Stair Lift

[knockavacca]

thinking of having a stair lift fitted ? any suggestions appreciated thanks in advance

[237SJ]

Stannah. Don`t go with Acorn as their sales tactics are decidedly pushy.

[Coppit]

A S/H Acorn was fitted here about 7 years ago and is only now coming into really regular use. Service has been good and prompt except that the technician wanted paying after the annual service last year and it had already been paid over the phone. They also badger you to arrange for the service too long before it is due.

Typical of most of the greedy aids for the disabled market ...
... Mr Jakes the inventor and owner is worth £210m (Sunday Times Rich List) and 'the company has paid out £97.5million in dividends in less than a decade and Jakes, who now resides in Monaco, remains the sole shareholder for the stairlift giant, with all dividend payments going to him'.

It is right that inventiveness and success should be rewarded but it becomes obnoxious when it is excessive,
especially at the expense of the vulnerable.

[woofgang]

Things to consider. How wide are your stairs? Will anyone else need to use them? Are there any other options? Will the lift be able to be fitted so that you can get on and off the seat? I know this sounds silly but if you have mobility issues and/or are short, this may be a real problem. Will you be able to afford the servicing and repairs? I wouldn't go for used, maybe a recon with warranty from a good supplier. Usual advice, get three quotes, DON'T sign anything when they visit, get all three quotes and have a good think. Have someone with you when they visit.

[Peter Pedant]

we found stannah very good
remember that you dont buy it from S so you should come and tell them to take it away when you dont need it - they are very good in attending

[woofgang]

Coppit I would be much more interested in getting a good product and good service than in how much the company makes.

[bednobs]

are your stairs straight? i ask because if they are you could rent one (depending on how long you are going to need it for)
I rented one for a year and it cost £500

[Apc2604]

Because I have a non standard, made to fit staircase that is turned, a stair lift will cost me a fortune. My Rheumatologists, GP, etc. have all advised me to avoid a stair lift as long as I can. so on really bad days I use the stairs using all fours!

[knockavacca]

thank you all for your replies appreciated

[Coppit]

We all have our points of view, woofgang. Mine was to highlight the high profitability of the firm particularly concerning the disabled who maybe need a bath lift, mobility scooter and all sorts of other equipment most of which is unnecessarily expensive and often craftily marketed. The report shows that Acorn spend a very small sum on research.
I need all of the above and more, and if you arrive at being in the same position perhaps you will have generated a more sympathetic approach towards your fellows.