We had an extra handrail fitted along the stairway and it was beneficial for a few months as my wife most often would hold the rail while I held her other hand in supporting her up and down stairs. Later, it became necessary for me to support her holding both hands whilst I walked backward up the stairs - most unsafe so something had to be done. We have now had a stair lift installed and what a difference - very safe and much reduced effort (ask my back what it used to be like) for both of us. I have to support her in all walking (shuffling), and into and out of the seat of the stair lift but the relief for me in knowing we can get up and down the stairs safely and with much reduced effort and anxiety is fantastic. They come with remote controllers, in addition to onboard seat switch, and I use a remote and lead or follow the unit at all times. As we all know, handrails are much less costly than stairlifts and with tight and ever squeezed budgets in councils it is to be expected the less costly option will be proposed, although the emphasis should be on safety and the wellbeing of both cared for and carer. Stair lifts for straight stairs are between £1000 to £1500. I understand there are grants upto a £1000 for home modifications to improve mobility etc around the home but from what I read recently it could take 3 to 6 months for approval, so not much help in the short term. I hope our experience might help you in doing/getting what is best for both of you.