They are supposed to be installing a Bruno model and rx the company is upgrading the model and when I called again today they said it is now scheduled for the 15th but she can't even guarantee that.My stepfather needs to get to his bed upstairs and has already fallen again getting up in the middle of the night because the new 5000 dollar matress he bought for himself and my mother is too soft for him.
In the early days when my parents could no longer make the stairs of their three floor home, the stair lift was a godsend.
But as time went on, it wasn't because they became frailer and did not have the muscle strength to get in and out of the chair. That may be the situation with your stepfather, he may have missed the window where it would have been worthwhile.
Would the installer give you a refund since it hasn't been used? It might be worth asking.
In your stepfather's case, he should be now on the main floor. Maybe a hospital bed is now needed and there should be a commode. That's what we had to do for my father. My parents fought the idea of getting a bathroom installed on the main level which is where they spent all of their waking hours. It would have made everyone's lives so much easier if they did.
I agree with Geaton's recommendations re: being on one floor, using commodes, bed baths, etc. This is what most of my patient's have done. Keep things as simple as possible.
I agree with others that if there's any way to move them to the main floor, no matter how you rearrange that area, you should do it. Definitely don't wait for him to fall or for the installation of the stairlift. If there's no bathroom on that level, bring in a portable commode (and secure it to the wall or floor, trust me). They can do sponge baths at the kitchen sink or utility tub if on that main level.
Or... you have them go to AL "temporarily" and then get them to stay there. You are entering a phase where these elders (who are becoming fussy and demanding and unsympathetic) will completely take over your life and burn you out. Head this off at the pass! Get them out on some pretense. Of course they won't like it but too bad, it's YOUR life. It will NOT improve no matter how much you bend over backwards to appease them. Make up some illness or back problem so that you can't be of help to them. I hope you're not the one paying for the stairlift. Return the mattress if it has a 30-day return policy, or sell it. I can't stress enough to get them out asap.