Do I need a stairlift?
The first thing to decide is whether or not a stairlift is the solution for you. Speak with family and friends about it. Check the practicalities of having one fitted to your home. Think about your personal circumstances in regards to health and your ability to use a stairlift, not only today but in the future.
Also, it’s worth remembering that having a stairlift is not ‘giving in’. It is a solution to a problem and it is there to assist you. In the same way as you would use a washing machine to clean your clothes over hand-washing them.
Think of it this way, would you think twice about using elevators or escalators when you go out shopping? When was the last time you thought ‘stuff it I’ll use the stairs to get back to the car-park? Shake off the stigma, Stairlifts are an assistive technology to conserve your energy to be able to enjoy more of the things you love.
How much do stairlifts cost?
Having a stairlift fitted can be a simple process and its a much more cost effective solution to adapt your home to suit your needs than you may think.
Huge expenditure is required for converting the downstairs into sleeping and washing accommodation. Adding a bathroom to the lower floors of your home and adapting existing living space into a bedroom can be costly. It can also be inconvenient and potenitally reduce your ability to enjoy your home. Another alternative could be to move to a different property entirely, such as a bungalow. Again this would incur costs such as estate agents fees as well as removal.
Stairlifts can be a cost effective solution to remaining in your home.
Here I explain the process of buying a stairlift to try to help you navigate what can appear to be a confusing and technical challenge.
In some case and depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for financial support.
How do I choose a stairlift installation company?
Once you have decided to maybe have one fitted, read reviews online about stairlift installation companies, look at advice given by trade associations such as the BHTA, remember its not all about the price, it’s about getting a company that can provide the equipment, install it professionally and then, most importantly, give you the after-sales support you need if anything should go wrong. Choose a company that can give you the advice you need and actually care about the job they are doing and their clients, don’t forget to try and buy local and to choose a business that has access to many varieties of lifts or home lifts so that they can tailor your equipment to your exact requirements.
What questions will I be asked when contacting a stairlift provider?
Once you have picked your company it’s time for the initial telephone call, you should be asked a series of simple questions so that the business can get an idea of the basics of your requirements, for example, Is your staircase straight or curved? Do you have any doorways at the bottom of the stairs? This is just so the business can get a ‘feel’ for what may be needed, obviously at this point you should be asking as many questions as you can and ensuring the company you have called is knowledgeable and professional.
What happens at a stairlift assessment home visit?
The next step in the process will be that the stairlift company will most likely (if not almost certainly) need to visit you in your home, in order to assess not only your staircase, but also you as the user. They will assess what the best product/equipment will be to suit your home and you, they should discuss your personal mobility (like bending of arms and legs, how good you are with your hands, do you have a preferential hand you like to use for controlling things), discuss how you currently use you home, maybe even a few obscure questions like what direction your bedroom/bathroom is from the top of the stairs, this is purely to help them ‘design’ the lift and tailor it to your exact requirements for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Other options such as powered swivel seats, hinges, powered footrests, colours of upholstery (if applicable), start and stop positions of the lift should all be discussed and explained, but should never be sold ‘just because’. If a dedicated power supply is required or radiators need to be moved, all this should also be explained to you, then of course the price, broken down into its individual elements with no hidden costs. Remember that most people having a stairlift fitted will be exempt from VAT
I have a lot of questions about stairlifts
During this home visit don’t forget to ask questions about anything you are uncertain of, now is the time, if you’re worried it will ruin you carpets, ask! (it wont by the way), at this point you do not need to make an immediate decision and should not be forced in to one (of course you can if you wish), if the company is a member of the BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) then this is also against their code of conduct anyway, ask for a written quote and have a think. If you decide not to use a certain company then please give them a courtesy call after the event and let them know why, that way they can work on what need to be done as a business going forward.
How does my stairlift get measured?
Once you have decided to proceed the next bit is fairly straight forward, your stairlift provider should take all the stress and worry with this process. It is usual for a deposit of up to 50% to be taken and the paperwork/order all signed and explained to you, don’t forget that lead times for installation can vary depending on the type of lift (curved or straight), with straight being from same day to a week or so and curved taking up to 8 weeks dependent on exact specification.
The full survey for your new lift will now take place, once again, this process can take a matter of minutes (for a straight lift) up to a couple of hours (for a curved), this will create all the drawings required by manufacture to produce your stairlift. The technical engineer will then leave and order your lift, arrange any additional works that may be required (radiators, power supplies) and will the keep you informed of the progress until your lift arrives.
How long does a stairlift installation take?
Once your lift has arrived at the retailer it will then be scheduled in for installation, they will call you and discuss the best day/time for this to take place, stairlift companies always work around your plans, so if you have a doctors or hospital appointment there is no need to change it.
On installation day the stairlift engineer (or maybe two of them depending on the product purchased) will attend your address (they should always contact you to let you know they are on their way, usually a hint for the kettle to be put on), they will then install your lift, this can take from around an hour (straight with simple specification) up to around 5 hours (for a complicated curved lift), they will fully test it for safety ensuring all its safety features are working correctly and commission it. You should then be given a full demonstration of your new stairlifts functions and features until you are completely happy with how to operate it, again, now is the time to hammer them with questions, if you’re not sure, ask.
Is stairlift after-sales service provided?
Once it is all finished, commissioned and demonstrated, the final paperwork will be completed and handed over. An explanation of how the warranty will work must be provided and any telephone numbers you will require in case you need assistance (it is usual for a stairlift company to affix a sticker with the number on to the product so it can be easily found) and then the final balance of the bill will need to be settled.
Many stairlift company’s include a free annual service with the initial purchase of the lift, in this case they should contact you around twelve months after installation in order arrangement to carry out the service and safety check, after this most companies will offer you an on-going maintenance and service contract, this is not compulsory but advisable in order to maintain the quality, safety and reliability of your new stairlift.
Buying a stairlift can improve your enjoyment of your home
Well that’s a quick over-view of the process, it’s not as cumbersome and scary as some people may feel it would be, stairlift providers are there to help, they are the experts and know everything about what needs to be done and how to get it done.
But, please do your research, check the company you are using, they shouldn’t just see you as ‘another sale’ but as a life long customer that needs to be assisted and supported. Stairlifts and Home Lifts are not cheap, they can be thousands of pounds, make sure you spend those thousands of pounds with the right company that provides the correct process and after-sales service.
Of course, you can speak to me directly if you have any questions.
