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Choosing a stairlift, or home lift need not be such a difficult task. When I began to research this topic I fully intended to focus on the bad guys, those rogues that prey on the elderly and infirm. I dug deep for horror stories about people being ripped off by unscrupulous stairlift salesman but found it difficult to uncover solid case studies.

UK stairlift manufacturers can relax!

What of the selling methods?

It is a fact that a prospective stairlift customer may be considered vunerable, especially the older ones as opposed to younger ones with mobility restrictions. If a salesmen is due to call, arrange for a carer to be present. Surrey's project discovered that one lady thought that she had purchased a new stair lift when in fact it was second hand stairlift and another consumer paid £300 more for a used stairlift than a new one.

What's in a title?

The sales person due to see you may have a nice title such as Advisor, Consultant, Technician ..or other. Make no bones about it, they want to sell you a stairlift and they might like that order signed before they leave! A good reputable one will be genuinely concerned about supplying the right stair lift for you.

Just because you have never seen their advertisement doesn't mean they are not reputable...how often do you see Rolls Royce advertising?

Stairlifts have come on a long way since the early 1970's. Liftable stairlifts who kindly allowed the use of these pictures have features such as: Large Seat & Backrest.

Fold up Armrests & Footrest, Swivel Seat., Smooth & Quiet, Compact Design , Mains or Battery Operation, Choice of Upholstery Colours (choose to match your stairs), Choice of Seated or Stand-On Models...perfect for those who have knee problems or indeed don't need the seat.

There is also a hinged track where there is a doorway adjacent to the bottom of the stairs, a hinge section of track can be lifted manually or automatically to give unrestricted access through the door.

So, don't feel under pressure in your own home, don't feel under pressure to complete a purchase before the salesman leaves.

Can you try before you buy?

Logically, the stairlift advisor can't install samples but you can ask if they have installed any of their range in neighbouring homes. Equally talk to occupational therapists or physiotherapists, they may refer you to the Disabled Living Centres Council, there are over 40 Disabled Living Centres (or Independent Living Centres) in the UK. Most of these centres have a range of stairlifts for you to try. They have well-informed and helpful staff, many of whom are occupational therapists or physiotherapists, and can give impartial advice.

Back to the Surrey County Council stairlift project. No matter how good the stairlift manufacturer is, poor workmanship during installation can make the stairlift lethal. The good news is that Surrey Council found no big problems other than where the safety of the stairlift was compromised by poor workmanship during installation. They included: Failure to prevent access to basic electrical insulation, Failure to provide proper protection for the mains power cable, Failure to ensure that the track supports are level and properly secured. Two electrical and one fitting problem. If you know of an electrician, it may be a good idea to ask for an inspection after installation, remember, these are minority faults.

The extended warranty

Out of the twelve stairlift customers, eleven had not taken out the extended warranty that was offered to them after purchasing their stair lift. The main reason was the cost of cover.The salesmen did warn their customers of the high price of parts and spares should anything go wrong in an attempt to persuade the stairlift customers to take up the extended warranty. The pressure didn't work ...take heed salesmen!

It was also apparant that many of the stairlifts that were examined were in need of a service, but the cost of the service was the only reason why they had not been serviced. Surrey Council said "Some of the complaints we have received in the past from consumers were directly attributable to an absence of servicing." .... again, we cannot blame the manufacturer, the sales person or indeed fitter.

The final commment from Surrey County Council ..."Businesses who supply stairlifts need a greater awareness of their obligations to consumers. The fact that we are monitoring this sector and that we will, where necessary, take action. Genuine traders can be reassured that we are attempting to ensure a level playing field and that we are available to advise and assist them in the endeavours to comply. Unscrupulous traders should be in no doubt as to their responsibilities and the consequences should they fail to comply with the law."

Can't afford a stairlift?

Ask your occupational therapists or physiotherapists about Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). It may be available for home adaptations including those where major adaptations such as structural work to accommodate lifts or stairlifts are required.

If such adaptations are needed, your occupational therapist (OT) will be asked to assess the property and requirements,then contact the housing department, environmental health department and sometimes the planning departments of your local council.

Applications for these grants should only be made via your OT or social worker to local councils Environmental Health Department or local Housing Department (for council houses).

Disabled Facilities Grants are available as part of the general renovation grant system. A means test (similar to that used for housing benefit) is applied to decide how much financial assistance can be made available to the applicant. Depending on the outcome of the test, the amount of assistance offered can vary from 0-100% of the cost. A ceiling of £20,000 will be put on each DFG, irrespective of your assessed contribution.