured our future here. It’s given us confidence, independence and peace of mind.”
“We know we’ve
MARIAN RAMSAY
secured our future here.
It’s given us confidence,
independence and
peace of mind.”
