Today we are removing a stairlift from our house. You know what they are...those chairs that go up and down stairs for people with mobility issues. We had it installed when my mother-in-law came to live with us. It's been sitting, unused, for three, almost four, years now. It cost over $11K to have it installed...it was custom as she didn't want to have to change from one chair to the other. Today it is being removed...for scrap metal. How sad is that???
I have called every charity I could think of. When I was told "no thank you" I asked if they had any suggestions. I called social workers, seniors groups and disabilities centers. My MPP and MP both got phone calls with follow up emails. I placed an ad on Marketplace and other local "for sale" groups. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Keep in mind we want no money for this. What we want is for someone who needs it to have it. Period. Most places I called said they have waiting lists of people who need one but they only have so much funding and the need is great. But no matter the need their answer was still no. How is a senior on a fixed income supposed to afford it? They can't and that is hard to accept.
I'm aware as it was customized to our house it wouldn't be easy but I had no doubt I could donate it. There is nothing unique about my house. Most stairs are the same layout and probably the same size. I'm sure a few adaptations might have been necessary but certainly nothing major. Who knows maybe someone with the same style house needed one. But here we are removing it to take to a junk dealer.
It's not just about the stairlift. It's a system where the big ticket medical items are not available to many who need them. I had the same problem with two CPAP machines. Even with a new hose and mask they couldn't be donated. Ridiculous. Someone out there with limited resources is doing without. Hoping that a charity will step in and cover the cost.
Who knew helping your fellow man would be so difficult?
Ang
