Best answer:

Answer by gazeygoo
With a prescription you can probably get a shower chair and perhaps some rails to install for her to use to aid in her balance but you won’t be able to get a specialty tub.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Stairlifts have been a godsend for quite some time for the elderly and disabled who have mobility problems. For those who have trouble getting around the house, stairlifts are a much more practical and cost-effective solution than moving into a bungalow. The other alternative is home adaptations, which can result in the rather sad situation of your relative being confined to the downstairs of their home.

Crowded stairlift market

Thanks to stairlifts, the elderly and disabled can stay in their own home, where all the surroundings are familiar to them, and which is near to their friends and amenities.

So, having decided that a stair lift is the way forward for your relative, which one is right for their circumstances? Well, the UK stairlifts marketplace is a crowded one. Around a dozen major stairlift manufacturers compete for a growing customer base – more and more of us are elderly, but living longer doesn’t mean that we don’t have problems with our knees.

Before you even speak to a stair lift manufacturer or retailer, we advise talking to anyone you know who has bought a stairlift. Ask them about the benefits they’ve experienced and the drawbacks, if any.

Contact as many reputable companies as you can so you can compare their stairlift products and prices. Remember that reliability and safety are the key factors.

When you’re considering stairlifts, don’t be afraid to grill the sales representative. After all, any sales rep worth his salt should know all his products inside and out. You should be able to talk about your particular staircase, physical problems and budget, and expect sensible answers.

Stairlift warranties

Ask for all the information you can get on the company and its stair lifts. Find out how long they’ve been in business. Make sure that they have full insurance. Can they let you see genuine customer testimonials?

What about once the stairlift is installed? How long will the warranty be for? Can you extend it and if so for how long? What’s included? Some companies will give a lifetime guarantee – but it’s only for certain parts. What about service and support? How quickly will they come out if the stairlift breaks down? Do they use their own stairlift engineers or is the service subcontracted, meaning you might have to wait for your lift to be fixed?

You should also research online about the stairlift companies – look for negative (or positive) comments in forums and in the media. You should also stay clear of cold callers selling you stairlifts and try to take each stair lift for a test ride in the showrooms before you make any decisions.
Selecting the correct stairlift will also mean considering the individual needs of the stairlift user and deciding which features will suit best – not just now, but in the future.

Curved or straight stairlift?

Once you’ve decided on a stairlift manufacturer, you’ll need to get your stairs assessed by a company representative. You should be aware that there are two principal types of stairlift ? straight and curved. Straight stairlifts are intended for stairs that have no bends or half-landings. If your stairs are perfectly straight, you’ll find the cost of this kind of stair lift quite reasonable.

If, however, your stairs have any kind of bend, corner or half-landing, you’ll need a curved stairlift. This is much less straightforward. It means that your stairlift will need to be custom-built for your staircase. This, of course, means that you’d better be sure that you need a stairlift, as it can’t go back to the factory. It means that your stairlift will be much more expensive than a straight one.

One slightly cheaper option if you would like to stick to straight stairlifts but have a curved staircase is two or more runs of straight stair lifts with a bridging platform. This does mean having two lifts, which means paying twice. It also means that you or your relative might be faced with more maintenance costs, as you will have the upkeep of two motors. This does, however, mean that you could enter the reconditioned stairlift market, thereby theoretically reducing your costs.

Stairlift sales rep

These days, you’ll also have a home visit from a stair-lift company representative. When the stairlift sales rep calls round at your relative’s, try to arrange for you or another relative or friend to be there, too. It’s going to be important to remember the information and to ask key questions.

The stairlift-company rep should thoroughly assess the staircase and ask pertinent questions about your relative’s needs, including how easy it is for them to get on and off the stairlift. They should be able to provide a quote in writing for the full cost of the stairlift, including installation.
When the sales rep is in your relative’s home, it’s very easy to feel pressurised. They sound very convincing – but that’s their job. Just because you’ve had a stair-lift assessment doesn’t mean you have to buy. Try to talk to as many stairlift companies as possible before making any decisions.

One great solution is to call an independent retailer like UK Stairlifts, who can give you impartial advice about the right stairlift for your relative’s circumstances.

Reconditioned stair lifts

A reconditioned stair lift is another option to consider. Reconditioned stairlifts have been owned by someone else. With a reconditioned stair lift, both the stairlift and rail have been refurbished. They’re practically as good as new, and will usually give your relative many years of good service.

Buying a reconditioned stair lift is a great option. That’s because most of the lift is brand new. You’ll get a new seat, new rail and a reconditioned engine. This new engine should be good for a few years. For those on a budget, a reconditioned stair lift will mean a saving of around one-third on the price of a new stairlift.

Whenever you see a supplier with reconditioned stairlifts for sale, do ask a lot of questions about the stair lift. At UK Stairlifts, we would advise also not to buy a reconditioned stair lift that’s more than 18 months old, to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. Make sure you get a one-year warranty, too.

Hopefully, you’ll have found this brief introduction to buying stairlifts useful. All the main stairlift manufacturers have comprehensive websites. However, for truly impartial advice based around your or your relative’s circumstances, it might be best to approach an independent retailer, such as UK Stairlifts.

A woman rides the Levant Stair Lift, made by ThyssenKrupp Access. More information is available about this stair lift at tkaccess.com. ThyssenKrupp Access is the world’s leading manufacturer in stair lifts, residential elevators and wheelchair lifts.
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More Stairlift Articles

Since the wheelchair was first invented in the year 1783, it has constantly been improved to meet the user’s every needs. The basic wheelchair is made up of a seat, a backrest, two small front wheels, two large wheels on the sides and a foot rest. All wheelchairs are based on this standard design. However, there are many highly customized models to fit the user’s personal needs. At improvelife.com you will find a wide variety of models, from wheelchairs to rollators, everything’s available.

There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and powerchairs. A manual wheelchair only requires human power to move whereas a powerchair is operated by means of a joystick or controller. There are three main types of manual wheelchairs: self-propelled, attendant-propelled and wheelbase. The self-propelled wheelchairs are moved by pushing the handrims which are circular tubing placed on the exterior of the large rear wheels. The occupant has control of the chair’s movement and can manually propel the mobility device in any direction he chooses. The attendant-propelled wheelchairs are constructed to be propelled by another person. The attendant uses the handles to push the chair into a certain direction. These wheelchairs usually have rimless back wheels which are also much smaller than those of a basic wheelchair. The main use of these chairs is to transfer patients within a hospital. Wheelbase chairs are designed to be used by occupants with a more complicated posture. They are in fact wheeled platforms with customized seating systems. The seating system is customized by taking a cast of the occupant’s best achievable seating position and forming a plastic mesh around it. The seat is then framed and attached to a wheelbase in order for the chair to be complete.

Rollators are very similar to the classic walkers only they are equipped with tires for better maneuverability. They combine the adjustable height of a standard walking frame with small wheels. Although these types of walkers are equipped with wheels, the user still has to do all the work. The rollator’s user controls the pace and direction of the movement. A rollator supports and stabilizes the movement of a certain person who needs aid in order to go from one place to another. Rollators are ideal for those who are able to stand up on their own but need a little help with their balance and endurance. When considering purchasing a rollator you should fundament your choice on four important factors: your height, your weight, your special limitations and your stability level. There are three types of rollators depending on the user’s height: petit, medium and tall. When making a choice you should also rule out any rollator not sturdy enough to resist your weight. The last step is to carefully compare all available features and options in order to make the best choice. At improvelife.com there are many different types to choose from so you won’t have to worry about not finding the right rollator for you.

People who have certain mobility problems can find a mobility device to be very helpful. Wheelchairs are the most common mobility devices and are especially used by those who can’t stand up on their own. Rollators are also very popular and are usually used by people who can stand up but need some support. At improvelife.com you will find mobility devices at a very good price.

If you are looking to buy a mobility device you should first determine what your specific needs are. There are many types of wheelchairs and rollators available today. You can choose between a manual wheelchair or a powerchair. For more information visit our website.

The wheelchair is the most popular and widespread mobility device in the world. From the basic form there have been many developments over time in order to meet the occupant’s personal needs. Customized wheelchairs are very common nowadays because of the particular needs a user might have. There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. The manual wheelchair category is naturally the firs to have been invented and is still used on a large scale all around the world. The category includes three types of wheelchairs: self-propelled, attendant-propelled and wheelbase. Each of the three types has proven to be very useful in different circumstances and for different categories of users. No matter what type of mobility device you are looking for, at improvelife.com you will find exactly what you need.

Electric wheelchairs are generally used by persons who find using a manual wheelchair very difficult. The impossibility of using a manual chair can be the consequence of an arm or shoulder disabling condition. There are a few main categories in which electric wheelchairs can be divided in. For instance, there is the rear, center or front wheel driven chair category and the four wheel chair category. Furthermore, some models are very similar to manual wheelchairs while others have automobile-like seating and do not resemble manual chairs at all. Where dimensions are concerned, powerchairs can just as well be small and portable or large and heavy. An electric wheelchair can be designed to be specifically used indoors or outdoors, depending on the occupant’s needs. Controlling an electric wheelchair is usually done by means of a joystick. However, if the occupant lacks coordination or the use of his hands or fingers, other customized controllers can be used in order to safely operate the wheelchair. Powerchairs can also offer other special features such as powered recline or leg elevation.

A lift chair is very helpful to people who have mobility problems and have trouble getting up from a chair by themselves. There are several types of lift chairs available, depending on the user’s necessities. A 2 position lift chair can have a slight recline position and a lift position. When the user reclines in a two position chair his back and thighs remain at a 90 degree angle. A 3 position lift chair has a lifted position, recline position and reading position. This is the most popular category because it meets most people’s needs and budgets. Infinite position lift chairs allow the user to sleep very comfortably and they recline completely. This type of chair gives the user more positioning options, including the ‘elevate the feet above the heart’ position. When looking for a lift chair, remember that there is also a wide variety of colors and fabrics to choose from so that the chair fits perfectly into the home décor. You should always keep in mind that lift chairs should be comfortable as well as functional. Accessories like heat or massage can also be included into your customized chair.

Many devices have been developed during the past few centuries to help people with mobility problems lead easier lives. Since the invention of the wheelchair, many other devices followed. Wheelchairs have also been constantly improved, leading to the development of electric wheelchairs. Another commonly used mobility device is the lift chair which helps people who find getting up from a chair difficult. At improvelife.com you will encounter a wide variety of mobility devices.

Finding a quality mobility device at a convenient price is not easy. However, it’s not impossible to find a very good wheelchair or lift chair at a good price. Electric wheelchairs also don’t have to be out of your price range. Visit ur website for more information.

A transport wheelchair is a common mobility device used by people with certain illnesses or disabilities in order to move from one place to another. Wheelchairs are most often propelled either manually or automatically. The earliest wheelchairs were obviously propelled by manual power, electric wheelchairs being developed only in the 20th century. The first real transport chair was developed in England, in the year 1783, by a so-called John Dawson. This initial model was self propelled by pushing the large rear wheels. The earliest motorized wheelchair was developed in 1918 and has been since the subject of continuous improvements. Nowadays you can find almost any type of transport wheelchair you can think of, depending on your personal needs. Customized wheelchairs are also available and are designed to fit one person’s body precisely and offer great comfort. At improvelife.com you can find any type of transport chair you want at a very convenient price.

The basic transport wheelchair is considered to be the manually propelled chair, with two large rear wheels, two smaller wheels, a classic seat, a footrest and rear handles. These manual wheelchairs are still used on very large scale all around the world. The advantages to these basic transport chairs are that they represent very practical solutions and aren’t expensive. There are three main categories of manual wheelchairs: the self-propelled chairs, the attendant-propelled chairs and wheelbase. Each category has a different use, depending on the particular situation or disability of the user. For instance, the attendant-propelled wheelchairs are usually used in hospitals and other medical facilities, to transport the patients.

Nowadays, electric wheelchairs are becoming more and more popular because of the high level of comfort and special features they provide. The electric wheelchairs are usually used by those who have great difficulties in using a manual transport chair model. For instance, people with arm or shoulder disabilities would have a very hard time using a manual wheelchair. There are many variations of electric wheelchairs to choose from. Some models are very similar to the classic manual chairs while others resemble small automobiles. The latter are equipped with a steering wheel and have four wheels for better maneuverability. Some people think that power chairs are large and heavy; this is not necessarily true. These types of wheelchairs can even be as light as a manual chair and very easy to fold and transport. Electric wheelchairs can be specially designed even according to the environment they are going to be used in the most. Therefore, there are both outdoor and indoor use electric wheelchairs available for purchasing. Many special features can be added to a power chair in order to simplify control and increase comfort. The seat can be specially modified, the control joystick customized and special accessories added for all kinds of particular situations.

In today’s world, there are many types of mobility devices which aid people with certain mobility difficulties in leading a normal life. The transport wheelchair still remains the most popular mobility device anywhere in the world. A transport chair can even be customized to fit one’s particular needs, no matter what they are. At improvelife.com you will find a wide variety of mobility devices to meet all of your demands.

All around the world, many people face various mobility problems which make going from one place to another very difficult. A transport wheelchair can be the best solution and comes in many different variations. Find out more about purchasing a transport chair by visiting our website.

Since the wheelchair was first invented in the year 1783, it has constantly been improved to meet the user’s every needs. The basic wheelchair is made up of a seat, a backrest, two small front wheels, two large wheels on the sides and a foot rest. All wheelchairs are based on this standard design. However, there are many highly customized models to fit the user’s personal needs. At improvelife.com you will find a wide variety of models, from wheelchairs to rollators, everything’s available.

There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and powerchairs. A manual wheelchair only requires human power to move whereas a powerchair is operated by means of a joystick or controller. There are three main types of manual wheelchairs: self-propelled, attendant-propelled and wheelbase. The self-propelled wheelchairs are moved by pushing the handrims which are circular tubing placed on the exterior of the large rear wheels. The occupant has control of the chair’s movement and can manually propel the mobility device in any direction he chooses. The attendant-propelled wheelchairs are constructed to be propelled by another person. The attendant uses the handles to push the chair into a certain direction. These wheelchairs usually have rimless back wheels which are also much smaller than those of a basic wheelchair. The main use of these chairs is to transfer patients within a hospital. Wheelbase chairs are designed to be used by occupants with a more complicated posture. They are in fact wheeled platforms with customized seating systems. The seating system is customized by taking a cast of the occupant’s best achievable seating position and forming a plastic mesh around it. The seat is then framed and attached to a wheelbase in order for the chair to be complete.

Rollators are very similar to the classic walkers only they are equipped with tires for better maneuverability. They combine the adjustable height of a standard walking frame with small wheels. Although these types of walkers are equipped with wheels, the user still has to do all the work. The rollator’s user controls the pace and direction of the movement. A rollator supports and stabilizes the movement of a certain person who needs aid in order to go from one place to another. Rollators are ideal for those who are able to stand up on their own but need a little help with their balance and endurance. When considering purchasing a rollator you should fundament your choice on four important factors: your height, your weight, your special limitations and your stability level. There are three types of rollators depending on the user’s height: petit, medium and tall. When making a choice you should also rule out any rollator not sturdy enough to resist your weight. The last step is to carefully compare all available features and options in order to make the best choice. At improvelife.com there are many different types to choose from so you won’t have to worry about not finding the right rollator for you.

People who have certain mobility problems can find a mobility device to be very helpful. Wheelchairs are the most common mobility devices and are especially used by those who can’t stand up on their own. Rollators are also very popular and are usually used by people who can stand up but need some support. At improvelife.com you will find mobility devices at a very good price.

If you are looking to buy a mobility device you should first determine what your specific needs are. There are many types of wheelchairs and rollators available today. You can choose between a manual wheelchair or a powerchair. For more information visit our website.

The wheelchair is the most popular and widespread mobility device in the world. From the basic form there have been many developments over time in order to meet the occupant’s personal needs. Customized wheelchairs are very common nowadays because of the particular needs a user might have. There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. The manual wheelchair category is naturally the firs to have been invented and is still used on a large scale all around the world. The category includes three types of wheelchairs: self-propelled, attendant-propelled and wheelbase. Each of the three types has proven to be very useful in different circumstances and for different categories of users. No matter what type of mobility device you are looking for, at improvelife.com you will find exactly what you need.

Electric wheelchairs are generally used by persons who find using a manual wheelchair very difficult. The impossibility of using a manual chair can be the consequence of an arm or shoulder disabling condition. There are a few main categories in which electric wheelchairs can be divided in. For instance, there is the rear, center or front wheel driven chair category and the four wheel chair category. Furthermore, some models are very similar to manual wheelchairs while others have automobile-like seating and do not resemble manual chairs at all. Where dimensions are concerned, powerchairs can just as well be small and portable or large and heavy. An electric wheelchair can be designed to be specifically used indoors or outdoors, depending on the occupant’s needs. Controlling an electric wheelchair is usually done by means of a joystick. However, if the occupant lacks coordination or the use of his hands or fingers, other customized controllers can be used in order to safely operate the wheelchair. Powerchairs can also offer other special features such as powered recline or leg elevation.

A lift chair is very helpful to people who have mobility problems and have trouble getting up from a chair by themselves. There are several types of lift chairs available, depending on the user’s necessities. A 2 position lift chair can have a slight recline position and a lift position. When the user reclines in a two position chair his back and thighs remain at a 90 degree angle. A 3 position lift chair has a lifted position, recline position and reading position. This is the most popular category because it meets most people’s needs and budgets. Infinite position lift chairs allow the user to sleep very comfortably and they recline completely. This type of chair gives the user more positioning options, including the ‘elevate the feet above the heart’ position. When looking for a lift chair, remember that there is also a wide variety of colors and fabrics to choose from so that the chair fits perfectly into the home décor. You should always keep in mind that lift chairs should be comfortable as well as functional. Accessories like heat or massage can also be included into your customized chair.

Many devices have been developed during the past few centuries to help people with mobility problems lead easier lives. Since the invention of the wheelchair, many other devices followed. Wheelchairs have also been constantly improved, leading to the development of electric wheelchairs. Another commonly used mobility device is the lift chair which helps people who find getting up from a chair difficult. At improvelife.com you will encounter a wide variety of mobility devices.

Finding a quality mobility device at a convenient price is not easy. However, it’s not impossible to find a very good wheelchair or lift chair at a good price. Electric wheelchairs also don’t have to be out of your price range. Visit ur website for more information.

A transport wheelchair is a common mobility device used by people with certain illnesses or disabilities in order to move from one place to another. Wheelchairs are most often propelled either manually or automatically. The earliest wheelchairs were obviously propelled by manual power, electric wheelchairs being developed only in the 20th century. The first real transport chair was developed in England, in the year 1783, by a so-called John Dawson. This initial model was self propelled by pushing the large rear wheels. The earliest motorized wheelchair was developed in 1918 and has been since the subject of continuous improvements. Nowadays you can find almost any type of transport wheelchair you can think of, depending on your personal needs. Customized wheelchairs are also available and are designed to fit one person’s body precisely and offer great comfort. At improvelife.com you can find any type of transport chair you want at a very convenient price.

The basic transport wheelchair is considered to be the manually propelled chair, with two large rear wheels, two smaller wheels, a classic seat, a footrest and rear handles. These manual wheelchairs are still used on very large scale all around the world. The advantages to these basic transport chairs are that they represent very practical solutions and aren’t expensive. There are three main categories of manual wheelchairs: the self-propelled chairs, the attendant-propelled chairs and wheelbase. Each category has a different use, depending on the particular situation or disability of the user. For instance, the attendant-propelled wheelchairs are usually used in hospitals and other medical facilities, to transport the patients.

Nowadays, electric wheelchairs are becoming more and more popular because of the high level of comfort and special features they provide. The electric wheelchairs are usually used by those who have great difficulties in using a manual transport chair model. For instance, people with arm or shoulder disabilities would have a very hard time using a manual wheelchair. There are many variations of electric wheelchairs to choose from. Some models are very similar to the classic manual chairs while others resemble small automobiles. The latter are equipped with a steering wheel and have four wheels for better maneuverability. Some people think that power chairs are large and heavy; this is not necessarily true. These types of wheelchairs can even be as light as a manual chair and very easy to fold and transport. Electric wheelchairs can be specially designed even according to the environment they are going to be used in the most. Therefore, there are both outdoor and indoor use electric wheelchairs available for purchasing. Many special features can be added to a power chair in order to simplify control and increase comfort. The seat can be specially modified, the control joystick customized and special accessories added for all kinds of particular situations.

In today’s world, there are many types of mobility devices which aid people with certain mobility difficulties in leading a normal life. The transport wheelchair still remains the most popular mobility device anywhere in the world. A transport chair can even be customized to fit one’s particular needs, no matter what they are. At improvelife.com you will find a wide variety of mobility devices to meet all of your demands.

All around the world, many people face various mobility problems which make going from one place to another very difficult. A transport wheelchair can be the best solution and comes in many different variations. Find out more about purchasing a transport chair by visiting our website.