INVEST IN LIFE. Investing in a stairlift is still cheaper than moving house or the upheaval of moving into a residential care home.

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2 INVEST IN LIFE Stairlifts can be crucial to you staying independent in your own home they were invented to make your life easier, just like a washing machine or a dishwasher. Installing a stairlift is a positive step to help you improve your mobility, and not a sign of frailty or old age. It can also reduce your chances of having a fall on the stairs and suffering a broken bone or fracture. Investing in a stairlift is still cheaper than moving house or the upheaval of moving into a residential care home. If you think your stairs are too narrow or awkward for a stairlift, you may be surprised by some of the newer, more versatile models available. They re also a lot quieter and sleeker than in the past, causing minimum disruption to your home. We hope this practical guide will cut down on the research you need to do before buying a stairlift, and make it easier for you to choose the one that best suits your needs. 2

3 YOUR STAIRLIFT GUIDE When can a stairlift help? 4 What should I think about when buying a stairlift? 5 What type of stairlift will suit my home? useful features to check for in a stairlift 9 What if a stairlift obstructs a doorway or takes up too much space? 10 Should I buy new or second-hand? 10 Should I rent or buy? 11 What are my consumer rights? 12 What should I expect from after-sales service? 13 How do I find a reputable company? 13 What difference can a stairlift make?

4 WHEN CAN A STAIRLIFT HELP? A stairlift is a practical solution for anyone faced with mobility problems which may result from medical conditions such as arthritis, stroke, joint problems, respiratory problems or heart failure. Many medical conditions affect your mobility, and a stairlift can help with your difficulty, making life that much easier. Arthritis Heart conditions, Angina, etc. Stroke Emphysema Cancer Back problems Posture Hypertension (Blood Pressure) Swollen ankles/feet Multiple Sclerosis Your stairlift advisor will be able to give you pointers on which device best suits your needs. For instance, if you have trouble bending, a Perch style stairlift may be your best option. Also, stairlifts have a maximum weight limit; you may want to bear this in mind. Similarly, if your co-ordination is affected through injury or illness, some types of stairlift will be more suitable than others. 4

5 WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT WHEN BUYING A STAIRLIFT? HOW MUCH WILL A STAIRLIFT COST? Because every staircase is unique, a stairlift is built to specification, so costs will vary. A staircase can vary from a simple straight configuration to something far more complex. Your preferred stairlift advisor can explain this in more detail. HOW LONG WILL A STAIRLIFT TAKE TO INSTALL? A straight stairlift installation can take as little as one hour. Expect a curved stairlift to take longer to install. A stairlift can be installed in as little as three or four days from when you place your order. HOW SAFE ARE STAIRLIFTS? Modern stairlifts are extremely safe and reliable. Electronic and mechanical brakes make a sudden descent impossible, and they usually have a diagnostic display which informs you of any potential problems. Safety sensors on the footrest and stairlift carriage will automatically stop the lift in the event of an obstruction on the staircase. WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A POWER CUT? In the event of a power cut, the lift will continue to operate as normal. Modern stairlifts are battery powered, and the stairlift track has charge points which allow the lift to charge when not in use. WHO SHOULD I CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION? Contact a reputable stairlift manufacturer, they will be only too happy to give you any information you need. They will speak to you about your requirements and advise you of the safest, most suitable option. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? Call your preferred stairlift manufacturer, they will tell you what kind of stairlift is suitable for your staircase. Arrange for one of their professional surveyors to assess your staircase, and your requirements; they ll suggest the most suitable options for your situation. Tip: Take someone with you when you go for advice, they may think of things you wouldn t, and if they are also your carer they will know your limitations/ needs and help you choose something appropriate. 5

6 WHAT TYPE OF STAIRLIFT WILL SUIT MY HOME? Stairlifts work on tracks fitted to follow the line of the stairs. The tracks can be straight, or designed to bend around curved staircases. The latter type may take longer to install, but some stairlift companies provide a modular rail system which dramatically reduces installation time. Their big advantage over through-floor lifts is that they are relatively easy to install (and remove) and don t require major building work. Most new stairlifts should last at least ten years if correctly serviced and maintained. The type of stairlift you choose depends on the dimensions of your staircase and the type of medical condition you may suffer from. Your stairlift representative will be able to advise you regarding the best option. Look for a stairlift that has easy to use paddle or joystick controls, and a swivel seat that makes it easy for you to get on or off the lift at the top of the stairs. Tip: Did you know that a stairlift can be installed in as little as an hour? Tip: Look for a stairlift that fits to the stairs and not to the wall, this avoids the need for any unnecessary repairs to the home. Tip: Stairlift rails can be fitted with hinges to avoid obstructing of doorways at the foot of the stairs. 6

7 CONVENTIONAL STAIRLIFTS These are most suitable for people who are capable of getting on and off a seat and either walking or transferring to a wheelchair. They can be made to fit your staircase with either a straight or curved rail fixed to the stairs. STRAIGHT-RAIL STAIRLIFTS These are easier to install because the rails are less complicated than those for a curved stairlift. There tends to be more room at the top and bottom of the staircase for getting on and off. Most have a slimline track and fold away so that the lift does not obstruct the stairs for other people in the home. CURVED-RAIL STAIRLIFTS For more complicated staircases, a curved stairlift may be the most suitable option. Although they generally take longer to install, some stairlift manufacturers offer modular rail curved stairlifts, allowing installation times of days rather than weeks. Before they are fitted, a surveyor will visit your home, assess your requirements, and measure the dimensions of your staircase. After you have received a quote and decided to go ahead with the purchase of a stairlift, installation can be arranged promptly; this is a quick, mess-free process which will not damage your décor. Some straight-railed stairlifts can be fitted with a small transfer platform to accommodate a small bend at the top of the staircase; this is a more cost-effective solution than having a curved stairlift installed. 7

8 STAIRLIFT OPTIONS SEATED STAIRLIFTS This is the most popular model you sit on a swivel seat which locks into position during transit. Most models feature comfortable seats and armrests, with a high seat back for extra support. They should have a safety feature which automatically stops the stairlift if it encounters an obstruction. Some manufacturers provide a multi-function sit/stand stairlift for multiple users with different mobility requirements. STANDING STAIRLIFTS This is where the user stands and holds onto a guard rail. This type is a good option if you are able to stand and walk either side of the stairs and/or where the staircase is extremely narrow or you have problems bending your knees. Some manufacturers produce a sit/ stand stairlift for multiple users with different requirements. PERCHING STAIRLIFTS Similar to the standing stairlift, but with added support at buttock level. Again this is useful for narrow staircases, or suitable when you have trouble bending at the knee. STAIRLIFTS WITH A WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM This type of stairlift is most practical for users who are wheelchair-bound. Instead of transferring from the wheelchair into the seat they just wheel themselves straight onto a platform which is then raised up the stairs. However, these devices do take up a lot of space and are not suitable for many homes. OUTSIDE ALL-WEATHER STAIRLIFTS Similar to standard indoor stairlifts, these weatherproof lifts can be fitted to outdoor steps and come with protective raincovers and DC battery packs which can be stored in lockable boxes. Their main advantage is helping the user access steps up or down to their home. Models are available with wheelchair platforms. THROUGH-FLOOR LIFTS Most of these types of lifts are installed to help wheelchair users in homes with staircases that are not suitable for stairlifts. In most cases they are fitted without a shaft to save on structural work. 8

9 10 USEFUL FEATURES TO CHECK FOR IN A STAIRLIFT 1. Comfortable padded seat with swivel function (so you don t have to twist your body to get on and off). A powered swivel seat if you are not strong enough to turn yourself. 2. Safety belt: for added security. 3. Remote control function: to call or send the lift up or down the stairs. Two handsets are best. 4. Soft start and stop facility: to ensure a smooth ride with no jolts. 5. Paddle switches: these can be operated by the lightest touch and don t require a lot of strength or manual dexterity. 6. DC battery pack power: the stairlift will operate even in a power cut. On a fully charged battery pack this will equate to six to eight trips usually enough to see you through until the power gets switched back on. Most batteries recharge automatically at the top and bottom of the stairs. 7. Low level foot rest: so there is no step up or down to getting on the stairlift. 8. An over-speed governor: this safety mechanism will prevent an uncontrolled descent in the event that the stairlift should develop a fault. 9. A digital display: this alerts you to errors in functioning and enables you to forewarn an engineer what the technical problem is. 10. A quiet and smooth operating system: try out different models to see the difference. Tip: Look for a stairlift manufacturer that provides a comprehensive warranty. Although extremely reliable, you may want extra peace of mind from a company that offers a call out service within 24 hours. Tip: Modern stairlifts are near-silent and blend seamlessly and unobtrusively into your home. A straight stairlift can be installed in as little as three days after ordering. Tip: Buy a stairlift with safety sensors on the footrest and carriage; these will stop the lift automatically if any obstruction is encountered on the stairs. 9

10 You can get round this by getting a hinged rail which folds away at the bottom either manually or electrically. Most stairlifts are slim in profile, in addition the seat, arms and footrest should also fold up; this will allow other people to use the staircase as normal. WHAT IF A STAIRLIFT OBSTRUCTS A DOORWAY OR TAKES UP TOO MUCH SPACE? SHOULD I BUY NEW OR SECOND-HAND? It is possible to save money by buying a second hand stairlift, and some companies do offer reconditioned ones with warranties. Most second-hand stairlifts are only suitable for straight staircases. Some companies will even assist with the relocation of a stairlift from a private seller, and ensure it is suitable for your staircase. Tip: Avoid buying older secondhand stairlifts which have a mains supply and a trailing cable from the control box to the seat these cables are very expensive to repair and most engineers hate working on them. 10

11 SHOULD I RENT OR BUY? Rental can be a good choice if you think your needs will be short-term. You will be expected to pay installation costs, and then a monthly rental payment which will include all maintenance and servicing. However, while cheaper in the short-term it may work out more expensive in the long-term. Tip: Only rent if it is for short-term use. Otherwise it can become expensive. 11

12 WHAT ARE MY CONSUMER RIGHTS? Like the majority of transactions, when you enter into a contract, you and the organisation you ve contracted must follow its terms. Always read the small print in a contract before you agree to it; you ll know exactly what you are contracting for and what the supplier is agreeing to do for you. You are protected... there are laws that sometimes give you the right to return something depending on how you bought the item, and why you want to return it. You will normally have the option to cancel the contract for a few days after you have signed it. Details should be on the agreement. Look for the Crystal Mark on company paperwork, this signifies clarity set out in their terms/conditions and other contracts of sales. 12

13 WHAT AFTERCARE CAN I EXPECT? Reputable companies will always offer a maintenance service as standard; and should offer a seven days a week call-out service and 12-month warranty. Many companies offer alternative warranty plans. These will vary depending upon your requirements, so ask your stairlift representative what options are available. Manufacturers have a network of engineers, so they can get to you quickly should an emergency arise. HOW DO I CHOOSE A REPUTABLE COMPANY? Personal recommendation can be useful if you know someone with a stairlift, go and check it out for size; and quiz them about reliability and aftercare service. A reputable stairlift company will be only too happy to send a representative round to chat to you about your requirements; alternatively one of their trained advisors can assist you over the telephone. There should never be any pressure to buy, and companies should advise you of any aftercare services prior to purchase. 13

14 WHAT DIFFERENCE CAN A STAIRLIFT MAKE TO MY LIFE? Read below how people s lives have been transformed by a stairlift. The stairlift has made a world of difference, I am now more independent in my own home. Life is so much easier now that I have had the stairlift installed. I no longer have to crawl up the stairs which used to take me some time; it is wonderful to use the stairlift now. The stairlift has given me confidence in getting up and down the stairs safely. I now feel safe going up and down the stairs. The stairlift has given me more freedom and independence and is a lot safer. The stairlift has changed the quality of life for the user and has given them some independence back. 14

15 Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes again. Safe and reliable Slimline fold-away design New or reconditioned Direct from the manufacturer Next day installation available* Call now on freephone for your free DVD and information pack *Please ask for details FREE! DVD Guide to Choosing Stairlifts Presented by Dr. Hilary Jones

16 Produced by Acorn Mobility Services Ltd. Telecom House, Millennium Business Park, Station Road, Steeton, West Yorkshire, BD20 6RB 5243/ACSG/GB0113