This stair lift article appeared in Newcastle's Sunday Sun.
How's your maths? Peter Heslop bought a stair lift for £1250 on the understanding he could sell it back when it was no longer needed.
Seven months later he moved to a bungalow and was offered - wait for it - the princely sum of £60.
No wonder Peter, of Spennymoor, County Durham, felt the need for some sabre rattling.
He said: "The company told me they had a buy- back policy, depending on the length of time I had the equipment. I expected more than £60 but accepted it as I had to be out of the house quickly."
I wondered how Peter Brown, of Sabre Stairlift Systems, Keighley, West Yorkshire, could justify his figures. He said: "The reason we offer a relatively small amount is we sell reconditioned machines for only £999. We have to remove the machine, renovate it, advertise it, and reinstall it."
The Dolphin Stair Lifts blog. For more information on any of our stairlifts please call us on 0800 9800 126.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Stairlift waiting lists debate in the commons?
Labour MP Keith Vaz asked the following question in the House of Commons recently.
Keith Vaz (Leicester, East) (Lab): May we have a debate next week on the guidelines for the provision of stairlifts for elderly people by local authorities? My constituent Vera Cheshire is 78 years of age. She has a colostomy bag, an artificial leg and has lost the use of one of her arms. She has been waiting for 18 months for a stairlift from Liberal-led Leicester city council. Does my right hon. Friend agree that when local authorities fail to discharge their duties, especially to the vulnerable in society, it is important that Ministers intervene and that, at the very least, we should debate such important matters?
Mr. Hoon: As ever, my hon. Friend makes his point, and he does so with considerable force. It is outrageous that anyone should have to wait so long for assistance from their local authority. I am sure that the Liberal Democrat leadership in the House of Commons will look at that as a matter of some urgency.
Keith Vaz (Leicester, East) (Lab): May we have a debate next week on the guidelines for the provision of stairlifts for elderly people by local authorities? My constituent Vera Cheshire is 78 years of age. She has a colostomy bag, an artificial leg and has lost the use of one of her arms. She has been waiting for 18 months for a stairlift from Liberal-led Leicester city council. Does my right hon. Friend agree that when local authorities fail to discharge their duties, especially to the vulnerable in society, it is important that Ministers intervene and that, at the very least, we should debate such important matters?
Mr. Hoon: As ever, my hon. Friend makes his point, and he does so with considerable force. It is outrageous that anyone should have to wait so long for assistance from their local authority. I am sure that the Liberal Democrat leadership in the House of Commons will look at that as a matter of some urgency.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
How to buy a Stair Lift
Buying a stair lift is certainly a daunting task these days. If you need a straight stair lift then generally speaking there is not a huge difference in quality. Curved stairlifts on the other hand are far more complicated and some are definitely better than others. I would be reluctant to recommend a particular stairlift without seeing your staircase and discussing your needs but I can offer you advice on how to make sure you get the right lift. There are several manufacturers and many more independent companies that supply lifts from a range of manufacturers. There are good and bad companies among these. The industry has become very competitive over the last few years and there are a number of unscrupulous traders now operating. Even some of the big manufacturers have a poor record for after sales service and pushy salesman as well as charging an exceedingly high price for their lifts. However with a few sensible precautions you can get a really good deal.
It is a good idea to ask your local authority who they use, they will be happy to provide a list for you and this should ensure that you avoid rogue traders. Try a manufacturer and a local independent supplier to get a comparison. Always get 3 or more quotations, this is time consuming and intrusive but is really the only way to feel confident that you are making the right choice. Never agree to purchase the lift while the salesman is with you. A reputable company will respect your decision. If the salesman starts to pester you or offers you a discount if you buy now, then be very sceptical. Ask about maintenance costs, will the company still look after your lift if you don't sign up to an expensive contract? Find out if the company has engineers local to you and if they attend out of hours call outs. Also if they are independent suppliers check with the manufacturer to ensure that they are authorised dealers. If they aren't, then they will not have access to spare parts and will not have had the correct training. Once you have all of the quotations in writing take your time to make a decision and make sure that you read the small print. If you are confused about any detail then speak to someone from the company and ask for their response in writing if necessary. These precautions should ensure that you get a suitable lift at a fair price. Good luck!
Christian Dunnage
Director
Dolphin Mobility Ltd
It is a good idea to ask your local authority who they use, they will be happy to provide a list for you and this should ensure that you avoid rogue traders. Try a manufacturer and a local independent supplier to get a comparison. Always get 3 or more quotations, this is time consuming and intrusive but is really the only way to feel confident that you are making the right choice. Never agree to purchase the lift while the salesman is with you. A reputable company will respect your decision. If the salesman starts to pester you or offers you a discount if you buy now, then be very sceptical. Ask about maintenance costs, will the company still look after your lift if you don't sign up to an expensive contract? Find out if the company has engineers local to you and if they attend out of hours call outs. Also if they are independent suppliers check with the manufacturer to ensure that they are authorised dealers. If they aren't, then they will not have access to spare parts and will not have had the correct training. Once you have all of the quotations in writing take your time to make a decision and make sure that you read the small print. If you are confused about any detail then speak to someone from the company and ask for their response in writing if necessary. These precautions should ensure that you get a suitable lift at a fair price. Good luck!
Christian Dunnage
Director
Dolphin Mobility Ltd
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Risks and benefits of stair lift use
Example: weighing up risks and benefits in assisting a client in relation to stairlift use. A social work service occupational therapist [OT] refuses on safety grounds to recommend a stairlift for a disabled woman, instead recommending a through-floor lift. She judges that the risk of using the stairlift is simply too great.
The woman does not want the through-floor lift and manages to obtain her own second-hand stairlift. Some months later she is using the stairlift several times a day and gets back in touch with the OT and asks whether she could visit and arrange the installation of rails at the top and bottom of the stairs to make transfers safer. The OT visits, concludes that the stairlift use is just as unsafe, recommends that the woman should not use it - but decides nevertheless to assist with the rails [even though one of her colleagues advises her against it, because it would be `collusion' with an unsafe practice].
The OT would need to reason out her decision in terms of risks and benefits to the client; for example, provision of the rails might reduce the risk inherent in what the woman was anyway doing several times a day. Thus the therapist would be making clear that far from introducing, creating or encouraging the taking of unacceptable risks, she was in fact reducing the risks that the woman was anyway determined to take. Furthermore, so long as the OT carefully documents her reasoning and that she has in any event advised the woman not to use the stairlift - then whether or not the OT assists with the rails, a court is likely to view the woman, rather than the OT, as the overall cause of any accident in respect of the stairlift.
The woman does not want the through-floor lift and manages to obtain her own second-hand stairlift. Some months later she is using the stairlift several times a day and gets back in touch with the OT and asks whether she could visit and arrange the installation of rails at the top and bottom of the stairs to make transfers safer. The OT visits, concludes that the stairlift use is just as unsafe, recommends that the woman should not use it - but decides nevertheless to assist with the rails [even though one of her colleagues advises her against it, because it would be `collusion' with an unsafe practice].
The OT would need to reason out her decision in terms of risks and benefits to the client; for example, provision of the rails might reduce the risk inherent in what the woman was anyway doing several times a day. Thus the therapist would be making clear that far from introducing, creating or encouraging the taking of unacceptable risks, she was in fact reducing the risks that the woman was anyway determined to take. Furthermore, so long as the OT carefully documents her reasoning and that she has in any event advised the woman not to use the stairlift - then whether or not the OT assists with the rails, a court is likely to view the woman, rather than the OT, as the overall cause of any accident in respect of the stairlift.
Monday, August 21, 2006
New Stair Lift Websites
We currently have 2 new Dolphin stair lift websites under development. When completed they will show details of our Manchester and Anglia branches. You can see hgow they are coming along on the following links.
http://www.dolphin-stairlifts-anglia.co.uk/
http://www.dolphin-stairlifts-manchester.co.uk/
Friday, July 21, 2006
OAP Trapped by power cut
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=391641
This article highlights a potential problem with mains powered stair lifts. Although a rare occurrence power cuts can strike at any time, to safeguard against this a battery powered stair lift can be installed. This means the lift will continue to work in the event of a loss of power to your home. However the stairlift should only be used sparingly at this time as the batteries will not be recharged until the power is switched back on. The downside to battery powered stairlifts is the additional maintenance costs involved. Manufacturers suggest that the batteries will need replacing every 3 years. It is also crucial to remember to keep the lift switched on at all times to ensure that the batteries are fully charged.
This article highlights a potential problem with mains powered stair lifts. Although a rare occurrence power cuts can strike at any time, to safeguard against this a battery powered stair lift can be installed. This means the lift will continue to work in the event of a loss of power to your home. However the stairlift should only be used sparingly at this time as the batteries will not be recharged until the power is switched back on. The downside to battery powered stairlifts is the additional maintenance costs involved. Manufacturers suggest that the batteries will need replacing every 3 years. It is also crucial to remember to keep the lift switched on at all times to ensure that the batteries are fully charged.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Welcome for a stairlift
TOWN councillors in Marlborough have welcomed plans by the town's public school to install a stairlift to aid disabled access to its Memorial Hall.
The hall in Bath Road is used for numerous community events as well as Marlborough College activities.
It is the biggest venue in the town and, only last week, was used for a public consultation meeting about the future of health services in the district.
Former mayor Coun Graham Francis urged colleagues to support the application.
Coun Francis said there was already a stairlift at the Memorial Hall's eastern entrance used mainly by artistes.
He said the general public usually used the western entrance where access for the disabled was difficult because of steps.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Solar stairlift 'just bonkers'
Here's an update to the Stair Lift on Dartmoor Tor story. Not quite sure how a solar powered stairlift would work, but it doesn't sound very reliable.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Care and Repair team provide stairlift help
http://www.peterborough.net/news/articles/careandrepair100.asp
For more information about Care and Repair services and the forum telephone: 01733 742510
For more information about Care and Repair services and the forum telephone: 01733 742510
Stairlift planned for Dartmoor tor
Another article related to stairlifts. This one appered on the BBC website, and raises an interesting dilemma for visitor attratctions and their responsibility to provide access for the elderly or disabled. Should a stairlift be installed at Haytor Rocks?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/5136316.stm
Radio 4 presenter mentions his stairlift embarassment
In this article, which appeared on the Guardian website, Nick Clarke mentions his embarrassment at needing a stairlift, but explains that he'd rather conserve his energy for other things.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,1810504,00.html
Nick Clarke, 58, is a presenter of The World at One on Radio 4. He was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year and underwent surgery to remove a leg, an experience he documented, along with his twins and wife in a moving diary broadcast last week.
You can listen to the diary on the BBC website by clicking the following link.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/fightingtobenormal.shtml
Pensioner stranded 'by phone signals'
The following report appeared on the Manchester Evening News website.
Pensioner stranded 'by phone signals'
Whilst there is a possibility of interference from a radio mast, it is a rare occurrence. We have occasionally encountered problems with radio controls on stair lifts that are near an airport. However with hard wired controls and infra-red controls now widely available then there is always a solution.
Pensioner stranded 'by phone signals'
Whilst there is a possibility of interference from a radio mast, it is a rare occurrence. We have occasionally encountered problems with radio controls on stair lifts that are near an airport. However with hard wired controls and infra-red controls now widely available then there is always a solution.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Minivator Simplicity 950 Stairlift Series
The Simplicity 950 stairlift is Minivator's latest addition to their expanding range of lifts. It is a straight stairlift which, as the name suggests, has been designed with ease of use in mind. The technical boffins at Dolphin have had a good look at the new machine and have been impressed with what they have seen. More details and images are available on the dolphin lifts website.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Fast delivery times for new curved stairlift
The Bison 80 curved stairlift can now be manufactured in a 2 week turnaround period. So if you urgently need a new curved lift then Bison has the quickest delivery times. The only way you can get one faster is to use a company that refabricates old rails. The manufacturers all agree that the refabrication of rails is a dangerous practice. For more details on the curved Bison stairlift click the following link. Bison 80 curved stairlift.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Council fined over care delay
The following news story appeared on the BBC website.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/4944288.stm
Council fined over disabled care
Ombudsman Anne Seex criticises the council for delays to care. A council has been criticised for failing to assess the needs of disabled people in Northumberland and leaving them without help for several months. The problem was highlighted after a complaint from a 30-year-old woman wheelchair user with spina bifida. She complained to the Government Ombudsman that Northumberland County Council was forcing her to wait nine months to be assessed for a stairlift. The watchdog found delays for help were widespread and fined the council.
Investigating the complaint Ombudsman Anne Seex, found that other recent patients classed as non-urgent cases, had been forced to wait more than 18 months for their needs to be assessed.
Personal apology
Ms Seex said council chiefs must pay the 30-year-old complainant, known only as Miss Stone, £50 for every month they failed to give her an assessment. In a report released on Wednesday she also ordered council officers to say sorry to her personally and for a backlog of cases be addressed "as a matter of urgency". The council has six months to report its progress in tackling problems. Miss Stones' doctor wrote to the council asking that she be assessed for a stairlift on 17 May 2005. She is still waiting.
Ms Seex concluded delays in assessments were "unacceptable and clearly maladministration".
She said: "The complaint draws attention to a wider problem affecting the well-being of other disabled people in the area." No-one at Northumberland County Council was available for comment, but a letter to Miss Stone said: "It is a matter of regret that the situation was not monitored more closely."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/4944288.stm
Council fined over disabled care
Ombudsman Anne Seex criticises the council for delays to care. A council has been criticised for failing to assess the needs of disabled people in Northumberland and leaving them without help for several months. The problem was highlighted after a complaint from a 30-year-old woman wheelchair user with spina bifida. She complained to the Government Ombudsman that Northumberland County Council was forcing her to wait nine months to be assessed for a stairlift. The watchdog found delays for help were widespread and fined the council.
Investigating the complaint Ombudsman Anne Seex, found that other recent patients classed as non-urgent cases, had been forced to wait more than 18 months for their needs to be assessed.
Personal apology
Ms Seex said council chiefs must pay the 30-year-old complainant, known only as Miss Stone, £50 for every month they failed to give her an assessment. In a report released on Wednesday she also ordered council officers to say sorry to her personally and for a backlog of cases be addressed "as a matter of urgency". The council has six months to report its progress in tackling problems. Miss Stones' doctor wrote to the council asking that she be assessed for a stairlift on 17 May 2005. She is still waiting.
Ms Seex concluded delays in assessments were "unacceptable and clearly maladministration".
She said: "The complaint draws attention to a wider problem affecting the well-being of other disabled people in the area." No-one at Northumberland County Council was available for comment, but a letter to Miss Stone said: "It is a matter of regret that the situation was not monitored more closely."
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Mobility Products Blog
Following on from the success and positive feedback from the stair lift blog I have decided to run a similar site concerning some of the other products available to the elderly or disabled.
A blog about mobility products and aids for the disabled. Featuring reviews on new products released to the market, guides for end users and comment on the mobility aids industry.
A blog about mobility products and aids for the disabled. Featuring reviews on new products released to the market, guides for end users and comment on the mobility aids industry.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Stairlift to Heaven - Channel 4
Stairlift to Heaven broadcast last night at 9pm on Channel 4, was a brutally honest account of the difficulties facing a father and son when the parent can no longer live independently.
The programme was of special interest to us at Dolphin as we have installed a stairlift for the family involved. The following link is a review of the show which appeared in the scotsman.
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=494632006
Stairlift to Heaven is part of a short season of films showing on Channel 4 called ' The Trouble with Old People' you can click the following link for more details. Channel 4.
The programme was of special interest to us at Dolphin as we have installed a stairlift for the family involved. The following link is a review of the show which appeared in the scotsman.
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=494632006
Stairlift to Heaven is part of a short season of films showing on Channel 4 called ' The Trouble with Old People' you can click the following link for more details. Channel 4.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Meditek Stairlift Rail
I have a customer who is in urgent need of a five metre long Meditek stairlift rail. If you have a current model Meditek stair lift that you no longer require then please call 0800 9800 126.
Monday, March 13, 2006
The World's best selling stairlift?
"The World's best selling stairlift" that was the claim of Acorn Stairlifts during a recent advertising campaign. Not so, said Stannah Stairlifts, who challenged Acorn's advert and complained to the Advertising Standards Authority. The following link shows the ASA's conclusions. Stannah versus Acorn.
Mind you, Stannah have also had some of their adverts challenged by competitors. Minivator Ltd challenged a claim in Stannah's advertising that they were "unbeatable on bends" the ASA agreed with Minivator. Click on the following link to read their verdict Minivator versus Stannah.
The moral of the story? Take the claims of stairlift advertisers with a large pinch of salt. If you are considering getting a quote for a stair lift then make sure you contact an independent supplier as well as the manufacturers.
Mind you, Stannah have also had some of their adverts challenged by competitors. Minivator Ltd challenged a claim in Stannah's advertising that they were "unbeatable on bends" the ASA agreed with Minivator. Click on the following link to read their verdict Minivator versus Stannah.
The moral of the story? Take the claims of stairlift advertisers with a large pinch of salt. If you are considering getting a quote for a stair lift then make sure you contact an independent supplier as well as the manufacturers.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Dolphin Stair Lifts Surrey Showroom
Dolphin have recently finished refurbishing our showroom in Chobham, Surrey. We have a range of straight and curved stairlifts on show, as well as a selection of mobility scooters, bath lifts, riser recliner chairs and a fully operable ceiling track hoist.
If you would like to visit the showroom to test any of the equipment that we sell then please call us on 01276 856060 to make an appointment.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Dolphin Anglia Director celebrates first year in charge
Paul Smith, owner and Director of Dolphin Stair Lifts (Anglia) Limited, has recently celebrated his first year in charge of the company, after buying out the previous owner Graham Barber at the start of 2005. During this time he has continued to provide an excellent service to the firms existing customers whilst expanding the client base to include more local authorities, charities and business's.
The majority of Paul's work concerns the supply, installation, maintenance and servicing of stair lifts and mobility products. In addition to this they also have an excellent portfolio of platform lifts and other solutions with regard to disabled access in public buildings.
As part of the Dolphin Lifts group, Dolphin Stairlifts (Anglia) Ltd adhere to the following business practises, ensuring that the customer get's not only the right equipment for the right price. But, also, the personal touch of a local company with the professionalism and buying power of a major group of companies.
Independence
Dolphin aims to stay totally independent in the supply of quality products in the disability market. This enables us to recommend the right equipment for each customer’s needs without compromising on quality or safety.
No Pressure Sales
Pushy salesman selling unsuitable products are the blight of our industry. At Dolphin we will never try to rush you into making a decision. We will only sell you equipment that is suitable for your condition.
Competitive Prices
We aim to keep our overhead low, allowing us to pass on our price benefits to all of our customers. The majority of our sales are generated through local authority grants and recommendations. We do not spend a significant amount of money on advertising, which is the largest overhead of many of our competitors.
Excellent Service
We give a 12 month guarantee on all of our products, both new and reconditioned. Cost effective maintenance contracts and extended warranties are available for further peace of mind. Our service charges are among the most competitive in the market and if you buy a product from us we will always maintain it for you.
Customer Satisfaction
We are proud of our work and strive to maintain a friendly “Customer First” philosophy from the moment you contact us. It is our intention to give first class service in all the stages of product supply. From your initial enquiry through to the installation and subsequent maintenance of your equipment, our staff will be friendly, conscientious, professional and polite.
Dolphin Stairlifts (Anglia) Limited operates over the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk and Paul Smith can be contacted on:
email - anglia@dolphinlifts.co.uk
post - Paul Smith, Dolphin Stairlifts, 43 Roman Way, Felixstowe, Suffolk ,IP11 9NP.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Stannah Stairlifts Trade Award
As announced previously, Dolphin Mobility have won the Stannah Trade Award 2005 and were presented with their certificate earlier today.
The award was presented by Rory Cupples, the Trade Business Development Manager for Stannah Stair Lifts, and received by Craig Dunnage, Managing Director Of Dolphin Mobility Ltd. Pictures of the award ceremony will follow soon.
The award was presented by Rory Cupples, the Trade Business Development Manager for Stannah Stair Lifts, and received by Craig Dunnage, Managing Director Of Dolphin Mobility Ltd. Pictures of the award ceremony will follow soon.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Stair Lift Chairs
Deciding which stair lift to buy can be a confusing business as there are many different makes and models on the market. In certain circumstances a person's illness or mobility issues may mean one type of stairlift is more suitable than another. However, in many cases the choice is simply down to which design the customer prefers. To make that choice a little easier I have posted some photo's of stair lift chairs that are currently on the market. Dolphin can supply all of these stair lifts.
Brooks Straight Stair Lift Chair
Bison 50 Stair Lift Chair
Bison 45 Stair Lift Chair
Minivator 1000 Straight Stair Lift Chair
Meditek Straight Stair Lift Chair
Stannah 400 Straight Stair Lift Chair
Bison 80 Curved Stair Lift Chair
Freelift Curved Stair Lift Chair
Minivator 2000 Curved Stair Lift Chair
Stannah 260 Curved Stair Lift Chair
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Dolphin Mobility win Stannah Stair Lifts trade award
I am delighted to be able to announce that Dolphin Mobility Ltd are the winners of the Stannah Stair Lifts trade award for UK dealer of the year. The award is recognition of the excellent working relationship that Dolphin enjoy with Stannah. More details and photgraphs of the award ceremony will follow soon. In the meantime follow the link to learn more about Dolphin Stair Lifts and the Stannah stairlift models that we sell.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Stair Lift firm in trouble
A Cheshire based stair lift firm has gone into administration, putting scores of jobs at risk. Churchill Stairlifts, based in Runcorn, has 60 employees and an annual turnover of £8 Million.
The company, which was founded 10 years ago, suffered losses of £500,000 last year and has traded in the red for some time. A Manchester based firm has been appointed as adminstrator and it is likely that they will continue to trade in the short term with a view to trying to find a buyer.
The company, which was founded 10 years ago, suffered losses of £500,000 last year and has traded in the red for some time. A Manchester based firm has been appointed as adminstrator and it is likely that they will continue to trade in the short term with a view to trying to find a buyer.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Stair Lift use and carrying children
I found this informative forum relating to stair lifts on the Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood International website.
http://www.dppi.org.uk/forum/index.php?action=listposts&threadid=2
The forum topic concerns the effects of having a stair lift when there are children in the house.
http://www.dppi.org.uk/forum/index.php?action=listposts&threadid=2
The forum topic concerns the effects of having a stair lift when there are children in the house.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Stannah launch Sofia and Solus stairlift chairs
Stannah launched the Sofia and Solus stair lift chairs at the Independent Living Exhibition at Alexander Palace on the 21st of September.
The Sofia stair lift chair will be primarily sold into the Local Authority / Trade markets and will be made available to the Trade in Quarter 1 2006 to coincide with the availability of the powered swivel option.
More details soon...
The Sofia stair lift chair will be primarily sold into the Local Authority / Trade markets and will be made available to the Trade in Quarter 1 2006 to coincide with the availability of the powered swivel option.
More details soon...
Stairlifts by Sarah Hobson OT
I found this excellent article on the Independent Living NSW website
Question: I am having trouble getting up and down the stairs in my house due to mobility difficulties and pain in my knees. I think I need a stairlift, what do I do?
Answer: Staircases are all very different – the first stage I would advise anyone is to have is an assessment with an Occupational Therapist and they will be able to advise you re funding and the types of stairlifts that are appropriate for your situation.
There are straight and curved staircases for internal and external flights of stairs/steps. There are lifts that are specially designed to go externally and are specifically durable for outdoor conditions. It may also be a fact that the stairs cannot accommodate a stairlift so in this case a through floor lift would need to be considered.
For internal stairs if it is a straight flight then depending on staircase width and access at the top and bottom of stairs a track runs along the side of the stairs with either a chair or a standing platform. I would suggest if you are having difficulties climbing the stairs then you would perhaps need a chair version stairlift.
If your stairs has a curve or mid way platform, then the stairlift you will need will have to be custom made to the shape and layout of the stairs. In any case you will need to get suppliers out to assess the situation.
There are many different suppliers of stairlift so it is worth shopping around as there are differences in make and models.
Question: I am having trouble getting up and down the stairs in my house due to mobility difficulties and pain in my knees. I think I need a stairlift, what do I do?
Answer: Staircases are all very different – the first stage I would advise anyone is to have is an assessment with an Occupational Therapist and they will be able to advise you re funding and the types of stairlifts that are appropriate for your situation.
There are straight and curved staircases for internal and external flights of stairs/steps. There are lifts that are specially designed to go externally and are specifically durable for outdoor conditions. It may also be a fact that the stairs cannot accommodate a stairlift so in this case a through floor lift would need to be considered.
For internal stairs if it is a straight flight then depending on staircase width and access at the top and bottom of stairs a track runs along the side of the stairs with either a chair or a standing platform. I would suggest if you are having difficulties climbing the stairs then you would perhaps need a chair version stairlift.
If your stairs has a curve or mid way platform, then the stairlift you will need will have to be custom made to the shape and layout of the stairs. In any case you will need to get suppliers out to assess the situation.
There are many different suppliers of stairlift so it is worth shopping around as there are differences in make and models.
Friday, November 04, 2005
ODPM announces end of disability grants means testing
Families in England needing to adapt their homes to care for a disabled child will no longer be subject to means testing from next December, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has announced.
The Government's decision makes it easier for families to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to get funding for help to provide access ramps, stair lifts, level access showers and home extensions.
The change, which ensures families are entitled to apply for the maximum grant available without having to go through a means test, will mean they can now apply for up to £25,000 for disability improvements to their home.
The Government's decision makes it easier for families to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to get funding for help to provide access ramps, stair lifts, level access showers and home extensions.
The change, which ensures families are entitled to apply for the maximum grant available without having to go through a means test, will mean they can now apply for up to £25,000 for disability improvements to their home.
Disabled man's landmark victory after job rejection
This story appeared in the Liverpool Daily Post.
A DISABLED man who was rejected for a sales job at a stairlift company has won a landmark discrimination case at the Court of Appeal. Iain Smith, of Runcorn, yesterday became the first person to successfully fight a recruitment appeal under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Mr Smith has a severe form of arthritis called Lumbar Spondylosis, which means he has difficulty walking and carrying heavy objects. He was turned down for a job selling radiator covers at UK company Churchills Stairlifts after a successful interview because of his condition, in September 2003.
Between the job offer and the start of training, Churchill's decided sales employees would have to carry full size models of their radiator covers and Mr Smith would be unable to do this because of his impairment.The company withdrew the job offer despite Mr Smith suggesting various alternatives including a trial period without using sales aids.
Yesterday Mr Smith said he was pleased with the Court of Appeal ruling. He said: "This was a job I was absolutely right for - and had the sales experience which would have really benefited the company. "But they couldn't see past my disability. And they couldn't understand the simple adjustments which could have been made to the job so that I could be effective."
The decision follows a lengthy court battle for Mr Smith, who previously lost an Employment Tribunal and subsequent Employment Appeal Tribunal. Both found the majority of the population would not have been be able to lift the sales aids, so Mr Smith was not placed at a disadvantage.
But yesterday the Court of Appeal ruled the previous approach taken by the tribunals was wrong. It clarified that Mr Smith suffered a disadvantage because he was unsuccessful in getting the job at Churchill's and this was a direct result of his disability. It also ruled that Churchill's Stairlifts should have made an adjustment to the way Mr Smith worked to overcome this disadvantage.
Lord Justice Maurice Kay said: "I accept the submission on behalf of the appellant that, if the employment tribunal had properly directed itself, it would inevitably have found that the appellant had established that he was at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to persons who were not disabled. "On that basis, there would have been an equally inevitable finding that to allow the appellant to sell by means other than by carrying a full-sized radiator cabinet on a trial basis was a reasonable adjustment." The employment tribunal will now decide how much compensation Mr Smith should receive.
Mr Smith's case was supported by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC).
Last night, Bert Massie, chairman of the DRC, said: "This judgement clearly shows that employers shouldn't put obstacles in the way of disabled people applying for work. "Discrimination against disabled people at recruitment has been very difficult to prove so I'm delighted this case has been successful. "Only half of working age people who have an impairment or long-term health condition are in work, but many more would like the opportunity."
No one was available for comment from Churchill's last night.
jessicashaughnessy@dailypost.co.uk
A DISABLED man who was rejected for a sales job at a stairlift company has won a landmark discrimination case at the Court of Appeal. Iain Smith, of Runcorn, yesterday became the first person to successfully fight a recruitment appeal under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Mr Smith has a severe form of arthritis called Lumbar Spondylosis, which means he has difficulty walking and carrying heavy objects. He was turned down for a job selling radiator covers at UK company Churchills Stairlifts after a successful interview because of his condition, in September 2003.
Between the job offer and the start of training, Churchill's decided sales employees would have to carry full size models of their radiator covers and Mr Smith would be unable to do this because of his impairment.The company withdrew the job offer despite Mr Smith suggesting various alternatives including a trial period without using sales aids.
Yesterday Mr Smith said he was pleased with the Court of Appeal ruling. He said: "This was a job I was absolutely right for - and had the sales experience which would have really benefited the company. "But they couldn't see past my disability. And they couldn't understand the simple adjustments which could have been made to the job so that I could be effective."
The decision follows a lengthy court battle for Mr Smith, who previously lost an Employment Tribunal and subsequent Employment Appeal Tribunal. Both found the majority of the population would not have been be able to lift the sales aids, so Mr Smith was not placed at a disadvantage.
But yesterday the Court of Appeal ruled the previous approach taken by the tribunals was wrong. It clarified that Mr Smith suffered a disadvantage because he was unsuccessful in getting the job at Churchill's and this was a direct result of his disability. It also ruled that Churchill's Stairlifts should have made an adjustment to the way Mr Smith worked to overcome this disadvantage.
Lord Justice Maurice Kay said: "I accept the submission on behalf of the appellant that, if the employment tribunal had properly directed itself, it would inevitably have found that the appellant had established that he was at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to persons who were not disabled. "On that basis, there would have been an equally inevitable finding that to allow the appellant to sell by means other than by carrying a full-sized radiator cabinet on a trial basis was a reasonable adjustment." The employment tribunal will now decide how much compensation Mr Smith should receive.
Mr Smith's case was supported by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC).
Last night, Bert Massie, chairman of the DRC, said: "This judgement clearly shows that employers shouldn't put obstacles in the way of disabled people applying for work. "Discrimination against disabled people at recruitment has been very difficult to prove so I'm delighted this case has been successful. "Only half of working age people who have an impairment or long-term health condition are in work, but many more would like the opportunity."
No one was available for comment from Churchill's last night.
jessicashaughnessy@dailypost.co.uk
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