Tamsin Jones' Stairlift Installation in Bentleigh East, Melbourne

Published: Verified 2025 | Source: Acorn Stairlifts Australia

The Project

Tamsin Jones, a resident of Bentleigh East in Melbourne's south-east, has multiple sclerosis (MS) and cannot safely use stairs. When she made a hurried decision to move to a house with stairs, she knew she needed a solution before she could properly settle in. After contacting several companies, she found Acorn Stairlifts and had a stairlift installed in a very short timeframe — coordinating directly with both her builder and landlord to make it happen.

"From the minute I made contact with them nothing was too big or too hard," Tamsin said. The Acorn team talked directly with her builder and the property's landlord, sorted everything out, and installed the stairlift within a very short timeframe. The stairlift was a straight-run model installed on the internal staircase, folding away when not in use to keep the stairs clear for other household members.

Tamsin described the experience as outstanding from first phone call to installation. "It has been nothing but fit for purpose since," she added. "Amazing service, amazing products, amazing implementation, outstanding customer experience. My advice: don't procrastinate, just call Acorn — you will be super happy."

Funding and Cost

Because Tamsin has MS and requires a stairlift for safe access within her home, the stairlift may be eligible for NDIS funding under Home Modifications. An occupational therapist assessment would determine whether the stairlift is deemed reasonable and necessary. For straight stairlifts, Acorn's pricing in Australia typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 installed. For NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed, the process involves obtaining an OT report, getting quotes from registered suppliers, and submitting the funding request to the NDIS planner.

The Company

Acorn Stairlifts Australia operates nationally with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and other major centres. Their stairlifts come with a full warranty, and their service team handles installation, maintenance, and any post-installation adjustments. The Bentleigh East installation was handled by the Melbourne team, who coordinated the complex multi-party logistics efficiently.

Why This Matters

Tamsin's story is particularly relevant for Melbourne residents with progressive conditions like MS. Because her condition affects her mobility permanently, a stairlift isn't a temporary fix — it's an essential part of making her home work for her long-term. The fact that the installation was done in a rental property is also noteworthy: stairlifts are removable and leave only small screw holes in the stair treads, making them one of the few home modifications that landlords will typically approve.

For Melbourne families in suburbs like Bentleigh East, Moorabbin, and Chadstone, Tamsin's experience shows that a stairlift can be arranged quickly, even in a rental, and even when multiple stakeholders (builder, landlord, tenant) need to be coordinated.

Read more about stairlifts, Melbourne home modification support, and NDIS home modifications.

Case Study Comparison

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