Lift transforms mum’s life

A HOME lift is another great option that could make life easier for all the family. The latest compact types fit unobtrusively into the home. Just call the lift when you need it and enjoy free space in the room when you don’t. Powered electronically and with battery back-up, these lifts are quiet and cheap to run, as well as being safe and easy to use, with seating options. Londoner Emma Livingstone (pictured right), 42, says her life has been transformed by a home lift. Hip problems linked to her cerebral palsy were making the stairs a huge challenge — so much so that she had to stay on one level of her home all day until her husband returned from work. The lift has been installed in a space off the kitchen and plugs into a domestic power socket. It travels up on selfsupporting rails through a hole in the ceiling to a firstfloor landing area. With no hydraulics or loadbearing walls required, the lift could be installed in less than a day. Mum-of-three Emma, who is still on crutches following a hip replacement operation, says: ‘We had looked at moving to a bungalow, but it was never going to be easy to find a property for five five. Stamp duty and moving costs would add to the expense. So in the end we decided to extend the house and install the lift, which has transformed my life. It is not invasive, looks modern and provides me with access to the whole house. It is also great for transporting the washing and kids’ toys!’ Emma has launched a registered charity called Adult Cerebral Palsy Hub with her physio, Miriam Creeger, to raise awareness of adults that have the condition, support research and lobby for much-needed services.