The Dolphin Stair Lifts blog. For more information on any of our stairlifts please call us on 0800 9800 126.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Elderly housing schemes face cutbacks
Local authority schemes to provide housing improvements for older people and people with mobility problems are facing major cutbacks, the Labour Party has warned.
According to Labour TD, Ciaran Lynch, late last year, various home improvement schemes for older people and people with disabilities, which were previously under the control of the HSE, were amalgamated under the Housing Adaptation Scheme. This was to be administered solely by local authorities.
However councils were not given any additional funding to cover their increased responsibilities and as a result, they are ‘now being forced to scale back on spending in this area’.
“There is real concern among people who are old, ill or disabled that the badly needed stair lift, bathroom conversion, downstairs toilet or extension will not happen because the money is not with the local authorities. At this point, a number of local authorities have spent their allocation and the budget has been exhausted,” Mr Lynch explained.
He said that it is ‘completely unacceptable’ that just half way through the year, people in a vulnerable position are being told that they will have to wait until 2009 before their application for home improvements can be considered.
“These schemes allow elderly, disabled and sick people to continue living in their homes and enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle without unnecessarily taking up a scarce space in a care centre or hospital,” Mr Lynch said.
He pointed out that they are efficient schemes ‘when measured against the cost of elderly and disabled people not being able to live at home’.
“As Minister with overall responsibility for housing and for local government, John Gormley should now give an assurance in response to the genuine concern that this programme is about to collapse,” Mr Lynch added.
According to Labour TD, Ciaran Lynch, late last year, various home improvement schemes for older people and people with disabilities, which were previously under the control of the HSE, were amalgamated under the Housing Adaptation Scheme. This was to be administered solely by local authorities.
However councils were not given any additional funding to cover their increased responsibilities and as a result, they are ‘now being forced to scale back on spending in this area’.
“There is real concern among people who are old, ill or disabled that the badly needed stair lift, bathroom conversion, downstairs toilet or extension will not happen because the money is not with the local authorities. At this point, a number of local authorities have spent their allocation and the budget has been exhausted,” Mr Lynch explained.
He said that it is ‘completely unacceptable’ that just half way through the year, people in a vulnerable position are being told that they will have to wait until 2009 before their application for home improvements can be considered.
“These schemes allow elderly, disabled and sick people to continue living in their homes and enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle without unnecessarily taking up a scarce space in a care centre or hospital,” Mr Lynch said.
He pointed out that they are efficient schemes ‘when measured against the cost of elderly and disabled people not being able to live at home’.
“As Minister with overall responsibility for housing and for local government, John Gormley should now give an assurance in response to the genuine concern that this programme is about to collapse,” Mr Lynch added.
Stannah Stairlifts - The Superbrand
STANNAH Stairlifts was crowned as one of the most recognisable names in UK business this week.
The family-run, Andover-based business is the world's top manufacturer of stairlifts and on Tuesday it was granted the sought-after title of Superbrand. See full story here.
Stannah products are available direct from the manufacturer and from authorised dealers such as Dolphin Stair Lifts.
Chance to stay in her home is priceless
HAVING lived happily in her semi-detached Glasgow home for over 40 years, moving was the last thing that Jean Foreman, in her late sixties, wanted to think about.
However, a triple heart bypass, arthritis, osteoporosis and a couple of painful stumbles told her something would have to change. "It had got to the stage where I sometimes had to crawl up the stairs and it was so depressing," she said. "I thought about moving, but looking at another place just brought tears to my eyes." After a visit from an occupational therapist, who assessed her situation, a stair lift was fitted to the house last summer. Bathing was also proving difficult and even with a bath chair, sitting down and getting back up was awkward. Instead there is now a walk-in shower, which has made life immeasurably more manageable. "My occupational therapist Carol has organised every single thing to make sure I'm all right" said Jean. Without these modifications, Jean said there was no way she would have been able to stay in her home.
Despite running close to five figures, the alterations to Miss Foreman's home have been carried out and paid for by the local authority, leaving her only to fund an administration fee of £50. Even having the work done was not problematic, with the stair lift taking just a day to install. Happily able to remain in her home, she simply added: "That is the most important thing to me."
However, a triple heart bypass, arthritis, osteoporosis and a couple of painful stumbles told her something would have to change. "It had got to the stage where I sometimes had to crawl up the stairs and it was so depressing," she said. "I thought about moving, but looking at another place just brought tears to my eyes." After a visit from an occupational therapist, who assessed her situation, a stair lift was fitted to the house last summer. Bathing was also proving difficult and even with a bath chair, sitting down and getting back up was awkward. Instead there is now a walk-in shower, which has made life immeasurably more manageable. "My occupational therapist Carol has organised every single thing to make sure I'm all right" said Jean. Without these modifications, Jean said there was no way she would have been able to stay in her home.
Despite running close to five figures, the alterations to Miss Foreman's home have been carried out and paid for by the local authority, leaving her only to fund an administration fee of £50. Even having the work done was not problematic, with the stair lift taking just a day to install. Happily able to remain in her home, she simply added: "That is the most important thing to me."
Selling your house? Install a stair lift
Stair lifts and adapted bathrooms may not seem selling points for your house today but, as we live longer, they will become positive attractions "CHARMING family home in excellent location retaining a wealth of original features. Recently modified to include a state-of-the-art stair lift and fully remote bath chair." Is this how property advertisements will read in the future?
Read more here.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Stairlift Price Calculator
Many stairlift companies are reluctant to give you a price on their website or over the phone. Dolphin Stair Lifts have a 'stairlift price calculator' on our website where you can quickly get a price online by answering half a dozen questions about your staircase.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
'LEGION HELPED TO TURN MY LIFE AROUND'
Brave ex-servicemen - left homeless after their time with the forces ended - have new lives thanks to the Royal British Legion.
Simon Worsfold (48) served as a firefighter in the RAF for 13 years.
When his service finished, he and his wife bought a home in Grimsby, and Simon began working for the Legion as a case worker.
But when his marriage broke down, Simon found himself homeless on the streets of Grimsby with nobody to help.
"I was in a dead end," he said. "I'd had a triple heart bypass and wasn't well.
"Luckily, I only lived rough for weeks before I turned to the Legion for help."
And the Legion helped Simon turn his life around in his time of need.
They not only found him accommodation in a shared house on Isaac's Hill, Cleethorpes, but also secured him a job at Sentiments Funeral Directors, in Chantry Lane, Grimsby.
Simon said: "I don't know where I'd be without the Legion - they have given me my life back."
He is now preparing to undertake a one-year course to become a funeral director, funded by the Legion.
He added: "I've experienced the work the Legion does from both sides and it's just great."
Ted Davy, the British Legion's regional welfare secretary and Poppy Appeal organiser, said: "Last year, we raised £37,000 in Lincolnshire and we have spent already £70,000 on 250 people since November.
"It's awful the way that ex-servicemen are abandoned when they leave the services.
"There's no care, support or advice available, so we provide it.
"We not only care for ex-service people but their families as well.
"I have been given an electric scooter and a stairlift myself and it's made my life so much easier."
Another man who has benefited from the services of the legion is Lanny Powell (43), of Garibaldi Street, Grimsby.
He served in the Army twice before returning home in 1996.
He was the victim of a violent "happy slapping" attack and found himself homeless for months.
"The attack really affected me, especially my memory," he said.
"The Salvation Army gave me somewhere to stay, then I heard about the Legion and they offered me help."
Lanny now has a flat, furniture and is looking for a job.
He said: "The Legion has changed my life - it does a fantastic job."
Find out more
Contact the Royal British Legion, based in Cartergate, Grimsby, on (01472) 354135. Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
Simon Worsfold (48) served as a firefighter in the RAF for 13 years.
When his service finished, he and his wife bought a home in Grimsby, and Simon began working for the Legion as a case worker.
But when his marriage broke down, Simon found himself homeless on the streets of Grimsby with nobody to help.
"I was in a dead end," he said. "I'd had a triple heart bypass and wasn't well.
"Luckily, I only lived rough for weeks before I turned to the Legion for help."
And the Legion helped Simon turn his life around in his time of need.
They not only found him accommodation in a shared house on Isaac's Hill, Cleethorpes, but also secured him a job at Sentiments Funeral Directors, in Chantry Lane, Grimsby.
Simon said: "I don't know where I'd be without the Legion - they have given me my life back."
He is now preparing to undertake a one-year course to become a funeral director, funded by the Legion.
He added: "I've experienced the work the Legion does from both sides and it's just great."
Ted Davy, the British Legion's regional welfare secretary and Poppy Appeal organiser, said: "Last year, we raised £37,000 in Lincolnshire and we have spent already £70,000 on 250 people since November.
"It's awful the way that ex-servicemen are abandoned when they leave the services.
"There's no care, support or advice available, so we provide it.
"We not only care for ex-service people but their families as well.
"I have been given an electric scooter and a stairlift myself and it's made my life so much easier."
Another man who has benefited from the services of the legion is Lanny Powell (43), of Garibaldi Street, Grimsby.
He served in the Army twice before returning home in 1996.
He was the victim of a violent "happy slapping" attack and found himself homeless for months.
"The attack really affected me, especially my memory," he said.
"The Salvation Army gave me somewhere to stay, then I heard about the Legion and they offered me help."
Lanny now has a flat, furniture and is looking for a job.
He said: "The Legion has changed my life - it does a fantastic job."
Find out more
Contact the Royal British Legion, based in Cartergate, Grimsby, on (01472) 354135. Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Stannah Stairlifts folding seat
This video shows the easy all in one folding action of the new Stannah stairlift seats. Available from Stannah and selected distributor's such as Dolphin Mobility.
Stannah 420 hinged stairlift
The Stannah 420 stairlift hinge folds up and down automatically as the chair rides up and down the stairs.
All change in Stairlift industry
Lift Able acquired by ThyssenKrupp group.
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2008/03/27/firm-s-quality-leads-to-sale-51140-20680874/
Handicare AS acquires Freelift.
http://www.freelift.com/en/customer/press-release.html
Acorn Stairlifts, who also own Brooks, buy Bison Bede.
http://sparedolphin.blogspot.com/2007/11/acorn-mobility-acquire-bison-bede.html
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2008/03/27/firm-s-quality-leads-to-sale-51140-20680874/
Handicare AS acquires Freelift.
http://www.freelift.com/en/customer/press-release.html
Acorn Stairlifts, who also own Brooks, buy Bison Bede.
http://sparedolphin.blogspot.com/2007/11/acorn-mobility-acquire-bison-bede.html
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Mabels website
Mabels . . . For the over 50sIncludes articles, news, humour, financial & retirement advice, money saving tips, nostalgia, health & mobility and more for the over 50s.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Freelift Curved Stairlift
The Freelift Curved Stairlift. Available in the UK from Dolphin Stair Lifts.
Stairlift Costs
Below is a reply I posted to a forum where a user had asked for advice on stairlifts.
I will be totally honest and declare that I am in fact a director of a company that sells stairlifts and if I'm breaking any forum rules then please ask the mods to delete my post.I would urge you to exercise extreme caution when contemplating the suitability of a stairlift. Firstly they are not always the best solution. Many people find that a through the floor lift is more suitable for their needs particularly if you are young and will be using the lift for many years. Stairlifts are not very adaptable if your condition is likely to change in the near future.
My advice would be to consult a healthcare professional such as an occupational therapist to ensure that you are given impartial advice as to the suitability of a stairlift. A good place to start might be an Independent Living centre where in many cases you can actually try equipment before you look to get in touch with stairlift firms.With regard to prices, try typing 'stairlift' into the google search engine and there are some companies that will give you an idea on cost. Many firms are reluctant to give prices up front because they try and get as much money from each sale as possible. Reputable firms will not do this and will be happy to tell you upfront what it is likely to cost.
If you do get to the point of contacting companies for quotes I would always recommend speaking to at least 3 companies to get a better idea of what you will need to pay. Be slightly wary of adverts in the national press as ultimately you will be paying the very high advertising costs. Also don't forget that in many circumstances you may be able to get help from your local authority in the form of a Disabled Facilities Grant or similar. Even if they are unable to help financially they may be able to point you in the direction of a reputable stairlift company that they use. If a stairlift is suitable for you and you have to fund it yourself then try to find a house with a straight staircase as straight stairlifts are half the price of curved lifts.
Hope this helps in some small way, it's tricky for me to go into more detail without being accused of using the forums to advertise my company. Just make sure that you don't rush into anything and that you seek advice from as many people as possible because, unfortunately, there are many companies out there looking to make a quick buck.
I should also add that for a lot of people having a stairlift can dramatically improve their standard of life and the most enjoyable part of my job is having customers call me to say how wonderful the lift is and that they wish they'd got one years ago.
I will be totally honest and declare that I am in fact a director of a company that sells stairlifts and if I'm breaking any forum rules then please ask the mods to delete my post.I would urge you to exercise extreme caution when contemplating the suitability of a stairlift. Firstly they are not always the best solution. Many people find that a through the floor lift is more suitable for their needs particularly if you are young and will be using the lift for many years. Stairlifts are not very adaptable if your condition is likely to change in the near future.
My advice would be to consult a healthcare professional such as an occupational therapist to ensure that you are given impartial advice as to the suitability of a stairlift. A good place to start might be an Independent Living centre where in many cases you can actually try equipment before you look to get in touch with stairlift firms.With regard to prices, try typing 'stairlift' into the google search engine and there are some companies that will give you an idea on cost. Many firms are reluctant to give prices up front because they try and get as much money from each sale as possible. Reputable firms will not do this and will be happy to tell you upfront what it is likely to cost.
If you do get to the point of contacting companies for quotes I would always recommend speaking to at least 3 companies to get a better idea of what you will need to pay. Be slightly wary of adverts in the national press as ultimately you will be paying the very high advertising costs. Also don't forget that in many circumstances you may be able to get help from your local authority in the form of a Disabled Facilities Grant or similar. Even if they are unable to help financially they may be able to point you in the direction of a reputable stairlift company that they use. If a stairlift is suitable for you and you have to fund it yourself then try to find a house with a straight staircase as straight stairlifts are half the price of curved lifts.
Hope this helps in some small way, it's tricky for me to go into more detail without being accused of using the forums to advertise my company. Just make sure that you don't rush into anything and that you seek advice from as many people as possible because, unfortunately, there are many companies out there looking to make a quick buck.
I should also add that for a lot of people having a stairlift can dramatically improve their standard of life and the most enjoyable part of my job is having customers call me to say how wonderful the lift is and that they wish they'd got one years ago.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday, December 14, 2007
Dolphin Stairlifts South Wales Sponsor Brass Band
THE Vale of Glamorgan Brass Band has recently received a sponsorship deal from Dolphin Stairlifts South Wales Limited.
This is the first time in the bands history that an alliance has been made with a business in the South Wales area. It is also a first for the South Wales based firm.
John Pearce, managing director of the Dolphin Stairlifts was pleased to offer assistance to the band when hearing of the work that has been undertaken during recent years.
The band has been able to offer services free of charge to a residential care home and a day centre for elderly persons and is possibly looking to increase this activity in the build up to Christmas and in the New Year.
Terry Short, the band's Chairman said: "It has been usual for the band to carry out fundraising to meet it's own operating costs around the Christmas period, but with the new sponsorship and recent grants received we hope to be able to extend our charity work with some fundraising efforts being made for Cancer Research".
The band are seen in the photograph with the resident Musical Director, Dave Short (Back row), Mark Weston of Dolphin Lifts South Wales Limited and the bands president, Cllr Jeffrey James (second row).
The sponsorship that has included the provision of new polo shirts with the name of the band and the company logo of Dolphin Stairlifts has meant the band has also been able to release other funds to help the junior and training sections of the band. The success of this new initiative has already seen younger players join the senior band.
Terry Short explained: "New players and those who cannot play a brass instrument at the moment are always welcome in the band. Our learning band runs on Monday's from 6.30pm to 7.30pm which is then followed by the senior band that concludes around 9.30pm."
The band practises in a recently refurbished and dedicated building in grounds owned by the Barry Athletic Club. You needn't worry if you don't have your own instrument as the band supplies these and most of the music you will need. Percussion and drum skills are also in demand by the band!
The band is also setting up a series of "turn up and have a go sessions."
This will enable people to try something they have never done before without attending a formal lesson or rehersal; you could have a go at blowing a cornet or perhaps one of the larger instruments in the band.
The only talent required is the ability blow, the band will show you how to make some noise!
Details of the bands activities can be obtained from the band's secretary Angela Coomer on 01446 400846 or musical director Dave Short 01446 408741, or via the bands website www.valeofglamorganbrassband.com or Email: valeofglamorganbrassband@hotmail.com
This is the first time in the bands history that an alliance has been made with a business in the South Wales area. It is also a first for the South Wales based firm.
John Pearce, managing director of the Dolphin Stairlifts was pleased to offer assistance to the band when hearing of the work that has been undertaken during recent years.
The band has been able to offer services free of charge to a residential care home and a day centre for elderly persons and is possibly looking to increase this activity in the build up to Christmas and in the New Year.
Terry Short, the band's Chairman said: "It has been usual for the band to carry out fundraising to meet it's own operating costs around the Christmas period, but with the new sponsorship and recent grants received we hope to be able to extend our charity work with some fundraising efforts being made for Cancer Research".
The band are seen in the photograph with the resident Musical Director, Dave Short (Back row), Mark Weston of Dolphin Lifts South Wales Limited and the bands president, Cllr Jeffrey James (second row).
The sponsorship that has included the provision of new polo shirts with the name of the band and the company logo of Dolphin Stairlifts has meant the band has also been able to release other funds to help the junior and training sections of the band. The success of this new initiative has already seen younger players join the senior band.
Terry Short explained: "New players and those who cannot play a brass instrument at the moment are always welcome in the band. Our learning band runs on Monday's from 6.30pm to 7.30pm which is then followed by the senior band that concludes around 9.30pm."
The band practises in a recently refurbished and dedicated building in grounds owned by the Barry Athletic Club. You needn't worry if you don't have your own instrument as the band supplies these and most of the music you will need. Percussion and drum skills are also in demand by the band!
The band is also setting up a series of "turn up and have a go sessions."
This will enable people to try something they have never done before without attending a formal lesson or rehersal; you could have a go at blowing a cornet or perhaps one of the larger instruments in the band.
The only talent required is the ability blow, the band will show you how to make some noise!
Details of the bands activities can be obtained from the band's secretary Angela Coomer on 01446 400846 or musical director Dave Short 01446 408741, or via the bands website www.valeofglamorganbrassband.com or Email: valeofglamorganbrassband@hotmail.com
Friday, December 07, 2007
Downward facing stairlift seat
The following images show the Freelift Van Gogh Stairlift with a downward facing seat. The chair swivels at an angle of 45 degrees.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Hampshire grants for renovations
New Forest council has £50,000 left in its renovation grant fund for the last four months of the year. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for essential repairs and adaptations.
Disabled facilities grants are still available for people who require adaptations, such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts and bathroom and kitchen improvements. They apply to home owners and tenants alike. Call the grants helpline on 023 8028 5151.
Disabled facilities grants are still available for people who require adaptations, such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts and bathroom and kitchen improvements. They apply to home owners and tenants alike. Call the grants helpline on 023 8028 5151.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Stannah 420 Straight Stairlift with Saxon chair
The least expensive Stannah chair available is the Saxon, which is shown below.
If you are considering the purchase of a Stannah stairlift and are confused by which chair is the most suitable for you then contact Dolphin Stair Lifts on 0800 9800 126.
If you are considering the purchase of a Stannah stairlift and are confused by which chair is the most suitable for you then contact Dolphin Stair Lifts on 0800 9800 126.
Stannah 420 Straight Stairlift with Sofia chair
The image below shows a Stannah 420 straight stair lift with a Sofia chair. Again the chair can be used on the straight rail and the curved rail.
The Sofia is very similar to the Solus chair and features the same options and extras. The main difference is in the design of the chair. Leather upholstery is not an option on the Sofia but is available on the Solus in a choice of 3 colours.
Stannah 420 Straight Stairlift with Solus Chair
This picture shows the Solus chair being used on a straight stairlift rail.
Stannah are currently the only stairlift manufacturer that make a chair that can be power swivelled in both directions. The two way powered swivel is available on the Solus and Sofia chairs only. The Solus and Sofia can only be purchased through Stannah direct and a select group of dealers such as Dolphin Stair Lifts.
Stannah Stair Lifts - Solus Curved Stairlift
The image below shows a Stannah 260 curved rail stairlift fitted with a Solus chair.
This is one of the new Stannah Stairlift chairs that have been developed in conjuction with the design agency Seymour Powell.
This is one of the new Stannah Stairlift chairs that have been developed in conjuction with the design agency Seymour Powell.
Stannah 420 Stairlift Powered Hinge
After visiting the Stannah factory this week, I thought it might be a good idea to post a few images of the new product ranges. The images below show a Stannah 420 stairlift with a powered folding hinge fitted.
A folding hinge is required on a stairlift when there is a door or open hallway at the bottom of the staircase.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Dolphin Lifts on YouTube
You can view product videos on the Dolphin Lifts YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/dolphinlifts.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Acorn Mobility Acquire Bison Bede
Confirmation came this week that Acorn Mobility Services Limited have acquired Bison Bede Ltd. We have been told that Bison will continue to operate with its dealers as normal and that there are to be no changes to product names, lead times or availability.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Reconditioned Secondhand Stairlifts
Dolphin Stairlifts Surrey branch have a huge selection of reconditioned stairlifts in stock. Many of the lifts have unfortunately had very little use and with installed prices starting from £800 for a straight stairlift there are some great bargains to be had.
A reconditioned or secondhand stairlift is every bit as good as a brand new one and if you buy from Dolphin then you can enjoy the peace of mind of having your stairlift professionally installed by experts. A list of reconditioned stairlifts is available on their website.
A reconditioned or secondhand stairlift is every bit as good as a brand new one and if you buy from Dolphin then you can enjoy the peace of mind of having your stairlift professionally installed by experts. A list of reconditioned stairlifts is available on their website.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dolphin Stairlifts Kent move offices
Following the closure of the Independent Life Shop in Ashford, where Dolphin Stairlifts were displaying some equipment, Ian Elford of Dolphin Stairlifts in Kent would like to assure customers that Dolphin Stairlifts(Kent) is still in operation. Following their recent expansion, they have moved offices and warehousing facilities to Stanford, just off the M20 at junction 11.
Dolphin Stairlifts (Kent)
Kent Outside M25
Yew Tree Farm
Stone Street
Stanford
Ashford, Kent
TN25 6DH
Tel: 01303 813606
Fax: 01303 264409
Dolphin Stairlifts (Kent)
Kent Outside M25
Yew Tree Farm
Stone Street
Stanford
Ashford, Kent
TN25 6DH
Tel: 01303 813606
Fax: 01303 264409
New Dolphin Stairlifts Branch
Dolphin (Chester) have opened a new Branch in Ellesmere Port. This office will cover the areas of Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales. What was Dolphin (Chester) is now called Dolphin (Midshires) and will cover the areas of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Mid Wales. The details are as follows:
Dolphin (Midshires)
Rubicon Centre
Broad Ground Road
Lakeside
Redditch
B98 8YP
01527 404303
email - mikebligh@dolphinlifts.co.uk
Dolphin (Chester)Ltd
Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre
Dover Drive
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65 9BF
Tel: 0151 355 5550
email - mikebligh@dolphinlifts.co.uk
Dolphin (Midshires)
Rubicon Centre
Broad Ground Road
Lakeside
Redditch
B98 8YP
01527 404303
email - mikebligh@dolphinlifts.co.uk
Dolphin (Chester)Ltd
Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre
Dover Drive
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65 9BF
Tel: 0151 355 5550
email - mikebligh@dolphinlifts.co.uk
Friday, September 07, 2007
Stannah Stairlift Advert
One of the new adverts from Stannah Stairlifts. The campaign focuses on people's attitudes to having a stair lift.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Legal action stops stairlift customer being mislead
This article was published on the Mature Times website.
Stannah Stairlifts Limited and Stannah Lift Holdings Limited have recently reached out of court settlements with both County Stairlifts Limited and Platinum Rails Limited to stop either business from using Stannah’s trade marks to advertise, promote, sell or install second hand curved stairlifts re-fabricated from parts originally manufactured by Stannah.The settlements require that Stannah’s trade marks are permanently removed from the stairlift chair and motor unit.
This is a significant victory for Stannah who received a large number of complaints from people who bought second hand re-fabricated curved stairlifts from a variety of sources in the belief that Stannah was responsible for the quality and performance of the stairlift - which was not the case.
The design and installation process for re-fabricated products is radically different from the process that Stannah uses. Stannah did not approve these installations as they had no control over how well the re-fabricated assembly would perform. In fact re-fabricated products often fall well short of both British Standards and Stannah’s own quality standards.
Jon Stannah, the company's Managing Director, said: "We are delighted that we have reached these settlements as we have become increasingly concerned that consumers were being misled to think that they where buying an original Stannah stairlift, albeit secondhand, and that these stairlifts were approved by Stannah as they bore our trade marks. "When we install a curved stairlift it is a bespoke design for our customer’s staircase. Those being sold secondhand are ‘best fit’ from unwanted curved rails originally designed for a completely different staircase. In our view, these fall well short of our quality and performance standards."
Stannah Stairlifts Limited and Stannah Lift Holdings Limited have recently reached out of court settlements with both County Stairlifts Limited and Platinum Rails Limited to stop either business from using Stannah’s trade marks to advertise, promote, sell or install second hand curved stairlifts re-fabricated from parts originally manufactured by Stannah.The settlements require that Stannah’s trade marks are permanently removed from the stairlift chair and motor unit.
This is a significant victory for Stannah who received a large number of complaints from people who bought second hand re-fabricated curved stairlifts from a variety of sources in the belief that Stannah was responsible for the quality and performance of the stairlift - which was not the case.
The design and installation process for re-fabricated products is radically different from the process that Stannah uses. Stannah did not approve these installations as they had no control over how well the re-fabricated assembly would perform. In fact re-fabricated products often fall well short of both British Standards and Stannah’s own quality standards.
Jon Stannah, the company's Managing Director, said: "We are delighted that we have reached these settlements as we have become increasingly concerned that consumers were being misled to think that they where buying an original Stannah stairlift, albeit secondhand, and that these stairlifts were approved by Stannah as they bore our trade marks. "When we install a curved stairlift it is a bespoke design for our customer’s staircase. Those being sold secondhand are ‘best fit’ from unwanted curved rails originally designed for a completely different staircase. In our view, these fall well short of our quality and performance standards."
Thursday, August 30, 2007
City may give disabled people more help with adapting their homes
An article from the Yorkshire Post.
By Andrew Robinson
Leeds Council is proposing to give disabled people more freedom with a £2m boost to help them live independently in their own homes.
Its Executive Board is to consider giving an extra £2m to assist disabled Leeds home-owners meet the cost of necessary modifications to their houses.This would almost double the present budget to £4.5m.Private homeowners and tenants with disabled members of their household are eligible for grants up to £25,000 to adapt their homes to improve access to and around the home. These adaptations can range from external ramps to special showers, stair lifts and even extensions.
The council's own agency offers applicants help in designing and drawing up the works schedule, securing any necessary approvals and allocating and supervising the work undertaken by nominated contractors.In the last two years the amount spent in assisting Leeds residents has increased from £2.17m in 2004-5 to £3.75m at the end of March. Based on the number of applications currently being dealt with, the budget for 2007-8 has risen to £4.5m.
The level of Government support for 2007-8 will be £1.569m – equivalent to 35 per cent – leaving the council to find almost £3m. The council estimates that the cost of helping disabled residents in 2008-9 could reach £6m and has submitted an advance bid, asking the Government to meet its 60 per cent contributionFor information and help on disabled facilities grants call the Adaptations Agency on 0113 3957147 or email hsg.adaptation.services.help.desk@leeds.gov.uk
By Andrew Robinson
Leeds Council is proposing to give disabled people more freedom with a £2m boost to help them live independently in their own homes.
Its Executive Board is to consider giving an extra £2m to assist disabled Leeds home-owners meet the cost of necessary modifications to their houses.This would almost double the present budget to £4.5m.Private homeowners and tenants with disabled members of their household are eligible for grants up to £25,000 to adapt their homes to improve access to and around the home. These adaptations can range from external ramps to special showers, stair lifts and even extensions.
The council's own agency offers applicants help in designing and drawing up the works schedule, securing any necessary approvals and allocating and supervising the work undertaken by nominated contractors.In the last two years the amount spent in assisting Leeds residents has increased from £2.17m in 2004-5 to £3.75m at the end of March. Based on the number of applications currently being dealt with, the budget for 2007-8 has risen to £4.5m.
The level of Government support for 2007-8 will be £1.569m – equivalent to 35 per cent – leaving the council to find almost £3m. The council estimates that the cost of helping disabled residents in 2008-9 could reach £6m and has submitted an advance bid, asking the Government to meet its 60 per cent contributionFor information and help on disabled facilities grants call the Adaptations Agency on 0113 3957147 or email hsg.adaptation.services.help.desk@leeds.gov.uk
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