How Stairlifts Transform Lives: Real Stories from Real People

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When mobility becomes challenging, stairs can feel like mountains. But for hundreds of customers across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, a stairlift has meant the difference between moving house and staying in the home they love. These aren’t just machines – they’re life-changers, independence-givers and confidence-builders. Here are the real stories from real people whose lives have been transformed.

Can a stairlift really change your life?

“It will change our lives,” said a customer from Skegness after her new stairlift installation. She’s not alone in feeling this way. Across our service area, we hear similar stories time and again.

A customer from Lincoln put it simply: “I am now able to stay in my own home with the aid of my new stairlift.” For many people, that’s everything. Home isn’t just four walls – it’s memories, independence and familiarity. When mobility challenges threaten that, a stairlift can be the bridge between moving and staying.

Another customer from Beckingham captured the essence perfectly: “This stairlift has given me independence.” Independence means different things to different people, but for those struggling with stairs, it means freedom to move around their own home safely and confidently.

How do people feel about having engineers in their home?

One concern many customers have is about having work done in their home. Will the engineers be respectful? Will they understand the personal nature of needing mobility assistance? Our customers’ experiences speak volumes.

“The engineer was very polite, knowledgeable, patient and helpful. He did not leave until we understood everything,” shared a customer from Louth.

This patience and thoroughness matter enormously when someone is adapting to a new piece of equipment that will become part of their daily routine.
A customer from Gainsborough told us: “The engineer who fitted the stairlift was so nice and very helpful. Would recommend to everyone.” It’s these small considerations – cleaning up afterwards, being respectful, taking time to explain things properly – that make such a big difference during what can be a stressful time.

The feedback consistently highlights how our engineers approach each installation with care and professionalism. A customer from Burton wrote: “Your engineer was polite and efficient, working through the time with only breaks for cups of tea, and clearing away and leaving everything tidy after a helpful explanation of the working of the stairlift.”

What difference does professional installation make?

The installation experience sets the tone for how customers feel about their new stairlift. A rushed job or poor service can leave people feeling anxious about using their equipment. But when it’s done right, the difference is remarkable.

“Everything went smoothly, arrived on time and gave a demonstration after it was fitted,” said a customer from Newark. This attention to detail – not just installing the equipment but ensuring the customer feels confident using it – is crucial.

A customer from Sutton on Sea summed up the complete experience: “Everything was brilliant, from the initial enquiry to arranging the installation, the engineer who measured and the engineer who fitted it.” This seamless process helps customers feel looked after every step of the way.

How quickly can a stairlift be installed when you need it urgently?

Sometimes, the need for a stairlift comes suddenly – after a fall, surgery or sudden mobility change. In these situations, speed matters enormously.

“I needed a stairlift installed quickly and you did it faster than I expected,” wrote a customer from Welton. When mobility is compromised, every day without proper access can feel isolating and frustrating.

Another customer from Whittlesey appreciated “the speed it was fitted” and said they would “definitely recommend” the service. Quick installation doesn’t mean cutting corners – it means understanding that mobility solutions are often needed urgently and organising accordingly.

One customer noted: “The engineer went out of his way to ensure he fitted the lift before we went on holiday.” This flexibility and understanding of individual circumstances makes all the difference when people are dealing with mobility challenges.

Do stairlifts take up much space in your home?

A common worry is whether a stairlift will dominate the staircase or make the home feel institutional. The reality, according to our customers, is quite different.

“It takes up no room at all and the handy wall-mounted controls mean that you can call it to the top or bottom of the staircase without having an operator in the chair,” explained a customer from Gainsborough. Modern stairlifts are designed to be unobtrusive when not in use.

The engineering quality impresses people too. “Very impressed by the engineering quality of the stairlift. It is easy to use and is just what we wanted,” said a customer from Retford. Good design means the stairlift integrates into the home rather than dominating it.

What about ongoing support and maintenance?

A stairlift isn’t a one-time purchase – it’s equipment that needs ongoing support. Our customers’ experiences show how important reliable aftercare is.

“A lot of companies boast a 24/7 service and maintenance offering, but few actually deliver. I can honestly say that Obam do that and we had our stairlift back up and running within hours of calling them,” wrote a customer from Retford. When you depend on a stairlift for access to your home, quick response times aren’t just convenient – they’re essential.

Another customer shared: “Twice this weekend I have had to call them. The engineer has sorted it over the phone, ensuring my mum can get up and down. I can’t thank you enough.” This kind of support means family members can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones have reliable access to their whole home.

How do family members feel about stairlifts?

Often, it’s not just the stairlift user who benefits – family members gain peace of mind too.

Family members often worry about their loved ones’ safety on stairs. A properly installed stairlift removes that daily concern. The ripple effect of independence extends beyond the user to everyone who cares about them.

What's the emotional impact of regaining stair access?

Beyond the practical benefits, there’s an emotional impact when someone can access their whole home again. “I wish I’d had it fitted sooner,” said a customer from Lincoln – a sentiment we often hear from people who had been putting off the decision.

One customer wrote extensively about their experience: “I am delighted with the stairlift, which will be a real boon as my arthritis progresses and I couldn’t be more pleased with the result.”

Another customer from Eastwood shared: “It has transformed our lives. Without doubt, we will recommend you to others.” When something transforms your life, sharing that with others who might benefit becomes important.

What makes customers choose a local company over a national chain?

Many customers specifically mention choosing a local company. One customer from Burton wrote: “I am so glad that I chose a local company instead of one of the large national firms, and I will certainly recommend your services to my elderly friends when they find they can no longer get up the stairs unaided.”

Local companies often provide more personalised service and quicker response times. “Great family firm, never let you down, help you over the phone or come out when requested. Can’t fault them, lovely engineers,” shared one customer.

How do different types of mobility equipment help?

While stairlifts are the most common solution, some customers need other equipment, too. “Thank you, Obam. The ramp is absolutely fabulous, and the two engineers who installed it were friendly, polite and courteous,” said a customer from Sudbrook who had a ramp installed.

Another customer noted: “We are very pleased with the ramp and how it has helped my husband. Wheelchair services have also commented on how good it is and it is exactly what we needed.” Sometimes the right solution isn’t stairs access but ground level access, and having a company that can provide various mobility solutions means getting exactly what’s needed.

Whether it’s stairlifts, ramps, hoists or through-floor lifts, the key is finding the right solution for each individual’s needs and home layout.

These real customer stories show how mobility solutions do far more than just help people get upstairs. They restore independence, provide peace of mind to families and allow people to stay in homes they love. The common threads through all these experiences are professional installation, ongoing support and equipment that truly changes lives for the better. If stairs have become a challenge in your home, remember that solutions exist, and the transformation can be more significant than you might expect.

Nominate Someone For A Free Stairlift

Obam Stairlifts celebrates its 25th birthday in August 2025 by giving back to the community through a special Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The family business is donating two new straight stairlifts to nominated causes in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, marking a quarter-century of helping people stay in the homes they love.

Anyone can nominate someone they know who would benefit from a stairlift donation. You might know an elderly neighbour struggling with stairs, a family member recovering from surgery, or someone with mobility challenges who can’t afford this life-changing equipment. The nomination process is simple and open to everyone.

To nominate and for more information, go to obam.co.uk/birthday

Take control of your independence with Obam

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Take control of your independence with Obam