Buying A Handicap Stair Lift
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By: Robin
OBrien
The installation of a home stair lift has greatly improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with a mobility problem. Until now, many handicapped or disabled people were having to vacate their homes and move to a single storey house, or having to pay expensive home help care.
But, the cost of a stair lift is small in comparison and also gives them back something that is priceless: independence.
The installation of a home stair lift has greatly improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with a mobility problem. Until now, many handicapped or disabled people were having to vacate their homes and move to a single storey house, or having to pay expensive home help care.
But, the cost of a stair lift is small in comparison and also gives them back something that is priceless: independence.
ACORN STAIRLIFTS - THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN
BUYING A STAIRLIFT
However, once a person has made up their mind to buy one they are immediately confronted with an information overload. Therefore, it is strongly advisable to seek expert help, even if you're sure of what you want. This advice shouldn't just come from the dealership; get advice from your community occupational therapist - their advice will be unbiased.
Also, don't just look at one make or brand and go to at least three dealers. You should only talk to dealers who have a telephone line - many dealers on the internet don't have one - and who offer telephone after sales service. One tip: if the dealer tells you that you might consider self installation, walk away.
If you install one by yourself you will have very little comeback if anything goes wrong. Most reputable brands of stair lifts like Bruno Stairlifts and Stannah Stair Lifts will insist that their products are only installed by fully trained technicians.
It's hard to know exactly what you'll be getting unless you first test drive the appliance. If you can, go and visit a dealer's showroom and actually sit in the chair.
The technology used has come on leaps and bounds. However, some companies continue to sell old, outdated models. Try to research as many different brands as you can - the internet is a great place to start.
If you really don't know where to begin you could look at Acorn, Bruno and Stannah. There are other good quality manufacturers but these should keep you going for a while.
After your research you need to decide on what features you want. Some manufacturers provide many as standard whilst other may only provide them as options or not at all. Generally, speaking the more features you want, the more you're going to pay. Don't let anyone talk you into spending past your budget.
Get more than one quote and try to compare like with like.
Here are some tips.
Try a manufacturer and a local supplier to get a price comparison.
Ask your local authority or Occupational Therapist who they prefer to use.
If possible have another family member or an O/T present so you are not pressured into doing anything you may regret later.
Don't forget about maintenance and service costs. It's amazing how many people just don't bother to ask. What warranty do you get and how can you contact the company if anything goes wrong? Many reputable dealerships have a 24/7 telephone service where you can get an instant response to your problem.
Finally, don't let anyone force you into buying something you don't want or isn't right for you: beware of the 'you must buy today to get a great discount'. A reputable dealer will never resort to this scam.
Home stair lifts can give a disabled person access to their home but a stair lift won't be suitable for everyone.
About the Author
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