A 95-YEAR-OLD woman from Rugby has felt fresh air for the first time in two-and-a-half years after being ‘trapped’ in her upstairs flat.
Betty Goodwin has been given a new lease of life thanks to a new lift installed in her ‘granny flat’, an extension of her son Jim’s home.
Jim built the annex 25 years ago to give her the independent home she longed for, but by summer 2014, it was becoming clear that Betty – who was experiencing trouble with her legs – could no longer use the stairs.
Reality hit home when Betty chose to spend Christmas on her own with a seasonal ready-meal rather than join the rest of the family for dinner at her grandson’s house.
This made Jim realise just how isolated his 95-year-old mother had become, and he became determined to re-intergrate her into the family.
Jim and Betty in her upstairs flat. Photo: Stiltz Lifts. (s)
He was able to install a Stiltz home lift – and got help with the costs through a Disabled Facilities Grant from Rugby Borough Council.
Jim said: “The first time she went in the lift, Mum found it very daunting because she hadn’t been outside for two-and-a-half years.
“However once she was able to feel the fresh air on her face she quickly overcame her concerns.
“I hadn’t heard of home lifts but when I read about them I thought they’d be perfect for Mum.
“I contacted the council, they came to the house, looked at Mum’s situation and said we would be eligible for a grant. We were delighted.
“She hadn’t been out anywhere for Mother’s Day for the past few years but this year my brother came over and we took her out – and we all went out for an Easter weekend too.
“We’re so happy as it’s given her a whole new lease of life.”
