James Forster Outdoor Stairlift Perth: A DVA-Funded Solution for Safer Back Stairs

Published: 2026 | Source: P. R. King & Sons case study

The Project

Mr James Forster, aged 99, wanted a safer way to manage the back stairs of his home. P. R. King & Sons says the problem was reviewed with his occupational therapist, who confirmed that an outdoor stairlift was the best fit for the site and the way he needed to move through the property.

The install was carried out by P. R. King & Sons' WA team using a Stannah Outdoor Stairlift. The company notes that its WA state manager worked directly with the occupational therapist to make sure the product matched the client's needs and that the features were clearly explained before installation.

A DVA grant was sought and approved to help with the cost. That funding support matters because outdoor stair access can become unsafe quickly, especially on rear steps that are exposed to weather, uneven surfaces, or narrow landings.

Mr Forster said the stairlift made life easier and gave him the freedom to move around his own home. He also described the installation team as polite and clean, which is exactly the kind of low-disruption outcome homeowners want when access work is being carried out at an occupied house.

The Company

P. R. King & Sons supplies and installs lift access solutions across Australia, including stairlifts, platform lifts, home lifts, and inclinators. For domestic users, the outdoor stairlift range is especially useful where the main challenge is a short run of exterior steps rather than a full internal staircase.

Cost and Funding

The source does not publish the final project cost. For an outdoor stairlift, pricing usually depends on the length of the run, whether the rail is straight or curved, site exposure, power requirements, and any weather protection or landing adjustments.

In this case, the DVA grant was the key funding pathway. Other homeowners may be able to explore Home Care Package support, private funding, or other approval pathways depending on their circumstances and whether the project is tied to a clinical recommendation.

Why This Matters

This case study is a good reminder that access work does not need to be dramatic to change daily life. A single outdoor stairlift can remove a constant point of risk, keep a person at home longer, and make it easier to move between the entrance, garden, and outdoor living spaces without asking for help every time.

Read more about stairlifts for Australian homes, stairlift installation in Perth, and NDIS home modification funding.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Always consult a licensed builder and occupational therapist for your specific situation, budget, and funding pathway.