Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Elder Care

       Elder Care Tips by experts


Stair Lift Buying Guide


There is no doubt that having a stair lift in your home can dramatically improve your quality of life. If you are starting to find that climbing the stairs is becoming a hazardous experience, or just hard work, then a stair lift could be the answer. Another solution could be to move to a single storey residence. However, this can be expensive and stressful, and many people are reluctant to leave a house that they have spent many years turning into a home.

Once you start considering the possibility of having a stair lift, you begin to delve into what can be a highly technical area. However sure you are of what you want, I strongly recommend that you take professional advice from someone with experience in this field. In most areas, informed advice is available from community occupational therapists (OT's). You will also need to make contact with a company who specialises in installing stair lifts. I would advise that you contact at least 3 companies because there can be a huge difference in price and quality. Unfortunately, as the populations average age increases, more and more unscrupulous traders have entered the market and you need to make sure that you are not being ripped off.

If possible visit a demonstration centre and try a stair lift yourself. A stair lift is not the answer for everyone. For example, if you are confined to a wheelchair, then a lift that goes through the floor would probably be the best option.

The technology involved in stair lifts has improved dramatically in recent years. A stair lift can be installed on 99% of stair cases these days. But remember, not all stair lift companies are equal, some are using technology that is several years old. My advice is to research as many products as you can and to get as many quotations as you can. Knowledge is power after all, and with a few sensible precautions before purchase, you can ensure that you buy the right lift for your needs for the right price.

Remember : Always get more than one quote and make sure that the products are 'like for like'

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.

Ask about maintenance costs, will they still look after your lift even if you don't sign up to an expensive contract? A reputable company will service your lift regardless.

Are the company approved suppliers? If not, they will struggle to obtain spare parts and their engineers will not be trained by the manufacturer.

An independent supplier can tell you about a range of different stair lifts without bias to one manufacturer.

Exercise caution if the salesman is pushing you to buy that day.Many salesmen start with a high price and discount to close a sale. A reputable company will quote the best price from the start.

If possible try a lift out in a Disabled Living Centre showroom. A stair lift is not suitable for everyone.

Do as much research as possible, there are many companies in this industry who sell at highly inflated prices.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home.


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Elder Care here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Elder Care

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,
 

Latest info on : Elder Care

 


Don't wait too long to talk about elder care
Indianapolis Star
Through nearly 20 years working with the elderly, I've learned something profound. Most people don't fear dying -- they fear the aging process. ...



Choosing an eldercare facility
NorthJersey.com
What should you keep in mind if you must choose an eldercare facility for yourself or a loved one? There are several types of facilities available. ...



SAGE Invites Public to Annual Meeting
TheAlternativePress.com
By SAGE Eldercare SAGE Eldercare, a major local resource for the elderly and their families, will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 9 at 5:00 ...



Gecko Systems Elder Care Robot Trials Begun
CNNMoney.com (press release)
The primary market for this product is the family for use in eldercare, care for the chronically ill, and childcare. The primary distribution channel for ...
Gecko Systems Elder Care Robot Trials BegunLive-PR.com (Pressemitteilung)
In home evaluation trials for GeckoSystems' home care robot beginsNews-Medical.net

all 13 news articles »


Eldercare Expert Highlights Anniversary Celebration
Northwest Arkansas News
SPRINGDALE — Dr. Marion Somers shared 10 steps to making elder care easier Wednesday at the Schmieding Center. Somers will also give the ...



Cherokee Elder Care to host open house
Cherokee Phoenix
Cherokee Elder Care will host an open house from 9 am to 11:30 am on Nov. 27 at the facility, located at 1387 W. Fourth St. The event is free and available ...



Prepare now for costs of elder care, warns Tomorrow Project
HRmagazine.co.uk
The cost to business of employees caring for their elderly relatives could be as much as 12 times what it will cost to bail out the financial institutions ...



Upcoming eldercare event in Massachusetts
RetirementHomes.com
A Massachusetts State senator will host a senior health and wellness fair at a retirement living facility in Framingham in late November. ...



Judie Rappaport: Be on lookout for Medicare enrollment scams
Vero Beach Press-Journal (subscription)
Judie Rappaport, CSA, is president of Preferred Lifestyle Services and the author of “Eldercare 911.” E-mail Eldercare questions to ...



Eldercare Site Caring.com Adds $10 Million Second Round
paidContent.org
Eldercare site and community Caring.com has raised $10 million in a second round of funding. New investor Shasta Ventures led, with participation from ...
Caring.com raises $10 million San Francisco Business TimesBizjournals.com
Caring.com Closes $10 Million in Series B FinancingPR Newswire (press release)
Caring.com raises $10M in 2nd roundSan Jose Business Journal

all 11 news articles »

Google News

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Elder Care


| Elder Care Home | Elder Care Tips - Complete list 

| Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved