Case study: DFG-funded homelift enriches life of visually impaired man and arthritic dog Rocky

Craig Mucznik, 47 from Nottingham, and one of his Bichon Frise dogs, Rocky, have regained independence and happiness at home thanks to an innovative homelift funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

There are some things worth fighting for, and Craig felt like this about his Stiltz Homelift. With a homelift, his ambitious new two-storey extension is designed to future-proof his life and give him maximum independence. 17 years after his life-changing motorbike accident, he decided to project manage his own building work and challenge some mindsets along the way.

Craig lives with his mum, Gladys, and their two dogs at his light and airy adapted house.  Now there is a kitchen kitted out to his specification with plenty of space for his wheelchair. His Stiltz homelift gives him smooth access to the upstairs rooms.

In 2005, aged 30, Craig had a serious motorbike accident leaving him with life-changing injuries and severe vision loss.

“It was very touch and go,” he says.

However, Craig has a strong, independent character and, with the help of his family, he began to build his life back up. Fast forward to 2018 and Craig’s thoughts had turned to adapting more of the house. One day he was watching DIY SOS and saw a great homelift.

Craig discovered it was a Stiltz homelift and knew it would be great for his planned two-storey home. Stiltz visited Craig to understand his vision.

Craig then met with an occupational therapist (OT) to assess his needs.

He comments: “I explained I knew exactly what I wanted but they insisted on only showing companies with outdated technology. They were talking about lifts with old hydraulics and pumps. Plus they only dealt with sales agents and I only wanted to work directly with the manufacturer, like with Stiltz.”

He did not give in with his adaptation vision and got what he wanted.

Despite beginning the build at the start of the pandemic, Craig ploughed through all the obstacles associated with this type of project, and his Stiltz homelift was installed in the extension with ease. Now, the house is transformed.

His mum, Gladys, discusses the changes the homelift has made to Craig: “It’s taken so much of his frustration away. If he left something upstairs he’d get so irritated and start rushing. This was when he was at risk of falling especially with his unpredictable knee. Now, it’s no big deal to get back upstairs and it’s really helped his confidence.”

Craig hugely appreciates the difference too: “I’m so pleased that everyone helping me listened to want I wanted in the end. My Stiltz Homelift has given me renewed confidence and means I can access the entire house anytime I want to. I can travel between floors either standing or in my wheelchair, I have all the flexibility I need.

“Plus being over six foot and weighing around 16 stone, I have plenty of room onboard and feel safe. The controls are so easy especially with the braille buttons. The days of me falling down the stairs are history.”

Craig opted for the larger Trio+ model, which means he can also take other items up with him – even his elderly dog Rocky enjoys the ride!