Need advice about having a lift removed

Hello, I wonder if anyone has any advice. I help look after a lady who is 98 and is now bedridden. 10 years ago Sheffield City Council put in a large lift that goes from her living room to her bedroom. The lift is in perfect working order and has been maintained and serviced regularly. We have been quoted a ridiculous sum to have the lift removed but also they say no one wants it because it is more than 2 years old. We are looking for someone who would want this lift  or advice about having it removed without spending nearly a thousand pounds to remove, discard and repair the ceiling