Acorn Stairlifts have recently redesigned their stairlift remote control. Following customer feedback Acorn Stairlifts decided to overhaul the look and the feel of their remote controls. Acorn decided to make the remote more ergonomically designed. This involved making the remote slimmer, less clumbersome to hold, and easier to operate.

A key feature was to make the up and down switches larger and made specifically for those with poor mobility, or arthritis in their hands. They are now more friendly for the disabled user who can operate the switches simply by sliding their thumb up or down. As well as making the remote control easier to use this also reduces the risk of the remote being dropped on the floor.

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Stairlift Suppliers have been asked to sell a stairlift that is unfortunately no longer required. The stairlift (a Bison Bede Classic Stairlift) is located in Malton, North Yorkshire. It comes with 4.1 meters of track and is in good working order.

Any dealers interested in this stairlift should contact stairlift suppliers through our contact form: on the stairlift suppliers website.

Mobility Aids LTD are specialists in the supply of bathroom adaptations for the elderly and disabled throughout London and the South East. Their product range includes walk in baths, bath lifts, walk in showers (low and level access showers) and wet room showers. The products are aimed at those who find bathing difficult due to reduced mobility or disability. Many people who suffer with a disability or reduced mobility find bathing difficult, they may also be at risk of slipping when getting in or out of the bath. Practical solutions to this include fitting a walk in bath, walk in shower, or having the bathroom especially adapted to allow wheelchair access through a wet room.

Many people who are considering adapting a bathroom could also benefit from a stairlift. Mobility Aids LTD have teamed up with Stairlift Suppliers to offer significant discounts on the price of stairlifts, to their customers who purchase any of their bathroom adaptations. Mobility Aids LTD can Supply Bathroom adaptations and stairlifts throughout London and the South East. For more details contact Stairlift Suppliers UK quoting Mobility Aids LTD.

The Government is launching a design code for all new houses built from 2013 onwards. The design code will require key features to be incorporated into the design of the new homes to aid those with mobility problems. The code is primarily concerned with ensuring there is adequate room for the use of mobility products such as stairlifts and wheelchairs within their homes. This will make all new homes “Lifetime Homes” meaning that all new homes must be designed to cater for the needs of the elderly or disabled. The term “lifetime homes” refers to the way the new homes could be purchased by a young couple and still be able to meet their needs into their 90’s. This is important when you consider that the percentage of older people in the UK is continuing to rise (in 2006 the number of people over the age of 85 increased by 69,000) fueling the demand for accesible “Lifetime Homes” homes.

The key features of the Lifetime Homes design code are primarily concerned with making life easier for anyone with impaired mobility. Some of the key features that developers must include are:

• Doors must be wide enough to allow wheelchair access
• The staircase must be wide enough for a stairlift or wheelchair platform
• Ther must be suitable room for wheelchairs to turn
• Sockets must be high enough to prevent the need for people to bend down to them
• Parking spaces should be wide enough to allow wheelchair users to get in and out of cars
• There must be room for a downstairs shower in all homes with three or more bedrooms

The scheme should help to ensure that the elderly do not have to move homes for reasons such as not being able to fit a stairlift due to narrow stairs, or there being inadequate room for use of a wheelchair. The Government hopes that developers will adopt the code voluntarily. The developers will be given until 2010 to show signs that they are adopting the code, otherwise legislation will follow in 2013. The Government predicts the cost to developers will be low (around £550), allthough this has been disputed by some developers.

The design code for Lifetime Homes has been widely welcomed and has the support of the charity Help The Aged. However, it should be noted that there are currently around 25 million households in Britain and with only around 200,000 new homes built per year, it could take many years before Lifetime Homes make up a significant proportion of the market.

Minivator stairlifts, who manufacture the popular minivator 950, 1000 and 2000 stairlifts, have announced another year of continued growth, with sales figures in 2007 increasing by 13% over their 2006 figures. This success can be attributed in part to strong sales to both trade and Governement sectors. On top of the 13% increase in sales figures Minivator has also reported a 32% increase in their operating profit. Minivator expect to see continued success through 2008 as they role out their evolution service package and a programme of new product launches. The Evolution range is due to be expanded over upcoming months and will give dealers new ways to work in partnership with Minivator and will improve the service that dealers can offer their customers.

This success has not just been restricted to the UK market, as significant sales growth has also been achieved by Minivator’s US subsidiary Sterling Stairlifts.

Stannah Stairlifts have recently launched an exclsuive offer to B&Q customers. B&Q customers will receive a 10% discount on the cost of a Stannah stairlift whilst Diamond Card holders will qualify for a 15% discount. This means that the basic new straight stairlift from Stannah (The Saxon Stairlift) would cost £2,302.20 (normally £2,558) with a 10% discount and £2,174.30 with a 15% discount for Diamond Card holders.

The price is based on a new Saxon straight stairlift with 4.5m of new straight rail. The stairlift comes with joystick control, manual swivel seat, keyswitch, choice of upholstery, retractable safety belt, 12 month warranty, one free service and emergency breakdown cover. It is worth rembering that the above price is for the Saxon stairlift with a manual swivel seat and many people find a powered swivel to be more beneficial - typically powered swivels add around £100-£200 pounds to the cost of a stairlift.

The offer excludes Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man and only one discount may be used per purchase.

Minivator Stairlifts have recently launched an Automatic Platform for use with the Minivator 1000 straight stairlift. The Minivator auto platform is the first fully automatic solution to the problem of installing a straight stairlift on a staircase that has a single 90° turn followed by one or two subsequent steps on to a landing. The platform works by bridging the gap from the position of the parked stairlift to the top of the staircase, allowing the user to safely step off the stairlift onto the landing. Without a bridging platform the user would require a curved stairlift to be installed.

Although a curved stairlift is the preferred solution to this type of staircase, there are two main reasons why the user may prefer a bridging platform: 1) curved stairlifts are more expensive, 2) curved stairlifts require more space and are not always practical on all staircases. Unfortunately bridging platforms can only be fitted to staircases with a small 90° 1-2 step turn. However, in these circumstances they offer a cost effective alternative to installing a curved stairlift.

Traditionally bridging platforms have been available as either a manual platform or powered platform, both of which can complicate the use of a stairlift. The Minivator Auto Platform is designed as a simple solution to the use of bridging platforms - the stairlift is used as normal without any need for the user to worry about operating the platform.

The Minivator Auto Platform is made to measure, following a staircase survey (Minivator’s eSurvey system) which provides an accurate 3D plan of the staircase. The platform itself is pre-manufactured to provide an excellent fit.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 was set out to end the discrimination that many disabled people face in everyday life, whether it be in employment or with the provision of goods and services or any facility available for public use. Since its full implimentation in October 2004 it has had significant implications for businesses and service providers. The disability discrimination act was implemented by the UK government in three distinct phases:

Phase I of the disability discrimination act was implemented in December 1996, making it illegal to treat disabled people less favourable because of their disability.

Phase II of the DDA was implemented in October 1999, obliging businesses to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled staff, this could include providing additional support or equiptment. Phase II of the act also required further changes in the way services were provided by businesses to customers, these changes including making information available in formats that are easier to read such as large print leaflets for customers who may require this.

Phase III of the dicrimination act came into force in October 2004, and required businesses to make physical alterations to their premises in order to overcome access bariers that may restrict the access of the disabled. That act requires that anyone who provides goods, facilities or services to the public, has a responsibility to comply with the act, whether you provide the service for free service or charge for the service.   

How will Businesses be affected? Businesses are required to make “reasonable adjustments” to their premises to make them accessible to the disabled and comply with the DDA. The alterations/adjustments could include: 1) Removing any barriers or obstacles to access, 2) the addition of ramps, wheel chair lifts, platform lifts or stairlifts for accessibility, 3) Changing the internal layout so as to allow disabled access, or 4) Provide the service or access by reasonable alternative means - this could include offering a home service.

What if my business can’t afford to make alterations? The disablilty discrimination act refers to businesses making reasonable adjustments to the service they provide, and any alterations should not be at the expense of putting you out of business. An access audit should find a more reasonable solution without putting your business at risk. A possible example could be a small shop, or charity, that couldn’t afford to have a platform lift or through the floor lift fitted in their premises. In order to allow access by wheelchair users to the upper floor of their premises they could install a stairlift (either a new stairlift or reconditioned stairlift) and provide a wheelchair on the upper floor for use by the disabled.  

What if my business has no disabled customers? The DDA is “anticipatory” and therefore you must still comply with the DDA.

Do listed buildings need to comply with DDA? Listed buildings, dispite restrictions on how they can be altered must still comply with the DDA. 

How can I make sure my business meets with the DDA? The best way to ensure compliance with the DDA is to arrange for an Accesibility Audit. An accessibility audit involves an examination of your business premises and services for compliance with the DDA. A written report by the auditor will highlight any ways in which you fail to comply with the DDA. The report will recomend a course of action, prioritising anything that should be done immediately and highlighting other areas that should be done as part of general maintenance.

What will happen to businesses that don’t comply with the act? Those businesses that fail to comply with the DDA could find themselves facing legal action. Aside from this businesses should consider the economic costs of lossing valuable business from the disabled by not making there premises fully accessible. 

Arthritis is a common cause of mobility problems, and affects around 9 million people, of all ages in the UK. The word arthritis simply means a painful condition of the joints. The severity and type of symptoms vary greatly from patient to patient, but are typically characterized by aches and pains in joints, a general lack of mobility and fatigue within one or more joints. In fact in many cases the symptoms become so severe that the patient requires mobility aids such as stairlifts or mobility scooters to perform every day tasks.

There are over 200 different types of arthritis. Of these the two commonest types of arthritis are: 1) Osteoarthritis, 2) Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints in which the cartilage roughens, weakens and becomes brittle. The cartilage is a protective layer that surrounds the bones of joints protecting them from wear and tear. The bone often thickens and broadens, bony overgrowths (osteophytes) may also form around the joint – this is a typical symptom of osteoarthritis in the knuckles of the hand. In more severe cases the cartilage may completely wear away, or break off, exposing the two bones so they rub against each other. Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly over a period of many years.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which the bodies own immune system attacks and damages the joints. The symptoms can develop very rapidly, or more commonly over a period of many months. The main characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis are a swelling around the joint and the joint tendon, the result being a stiff swollen joint with limited movement or mobility. With rheumatoid arthritis the disease doesn’t just affect joints but rather it may also affect internal organs and can leave the sufferer feeling tired and run down.

How is Arthritis treated? There is currently no cure for arthritis, however, your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to lessen the symptoms and reduce the inflammation. Non-Steriodal Anti Inflamatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken to reduce the severity of inflammation. Analgesics can be administered to reduce the severity of pain. In cases where an important weight bearing joint (such as your knee or hip) becomes particularly severely affected surgery such as knee or hip replacement surgery may be considered.

If I have a joint replacement will I regain full mobility? Many people regain a high level of mobility following a joint replacement. However, following surgery most patients are advised to reduced weight baring on that joint for a set period of time afterwards – often for a period of months to allow proper recovery to take place. In these cases mobility aids like stairlifts or walking aids can be a good option to reduce the strain on the joint.

Will a healthy diet help? Yes a healthy well balanced diet will help to reduce the severity of symptoms. In particular fish rich in Omega-3 such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring are particularly good for reducing inflammation and keeping joints mobile. Many arthritis sufferers also take nutritional supplements which may help to reduce the severity of symptoms. The most popular supplements are listed below:

Chondroitin Sulfate - plays an important role in the formation of cartilage and helps to toughen up the cartilage protecting it aginst damage. It also helps to repair and maintain healthy cartilage, whilst helping to protect against the breakdown of cartilage tissue.

Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower (Borage) Oil – contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA) an important fatty acid that studies have shown to reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Fish Oils (cod liver oil, concentrated fish oil capsules) – concentrated fish oils rich in the important omega-3 fatty acid have been shown to impove the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by reduce inflammation, joint pain, stiffness and improving joint mobility.

Glucosamine – plays a role in the building and repair of cartilage and has been shown to increase the amount and severity of joint pain. Because glucosamine works by building new cartilage the positive results from this supplement may be felt for a while even if you stop taking the supplement

Are there any assistive devices for arthritis sufferers? There are a number of assistive devices available for people with arthritis including: stairlifts, mobility scooters, automatic jar openers, joint supports, bathing and dressing aids, door knob grips, key holders, and writing aids to name a few.

If you are looking to buy a stairlift and are on a low income you may want to consider a Disabled Facilities Grant. These are grants available from your local council to help meet the costs of adapting a property for the disabled throughout the UK. Currently disabled facility grants are available up to a maximum of £25,000 for the provision of disabled adaptations. A council will agree to pay a grant towards your stairlift if it considers that the stairlift is necessary and both reasonable and practical. 

Who can apply for the claim for a Disabled Facilities Grant? You can apply for a disabled facilities grant if:

1) You, or someone living in your property, is disabled

2) You, or the person you are applying for, are the owner or a tenant of the property

3) You can certify that you, or the person you are applying for, intend to occupy the property as your main residence for a period of five years (the duration of the grant)

If you are a disabled tenant then a landlord can apply on your behalf provided you intend to occupy the property for the grant period. 

How long will I have to wait for a decision on my grant? Councils are bound to giving a decision within 6 months so if you haven’t heard within this time you should contact your council immediately.

How long will I have to wait to recieve my grant? Most councils will specify a date of payment, this should be no longer than 12 months after your initial application. 

If you need a stairlift urgently then the Disabled facilities grant may be the wrong route for you.

How much grant will you receive? The grant is means tested and is based on your incomings against your outgoings and your savings (the first £6,000 of savings is disregarded). The means test is similar to that for income support and pension credit. Because it is means tested you can receive between 0 and 100% of the grant depending on your income and savings.

What if my application is refused? If your application is refused or you feel the amount is too small then there is an appeal process that you can follow.

As well as stairlifts the disabled facilities grants can be used for other disabled adaptations:

1) widening doors and installing ramps for easy access to and from the property

2) specially adapt rooms to make them safe

3) installing downstairs bathroom

4) adapting heating and lighting controls

5) improve access and movement around your home