Three Comments on Stair Lift Solutions Last Week

“Deborah, we bought one. I turned you over to my husband, Richard. Love it and don’t know what I did without it before. It also means I can have Thanksgiving dinner here this year and my 96 year old aunt can make it upstairs. We are most impressed with you, your product and your company.” Karen S. Garden Valley, CA

“Peter Lamoureux, your sales representative, was here today and I would like to express my gratitude to you in your choice of personnel. Peter is polite, sympathetic, business oriented and very detailed in his description of your stairlifts. Peter made me feel comfortable with his presence immediately, understood my financial plight and extremely helpful. I purchased two lifts from Peter toda…y that will be installed Thursday or Friday and am looking forward to my husband using the lifts to make his homecoming as a parapalegic comfortable and to give him access to his upstairs bedroom and the ability to access the kitchen as he loves to cook. With Peter’s help I was able to purchase two used lifts and be able to operate within a very tight budget. When the time comes that we no longer will need the lifts they will be returned to Silver Cross. Hopefully another deserving person will be able to use them and appreciate them as much as Howard and I will. Howard’s home-coming in a week or so will be much brighter for him, who was an active person and has suddenly lost the use of his lower body. To be able to sleep in his own bedroom, prepare meals as he was accustomed to and to have access to more than one room in our quad level home is truly a Gift from God. Thank you ever so much,”

Connie & Howard De Y. Crete, IL

“Your reps visited us and we were impressed by theirHandling of the situation . They were thoughtful and explained every aspect of the installation to be sure we understood . Jason and Wade get top marks from us . “Victoria, BC.

Scare Tactics Used in Stair Lift Sales

SILVER CROSS receives hundreds of emails and calls weekly.

There is a trend for the past year or so that one stair lift supplier
that sells direct to the end user continues to use unethical
methods in their sales process.

They continually criticise electric powered stair lifts by using scare tactics.

They obviously offer battery operated stair lifts.

Their criticism on electric powered stair lifts is based on….

1. Their opinion is that there is some danger in using a stair lift that is powered by
electricity and directly plugged into a receptacle.

2. There is a possibility of electric shock to the stair lift user.

3. That if the electricity goes out in the home, the lift would not work.

Our response is that if this is true, then homeowners should not use a fridge,
stove, microwave, furnace or air conditioning in their home.

In other words, we do not agree with the ethics of this stair lift
supplier in using scare tactics that are unfounded.

We do not endorse electric powered stair lifts over battery
operated stair lifts.

We strongly disagree with any company or manufacturer that
gives false information in their sales process.

Outside Stair Lifts – The Challenges

There are some tough challenges with exterior stair lifts. Rain, snow and salt present difficulties.

Moisture that gets into the electrical parts is a challenge. Most stair lift manufacturers that offer an exterior model try to address this issue by using silicone coatings on the key parts and in the design of the stair lift. Snow can be a problem with the operation of the gear rack or cable getting clogged up.

When the stair lift is not in use the stair chair must be covered to avoid the elements.

To make a long story short, an exterior stair lift is a viable consideration where the rain, snow or salt elements are not too severe. In other words, an exterior stair lift in Northern Canada will not work well. Nor would a lift on the ocean in the USA.

Curved Stair Lift Installation Pictures

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Comparing Stair Lift Prices – $1000-$4200

Whenever you feel that it is necessary to look into some sort of stair chair lift for the interior or exterior of your home or office, it is very important that you look into stair lift prices.

Prices for straight stair lifts range from $1000 to $4200 installed.  A $1000 stair lift will be an older lift that is perhaps 4-5 years old.  The $4200 stair lift is usually coming from dealers that have been winning by default in their geographically areas.  The $4200 price can also come from manufacturers that are direct selling stair lifts to end users.  One would think that a manufacturer would offer a lower price.  This is not the case for two major stair lift suppliers.  Simply put, their cost of acquiring a lead is substantial, perhaps $500 per inquiry.  And, they are paying their sales reps on a commission basis which ends up increasing the price to the end user.  If you receive an initial quote for a straight stair lift over $4000 beware of the vendor.  The only exception to this would be in state that has regulated stair lifts.  The government adds fees onto stair lift registration or licensing and may require an installer to have a particular license.

Suffering from limited mobility can take quite a toll on your spirit as an individual. Finding out that stair lift prices may be a bit too high for you to afford the installation of one can be even more devastating. When it comes time for you to compare stair lift prices, download some information from the internet and look hard for a local company that can offer a recycled or used stair lift or low priced new stair lift with a buy back option in the future.

By looking around online, you should be able to find cheap stair lifts. Finding a reputable dealer will allow you to browse around some of the different models as well as give you an idea about the variety of stair lift prices that are out there today.

What you need to know as you start to browse around through all of the various stair lift prices is that there are a few different options that you have available to you. If you find that having a brand new stair lift installed is just a bit too pricey for your budget, you can look into cheap stair lifts or refurbished stair lifts prices that you can afford. Many people who do not have the initial funding to purchase a stair lift and then have it installed will look into beating stair lift prices by looking into financing options.

Depending on the type of stair lift that you are looking to have installed, you might find that your stair lifts price will increase if you need a custom built stair lift for a curved stair lift. Looking into cheap portable air stair lift price options in curved stair lifts will help you to cut out some of the financial burden. Your stair lift representative should be able to work with you in order to find the right stair lift prices to help you get the piece of equipment that you need without completely draining your bank account.

Cheap stair lifts are always available to consumers, however it is extremely important that you know that you are getting a quality piece of equipment. All too often, people are roped into purchasing a discount stair lift only to find that they run into issues down the road whether it comes to installation or the piece running properly. While getting a deal on stair lift prices is always nice, it is imperative that you find a quality piece of equipment that will last you for years and years into the future.

Stair Lift Design – 10 New Stair Lift Advances

Stair Lift Advances:

1. Most curved stair lift manufacturers are making their models tighter the wall thereby saving space on the staircase.

2. Flip up rails at the bottom of the stairway are becoming more popular.  This option allows for the stair lift rail to not be an obstruction at the bottom of the stairs for people flow in the home.

3. At the top of the stairs, many curved stair lift models are offering an extension beyond the top of the stairs to permit safer dismount by the stair lift user.

4. Continuous charge along any part of the stairlift rail.  This feature does not require the chair of the stair lift to have to return to either the top or bottom of the stair lift rail.

5. Weight capacities are increasing on some stair lift models.

6. Seat height variance is being offered by many stair lift models to accommodate different heights of the lift user.

7. More and more stair lift manufacturers are offering a softer stop and start stair lift.  This feature assists clients with lower back problems.

8. Stair lift aesthetics – more choices in color of upholstery and rails.  Some stair lift manufacturers are offering custom rail colors to match specific customer needs.

9. Camera systems to measure curved staircases to assure a custom fit.  Sterling, Bruno and Stannah stair lift have led the way to offer their dealers a camera system to measure each staircase.  This trend to use a computer and camera system has virtually eliminated the concern for a custom curved stair lift fit.

10. Standardization of the stair lift rail profile design has generally speaking allowed for more recycling of straight stair lifts.  This fact is due to the ease of matching rail profiles from different stair lift rail sources.   Source recycled stair lifts

The 6 Best Used Stair Lift Sources

There are a number of used stair lift sources for you to consider in searching for a lower cost stairlift.
Here is a list of 6 sources for used stair lifts.

1. Your local classified ads in your local newspapers.
2. Local agencies such as the ALS, MS and MD societies.
3. On line classified ads.
4. Local stair lift dealers.
5. Durable medical equipment dealers.
6. SILVER CROSS – Our nation wide service to find a local used stair lift.

Factors you need to consider in selection of a used stair lift are:

1. Length of track. Measure from the nose of the top step to the floor then add the overhang track required for the particular stair lift model you are considering purchasing.
2. Is the used stair lift match the side of the stairs on your stairs?
3. Can the angle of your stairway be accommodated with the stair lift you are considering?
4. Does the seat height of the stair lift chair meet the lift user’s requirements to safely transfer to the seat of the chair lift?
5. Is the width of the stair chair rail too wide for your stairway?
6. Is a soft stop and start stair lift required for the lift user?
7. Is the footplate sufficient in size for the user to be able to place their feet safely on the platform?
8. What power requirements are needed for the model being considered?
9. Does the seat width and depth fit the prospective stair lift user?
10. Does the lift user require a contour seat for trunk control?
11. Does the pattern of people flow in the home necessitate that the stair lift is installed on a particular side of the stairs?
12. Are the stair treads sufficient in strength, width and angle consistency to fit the stair lift you are considering?

Simply put, there are many factors to consider in selecting a used stair lift to meet your specific needs. I truly feel that a local stair lift dealer is the best source for used stair lifts.

Common Stair Lift Problems

Most stair lifts operate without service issues.  However, this is a product that should be serviced and maintained just like your furnace or air conditioner.

The common stair lift problems are the following:

Stair lift stops at the:

1. Top of the stairs.

This is usually associated with either the seat not in a lock position, the footrest has hit an obstruction or the chasis  has extended beyond the final limit switch.  If your stairlift is a battery operated stair lift,  and you have not brought the stair lift to the end of the track to engage the charging strip, then your lift could die at the top of the stairs.

2. Bottom of the stairs.

Again, if the seat is not in the locked position, or the foot rest has hit an obstruction or the final limit switch has been tripped then these are common reasons.

3. Somewhere along the track.

Power supply could be an issue to the stair lift. Also, an obstruction on the stairs could have tripped a sensor in the footrest.  Something in the track obstructing the stair lift mechanism is also a possibility.  If your stair lift is battery operated, then it is possible that your battery has died.  It is not common for a stair lift to stop along the track.

Some other key stair lift problems are…

New stair lift models that have been out on the market less than two years tend to have more problems.

Stair Lifts For All Sorts Of Mobility Issues

When you are looking at stair lifts for help with any variety of mobility issues, you are going to see that there are an incredible amount of choices available to consumers today. Whether you are looking for stair lifts for your home or office or stair lifts for disabled service, there are a number of great options available today.

If you think that you do not have the funding available to purchase a stair lift outright, then you may even be able to find a good electric lift chair rental that you can use in the meantime.

The right stair lifts for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues can make a world of difference in terms of freedom and independence. You know that you have a lack of mobility, and the last thing that you want is to rely on the people around you to help you get around within your own home.

Stair lifts for disabled individuals are a smart option, as well as a piece of equipment that will allow the freedom and independence that you deserve as a human being. Perhaps the time is right for you to look into stair lifts for your home use or an electric lift chair rental to help you get around.

Stair lifts for your home can be installed inside or outside or even both, depending on where you need is the greatest. Outdoor stair lifts for disabled individuals are meant to be weather resistant and are able to stand up to the elements. These stair lifts for outdoor use are just right to help you get from your vehicle to your house and vice versa with ease.

Your contractor or stair lift installer will be able to tell you just what you will need to have done in order to get your stair lift installed and working properly.

When it comes to stair lifts for interior use, there are a couple of different models you can choose from. An electric stair lift chair rental may be a good option to choose for the short term, but when you need stair lifts for disabled use in the long term, then you will want to talk to a representative about setting you up with a piece of equipment that suits your needs. There are stair lifts for both straight stair cases as well as curved stair cases, however the curved option is often much more pricey than the straight stair case models.

As you look into stair lifts for help with your mobility issues, just be sure that you are getting the proper model to help you out with your daily mobility needs. When it comes to paying for your stair lifts for personal mobility use, then you can always talk to your representative about your options in terms of financing programs. Before you know it, your choice of stair lifts for disabled individuals in your home or stair lifts for your own personal use will be working for you and helping you to move onward with your life.

When is a custom curved stair lift required?

The question as to when a curved stair lift is required is straight forward.  The answer is that a curved stair lift is required for any stairway that does not allow for a straight rail to go up the entire length of the stairs. 

If there is a flat landing mid way up the stairway, then there is the option to consider two straight stair lifts instead of a custom rail stair lift that would carry the user all the way up the stairs.  

Transferring from one straight stair lift to another on the flat landing is not ideal for a number of reasons.

1.  First, can the lift user, safely transfer from one seat to the other on the landing.  

2. Many clients want the stair lift to not be very visually dominant on the stairs.  Two straight stair lifts are more visually dominant than one custom stair lift.

3.  Using one custom curved stair lift is easier than two straight stair lifts.

4. You can leave the chair of a curved stair lift at the top or bottom of the stairs.  Two straight stairlifts require two chairs which takes more space for other family members on the stairway.

What is the cost difference between a curved stair lift and two straight stair lifts?

A custom curved stair lift will cost anywhere between $4000-$8000 more than two straight stair lifts. The reason for this is that the rail is custom made to fit your exact stairway and this is not a simple manufacturing process.  

Bottom line is I would highly recommend going with a custom curved stair lift.

Having said that, if the budget will not allow the price difference, then two straight stair lifts is a less than perfect option but better than no stair lift.

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