Donation of stairlift and recliner made to care unit

14/05/2012
This past Thursday, a donation was made to the palliative care unit of one of the city’s local hospitals for the purposes of keeping a former member’s memory and participation in sorority activities alive. The Beta Sigma Phi XI Delta Portage la Prairie Chapter raised funds at a charity event held for former member Sheila Plunkett in order to purchase and donate a new chair to the hospital’s palliative care unit. Ms. Plunkett recently lost her fight with terminal cancer. Beta Sigma Phi is an international non-profit and non-service women’s organization that conducts numerous charity functions throughout the year in order to benefit individuals with different needs. Ann Latoski, the President of the sorority said that “the sorority is dedicating this exquisite leather recliner in memory of our long-time sorority sister Sheila Plunkett. This donation to the palliative care unit is in honor of her service and membership in Beta Sigma Phi.” Latoski went on to say that “donations of this nature including donation of stairlifts are always needed as they accommodate individuals who may be feeling a bit out of sorts and uncomfortable for a number of different reasons.” The price of the reclining chair was estimated at roughly $700. Additionally, husband and son both attended the dedication and presentation ceremony. Gordon stated that “for the Beta Sigma Phi sorority chapter to donate this in my wife’s name is a great gesture on their behalf. Sheila was a lifetime Beta Sigma Phi member for many years and very active in sorority activities. I lost her this past July and this chair serves to prolong her memory and everything she did while being involved in Beta Sigma Phi.” Mr. Plunkett informed those conducting the interview that Sheila had been a member of the sorority for nearly 33 years.

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Stairlift Firm In Steeton Gets In Top 150 List

09/05/2012
Acorn stairlifts based in Steeton has been added amid a list of elite companies that make are top in both name and reputation. The company has already had coverage and been featured on a television drama that as written by the writer named Kay Mellor. Acron Stairlifts, has had their products shown on a popular BBC drama called The Syndicate. The Syndicate is about five different supermarket employees whose very lives are changed for all time when they suddenly win a lottery prize of GBP 18 million. Acron Stair-lifts has been put on this very special list of special companies for the first time ever and the list was compiled by accountants named BDO for the Yorkshire Report that they put out annually. This top list is now proudly in its 6th year, BDO's Yorkshire Report puts together all of the very most current published accounts for the local Yorkshire companies based totally on the revenue they have made for themselves. This accolade does follow lots of great praise because of Acron's growth in the export area because of David Wootton, who is the Lord Mayor for London, while he visited Steeton headquarters during the earlier part of the year. He had this to say: “Manufacturing is without a doubt one of the most successful of industries to assist in bringing the United Kingdom out from the recession and to where it is here and now. Acron Stairlifts is exporting its line of stair-lifts to about sixty-six various countries annually from its operations in the United Kingdom. They do need to be applauded for this and for making their manufacturing something that other companies would like to also hope to have one day. They are more than worthy to be applauded.”

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Elderly Up In Arms In North Shields About Broken Lift and Stairlifts

09/05/2012
Elderly people have passed remarks about their council bosses for not fixing a lift that has been broken at their sheltered housing complex. This broken lift is located at Tamar Court, right off of Billy Mill Lane, and this is in the vicinity of North Shields. It has now been out of working order for about a fortnight and a new one will not be put in the building until May 21st. The elderly tenants have been very frustrated and have told of their frustration of having to deal with stairlifts in the mean time. A grandmother Betty Scott, who is afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, does live on the second floor and is not able to use the stairs without any mechanical chair or human aid. She also has major problems trying to put on the seat belts of the stairlifts due to the crippling arthritis that has affected her hands and, if she does desire to use a walking frame of her own, she would require someone to bring it down to her first. 71-year old Betty Scoot had the following to say about the entire incident: “I loved it when the lift was operating properly, now it is no longer. Now I need to use a stairlifts to be able to travel down four flights of stairway. I must have someone present there to help me out each time. My daughter does help when she can but she cannot be here twenty-fours hours a day. The warden also comes during the day to help me out. But that is only during the day.” “It is also very hard for me to use the walking frame for a long period of time as my hands do tend to start hurting. This broken lift is making life extra hard for everyone here. Hope they get it repaired soon. Till then at least we have the stairlifts.”

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‘Aging with Ease’ Exposition Has Stairlifts and Mobility Products

30/04/2012
Back by extreme popularity and demand is no other than the Aging with Ease Exposition, it is hosted by Kittery Estates. This exposition, which was scheduled from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on 28th April was a truly an opportunity for older people to experience with their families. This is due to the fact that disabled individuals and others were able to learn more about the different products as well as services that are geared exclusively to helping handle getting older. The program manager for the chamber, Stephanie Oeser, did say that the organization did stop their hosting of the yearly event just last year because it was growing tired of having an exposition about stairlifts and mobility products. “We did hear from people who were missing it, so we made up our minds to get it started up again,” she explained. The contents of a press release that was from the chamber did state that, any product displays must contain particular data on an installation of any lifts for patients, residential elevators, stairlifts, dumbwaiters, and lifts for wheelchairs. Those that are in attendance did learn all they can about everything from planning financially to living assistance and nursing care, apart from Medicare option types. Seacoast Respiratory provided all the necessary information on breathing aids to help aging individuals be more comfortable. ‘Aging With Ease’ Expo was free to the public, so the organizers did not count how many people attended but Ms. Oeser did relay that there were probably 100 participants that bought the raffle tickets and 22 of the vendors displayed their services and products at the 2010 exposition. Meetinghouse Village, which is a retirement community that is in Kittery, was among one of the vendors there.

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Stairlift Firm Gets Boost In Sales

24/04/2012
The overall sales belonging to a company in Cross Hills that specializes in curved stairlifts have managed to reach a new height that has given the business a boost. The company, Platinum Stairlifts is breaking ground and also making records for itself. It is definitely on course to do a lot more growth that will be massive in the next year and beyond. The sales from the month of February alone was able to smash all of their previous high records by a good 10% and the predictions are that for this period and by the year's end. This percentage will be set to rise up to about an unbelievable high of 16%. “There has been constant talk of the economy taking a downturn, but sales at Platinum Curve and Platinum Curve HD do continue to rise steadily and go up,” stated the managing director for the company, David Forsyth. “For the rest of this year of 2012 and into the new year of 2013 and its end, we will be expected to go farther than the growth rate that has been predicted for us. This growth rate should be roughly about 42%.” “I do think this excellent rate of growth is a true endorsement of the diligent and very hard work that our company does continue to throw into all of its production places, coupled with good quality assurance processes. The sales and tech support departments that are managed by Paul Brearey, Michael Rees and Mark McNulty.” “We do see 2012 as being the year that does move us up, here at Platinum, and we definitely do have a lot of interesting things in the planning to make this reality even more exciting soon, the very first of which will be unveiled for all to witness when next year's exhibition for Naidex does take place.”

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Leading TV Role Gets Acorn Stairlift More Business

16/04/2012
Acorn Stairlifts that is located in Steeton did make a debut on television in a leading BBC hit drama titled “The Syndicate” this past week. Only one of the company's different stairlifts in stock was shown on the 2nd episode of the TV show, which is written by Kay Mellor, and does tell the story about 5 workers for a supermarket whose lives get turned completely upside down when they win GBP 18 million dollars in the lottery. This past Tuesday, TV viewers got to see the character of Denise, who is played in part by Lorraine Bruce, change the life of her senior-aged mother Maureen buy a stair lift on her 80th birthday. In a scene description, the character of Maureen – goes down the stairway to be met by a room crowded with guests for the surprise 80th birthday celebration. The secretary for Acorn named Dave Belmont had this to say: “It is a real honor for us to be in connection with Kay Mellor. She truly is a great scriptwriter and a true Yorkshire gem!” “The research clearly shows that after a period of twenty years in the business, we are able to help change a person's very world about one every fourteen minutes or so with the presence of a stair lift being around them, and this difference is something that can be totally exposed as it was in an episode of The Syndicate.' Dave Belmont went on further with this to add: “Acorn has made thousands upon thousands of successful installations everywhere around the world, and we have heard every day just how much the use of a stair lift has become a life-altering thing for many. Almost as much as if they had won the lottery. So it is very wonderful to know that our stair lifts do have great purpose and great need at the same time.”

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Lady Trapped In Stairlift Gets Assistance from Firemen

16/04/2012
A 60 years old lady fell backwards on a stairlift and had to be assisted by firemen after her head got stuck beneath a the rail of a stair lift. The lady, Margaret Gurney had been laying on that landing for about an hour when her son got off from work and found her in the position that she was. The lady's son got home about 1am that Sunday, then he called for an ambulance for his mother, but the paramedics could not get her free and called in the fire department to assist. The woman was then transported to Medway Hospital and the stair lift was completely disassembled so that the paramedics were able to look at the lady's condition and then get her to an emergency room if need be. After going to the hospital, the lady came away very lucky from the incident, she had no broken bones at all to show for being trapped under a stair lift. All she had was some bruising all over which is considered to be a very minor injury for what she went through. The firemen who came to her rescue stood behind at her home to put her stair lift back together for her too. Ms. Gurney had very little recollection of what trouble she did experience, but she is definitely very thankful for those emergency personnel who came to her help when she did need it the most. The elderly lady does have fibromyalgia and arthritis and she had her stair lift installed at her home about two years prior. This was because she had a problem with falling on the stairs both up and down them. Miss Gurney had the following to say: “ I do recall being stopped beneath the railing of my stair lift and that my legs did get in a real tangle up the stairs.”

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Fight Breaks Out Over Stairlifts Charge

11/04/2012
A fight has broken out and is because of the existence of a very new policy that was not “handled properly” by the Highland Council. This policy was to a yearly fee for maintenance on stair lifts, and demands in the amount of GBP 60 were sent out to elderly and disabled individuals just last week. These notices came with no advance warning and completely “from the blue”, making many poor souls left to wonder how they would be able to pay for this bill. The claim is that a man from Easter Ross was communicated to that his stairlift which was provided to him from the council would be taken away from him if he didn't pay what they expected him to pay to them for its use. Concern is pretty much a matter that is broad in Ross-shire which has forced lots of people to want to get assistance from councillors that are local, councils for the community and societies for housing. Those who are members for Easter Ross community council are very upset that these stair-lift users were not even communicated to or given advice that these charges could be paid in installments or that they had the right to appeal the fees. Community council members are also finding out if the policy does indeed meet with what is deemed as being legislation for equality. Highland Council stated on yesterday that they did get a “good positive” reaction as about 20% of the six hundred people that they did get in touch with had already gotten direct deposit set up on stairlifts so as to get the fee paid, which serves more like a contribution type thing and does not cover in any way the full amount of having the stairlifts serviced. Two letters were sent out, the first asking users to support the contribution, and the second letter offered the payment options available to do so.

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Police 'Stair Lift' Elderly Lady in Sunderland Up To Her Home

11/04/2012
Police had to come to the aid of an elderly lady that could not get up the stairs to her home. The 92-year-old woman had to be lifted by the officers and physically hauled up to the 14th floor. This happened to the elderly woman when the stairlifts in Sunderland tower went out completely. Police had to be called in to come to the apartments on High Street East in the middle of the night by the elderly woman's son. Apparently, the poor lady got stuck down in the lobby, due to the outage issues with the stairlifts. The two separate stairlifts went out of order after a power cut did occur. The housing association called Gentoo stated that it did attempt to contact all those with mobility problems or those working with different agencies to try to get other solutions if they could. A spokesman for Northumbria Police has this to say about the incident: “If we had to say this in a strict manner this truly does not go under what is thought to be normal duties for any police person." “Nevertheless, officers who arrived on the scene did not desire to leave the old lady where she could not get from for a longer period of time, they were very pleased to have been able to help her get back to her home.” A man from Gentoo, Alan Duffy did relay that this power cut had been done by the electric company at about 21:00 BST time, despite this, engineers were not able to get the stairlifts back in working order that very same evening. Duffy also added this: “Any customers that had mobility problems were contacted about this situation and we did work with various agencies to get workable solutions so as it would not create a whole lot of calamity.”

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101 Mobility Is Offering New Bruno SRE-3000 stairlift

11/04/2012
One of the nation's speediest mobile and accessibility provider that is growing by leaps and bounds is no other than 101 Mobility, who is starting to offer the brand new Bruno SRE-3000 via its footprint that is going national. This very new Rail Stairlift has definitely gone above the bar in not just style, but also in being something of high performance and also quite affordable when it comes to price. This very new, as well as uniquely one of a kind Bruno SRE-3000 does have a continual charge, a seat that swivels, and folding rails that are good for landings and is optional. There is also a breaking system that is duel in description, has controls that are wireless call and send which are also two in nature, and a lot more features that are very well worth the value. This brand-new Bruno SRE-3000 ELAN stairlift does come with features that are standard that can be found on units that are much more costly in price. As well as the brand-new Bruno SRE-3000, 101 Mobility also has stair lifts that are curved in rail as well as lifts that are vertical and incline in description to assist customers who need to move successfully in between homes that have more than one level or office buildings. Their line of products also include ramps, elevators, lifts for the pool, automatic lifts, lifts for patients, as well as numerous other products for mobile and accessibility usage. The owners and their staff of sales and professional service people do work in close contact with customers who are elderly and need to overcome their challenges from accessibility angles. 101 Mobility has a line of full service commercial services and products in addition. 101 Mobility's network franchise and its string of products will grow as the demand for products concerning both mobility and accessibility grow as well.

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Couple Get Winning Appeal To Fund Installation of Stairlift and Extension on Rented Home

27/03/2012
A couple who recently did ask Northampton Council to add on a GBP 30,000 extension including adding a stairlift to their rented house, were recently in winning of an appeal that refused them funding for the work to be done. Their appeal was not in favor of the decision from the authority. This couple, who remain anonymous, did ask the council to change the private rented home that they have due to the fact that one of the two was recently diagnosed with a sickness that would degenerate them as time went on. This council outright refused their request, offering them a council house in place of what they wanted, but they also agreed to give the couple a stairlift as well as a wet-room that would be located upstairs in their rented place. Even though the council made its move, this didn't stop the couple from complaining to the Ombudsman from the Local Government about the manner in which they council handled their request. The Ombudsman decided in favor of the couple, saying they – only referring to them as Mr. & Mrs. Beech only, obviously this was not their real identities – that they had been subjected to a lot of “stress and anxiety” and were also dwelling in not “so good” conditions after the council made their decision, which she also found to be a “major injustice” as well. She also discussed what the council's offer to move the couple on to a council property, she has this to say: “This couple believed that they were gravely misled by the council into thinking that they had to think over a move to a property that was owned by the council. They had no intention of moving, but they think about moving so Mr. Beech could get the facilities that he required on the bottom floor of the home'

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Disabled man waits for over two-weeks to get starirlift repaired

27/03/2012
Disabled man is completely disgusted about having to wait to get his stairlift fixed. Mr. Vine was made to wait for over two weeks for stairlift repairs even after complaints were lodged. Kenneth Vine, who lives on Windrush Road at Witney, had to forcibly climb up and down his stairs on his knees and hands literally. This is so he can get to and fro to his bedroom and toilet. This 76-year-old man did have surgery on the knees and both of his hips replaced. Additionally, he needed to get surgery for his back problems to get a bone to stop pressing up against the sensitive spinal cord two years prior. This operation has left him where he can lose his balance at any given moment and fall over, which makes going up stairs without help a “virtual nightmare”. Just about eighteen months back, Vine did have a stairlift installed on his property, which has been his home for forty-two years. Somehow, it did break down and he got in touch with the housing association and they in turn contacted their contractor, Picking Lifts. They did send a technician and repairman immediately on the same day that it quit working. Nonetheless, the repairman said that the stairlift required another battery and that he could not fix the problem at hand for Mr. Vine. Pickings sent out another repairman to put in a new battery on but still this did not solve the problem. Mr. Vine has the following to say on this: “This is most definitely the worse nightmare for me to have to go up and down the stairs to use the bathroom or toilet, and if it results in a fall I am truly afraid I will be in the hospital for a very long time.'

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Independent Living Grants for stairlifts and mobility products get GBP 2 million from Council

19/03/2012
“There is a new Housing Initiative For People with a Disability and one of the key priorities of it is for supporting independent type of living,' said the Minister. It was just last year when close to 12,000 grants were paid directly from the schemes that are posed by different local authorities around the country. There are grants that go up to GBP 30,000 that are available for work improvements for installing mobility products including stairlifts. The extensions required to help a person that has a viable disability usually include ramps, stairlifts and walk-in baths or buying adjustable beds. Most of the claims that were completed were done by Grants for Older People which gives a grant sum of as much as GBP 10,500 to help those householders to make needed repairs or improvements by adding stairlifts to be made to their existing homes. Also, Mobility Aid Grants do give up to GBP 6,000 additionally for things to address a person's mobility issues by helping with showers that are level-access and stair lifts. GBP 2million was awarded to Fingal City Council to be applied as grants to assist in improving or helping to adapt private homes that do belong to elderly people and those that have disabilities for the year. An announcement on these special allocations was made very recently by the Minister that does take care of Housing and Planning. Jan O'Sullivan says: “Our government is very determined that the limited resources that we do have go only to the targeted parties who need to utilize it the most. I am happy that I am part of getting these funds secured for the Housing Grant to help both older people and people with disabilities. This goes to say that despite the many constraints present on public finances at the moment in these very unsure economic times."

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Linden Museum Is Set For a Dedication Ceremony Stairlift donors

19/03/2012
The Linden Museum is set to hold a special dedication ceremony that will be hosted by the prestigious Historical Society of Linden Mills. This dedication is for the installation of new stairlifts that are available for use at the museum itself. This past January, three brand new stair lifts were installed inside of the museum – the positions where these stair lifts were placed at convenient locations. One was put right at the entrance to the stairs themselves and the other two on the stairway that leads directly up to the top floor above. These new stairlifts will be able to help people who have limited mobility issues to be able to have more free access to the museum and its exhibits that are on display a lot easier. Being able to get around a museum and the exhibits does mean a lot to those with existing mobility issues. Usually mobility issues can hamper them from doing things that normal people take for granted. This dedication ceremony for the Linden Museum will be held at two o'clock on March 23rd, at the Main Street museum. These stairlifts have helped to make the people with mobility issues, more mobile. The donated stairlifts were made possible via a grant that was made from the Fenton Community Fund. There were donations that were made from the Linden City's W.F. Close memorial funding and the Kiwanis club for Linden. While additional funding also came from some memorial money that was donated to the memory of a resident of Linden for a long time. Her name was Carolyn J. Kaufman who died in 2011.

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11-year old juvenile arthritis patient needs stairlifts and walk-in bath to be mobile.

12/03/2012
Although 11-year old Emily Croxon was pain free for nearly a year with the long term use of steroids which was prescribed since the age of 3 years, she requires a hip replacement now. She began a new treatment in 2010 to assist and treat Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which was the reason for limited mobility and excruciating pain. Gary, Emily’s father said: “It has been nearly 9 yeas that she has been on steroids to treat the discomfort and pain. Although everything was fine and we were actually seeing improvement, she suddenly started having extreme pain in the hips.” She was taken to the hospital and tests revealed that the state of her hips were bad as bone was starting to rot that she needs a hip replacement. But doctors say that she is too young to have that and will need to wait till she is 18. Her mother, Sheri said: “As operations and surgeries have been ruled out, she cannot even go upstairs. We need stairlifts and special bathtub but they are expensive. We are looking at options but cannot buy it on our own. As she cannot climb to her own bedroom, the basement living room has become her bedroom. When she was a little better, she would crawl up the stairs and sit and slide down. But that does not seem possible anymore as she cannot put any weight on her hands and hips.” Gary says: “She is trapped in her own house and movement within it also is difficult. Though we are working to ensure that she is comfortable, it is extremely costly for us. I have a job that keeps the basic necessities intact but stairlifts and other devices are out of the budget right now. In addition to stairlift, we need a therapy bathtub and wheelchair ramp though we have bought the wheelchair and scooter.”

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Aid for stairlifts and mobility devices announced by Gillibrand

12/03/2012
As the population ages, the government’s care plans increase and that is what Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants. Of the different legislation that Gillibrand is trying to put through, one of them is to help senior citizens to stay independently within their own homes with the help of stairlifts and mobility aids. The Senator is pushing the legislation for the Older Americans Act for the wellbeing of the aging population. Gillibrand talked to the media and said: “The Congress will need to reorganize and I want to push for a part of the Older American Act. I am going to fight for better services and aid for senior citizens so that they are able to install stairlifts, walk-in baths and other tools to enhance their ability tit say independently in their own homes without nursing care.” He further stated that most of the senior citizens are living with basic care facilities at home and usually not in nursing care. In the Older American Act, he wants to address the other needs which include companionship, transportation and basic meals. He elaborated: “Most of the seniors worry that if they need to go upstairs or run errands, they will need a little help and all that is currently available is nursing homes.” He also talked about Project Independence where the program works with senior citizens and helps them gain independence with services and programs. He said: “The program has given the individuals a powerful voice to get better freedom and selection. The main thing is that with secure health programs whether they upgrade the homes or get the help they need, most of the seniors can stay independently.” He stressed on the need for subsidized stairlifts and other devices to aid individuals to stay at home with little help.

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Lewisham Woman Gets Free Stairlift After Tragedy Happens

06/03/2012
A Sussex business has given a stair lift for free to an elderly woman that lives in Forest Hill. The woman has not been able to get upstairs in her own home for a period of three and one half years. Mrs. James, who is the old lady did respond to an advertisement that she read by calling the mobile home equipment provider Stayhome Stairlifts. They are a business that is run in Henfield and it was one of their surveyors from a technical stance that did go to Mrs. James residence to inspect her stairway and tell her what they thought would be the best idea for a stair lift chair from their broad range of choices that would best suit her on all fronts where her needs were concerned. Mrs. James was not only in dire need of getting a stair lift for herself. She was also very impressed with the company itself and their overall level of professionalism and very caring attitude. This is what encouraged her to call them to go ahead with her order for the stair lift. However, upon calling to place an order, she got some very lucky news, she was a winner of one in ten to get a free stair lift. Stayhome Stairlifts does issue a free stair lift to the 10th customer -she was going to get her a new stair lift for the cost of nothing. The elderly lady was so ecstatic, she has this to say, “What a wonderful surprise. It was almost as if I was winning the lottery!” Mrs. James new stair lift was put into her home in an installation with only a couple of days from learning the exciting winner news. The old lady is now able to go upstairs inside her own home after being denied that privilege for well over three years

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Oakland Stairlifts has reported an enhancement in stairlift demand

06/03/2012
Oakland Stairlifts overall demand for Stairlifts of the straight and curved stairlifts has increased as per their report in light of the United Kingdom National Statistics release report. This report has shown that people are definitely living to be a lot older than seventy-five years while there is also an evident need for more assisted living. As per a survey, Oakland Stairlifts reported a 5% enhancement in sales for the third year. In another survey, the UK National Statistics reported an increase in the number of people over the age of 75 years. Most people in the United Kingdom are surviving for over 75 years in the recent years. As reported by United Kingdom National Statistics. This report reveals, the measurement determined as the percentage of the people already existing up to the age of 75. People at the age of 75 do make up about 65% population of England by itself, which means that over the next years there may definitely be an increasing need for care homes to accommodate the older generation, or the possibility of more elderly aged at home living by them with the assistance of a mobility chair or equipment. There are new measures being introduced by the United Kingdom Government for the care home industry permits people to be able to stay independent within their houses for a lot longer, by creating more careers and take care of the older people in their residences a lot more frequently. While this is great to encourage careers because it signals that older people will still have members of their family nearby and are able to manage their own lives. There are other elderly people who have no choice but to sell their homes and go to live in a care home.

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The Lift Store makes stairlifts available in Caribbean

29/02/2012
The US-based Lift Store dealing with stairlifts and other mobility products has recently announced that they are including the Caribbean within the distribution network. The company is offering direct sales and other installation and maintenance services for stairlifts and platform lifts. The company has seen an increase in sales of stairlifts within the Caribbean islands as more elderly people need assistance with mobility. While the source of purchase of stairlifts is low in the islands, most of the people place orders in mainland but with The Lift Store filling the gap by opening a distribution and service there. Stairlifts help the individual go up the stairs while the platform lifts carry the complete wheelchair bound individual from one floor to another. According to the company, most of the customers are residents of St. Kitts, St. John, Bahamas, Curacao and Puerto Rico among other places. With the expansion by The Lift Store, more stores will be opening on the other islands. Director of the Lift Store, Dennis Corrado said: “Currently when there are orders for installing stairlifts and platform lifts, the company sends technicians from the Florida office. This suits those people living on islands and need stairlifts but there is no availability of installation technicians or local sales centers.” He added: “Although stairlifts was unaffordable for an average individual here, the only available option was to move out or spend a lot on getting an elevator. But with our complete range of fair priced stairlifts and platform lifts, the residents now have an affordable remedy to remain independent in their own homes. We only keep high quality stairlifts from companies such as Acorn and Harmar.

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Acorn Stairlifts employees sign up for annual Keighley Big 10K walk

29/02/2012
Considering the health aspects of walking, more than 60 workers at Acorn Stairlifts, the Steeton-based company manufacturing stairlifts for standard and curved stairs have signed up to participate in the race. The annual Keighley Big K, 10K multi-terrain walk that is being held for the 5th year consequently and sees high popularity in attendance. This year, the multi-terrain walk and run is being held on March 18th and is being held to support and help Monorlands Hospice. The stairlifts employees at Acorn are taking up the corporate challenge which is aimed to encourage corporate employees to take part and participate in fundraisers and events aimed at non-profit charities. The 10K run and walk will raise funds to assist the Oxenhope’s Manorlands hospice. According to the rules, businesses can enter 5 employees at special price of £40 and in return get opportunities to promote their business. Most of the employees of Acorn Stairlifts were inspired to join the walk after they installed two stairlifts at the hospice patient, Lucy Moore’s home. Stairlifts run on rails that are mechanically fitted on stairs and help people with disabilities, illness and elderly that are unable to climb stairs, be independent. The multi-terrain run-walk will add the required funds needed for the regular requirements of the hospice and in return provide the companies with promotional space. Acorn Stairlift was the first to respond to the requirements of Lucy Moore and installed the stairlift within the shortest possible time. Dave Belmont, company secretary said: “It si our constant endeavor to help with the transformation in people’s life and in turn have fun doing it all. It is good that walkers are being encouraged to take part in the run along with the more athletically minded. And it is giving us great pleasure that Lucy Moore will wave off the event.”

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Ladies auxiliary requests stairlift for fire hall

29/02/2012
The ladies auxiliary of Bible Hall Fire Brigade has put in a request to the village authorities for buying a stairlift and getting it installed in the fire hall. The auxiliary sent a letter to the village commission which was read at the commission’s committee earlier this week. The latter stated that the fire hall needs to be made accessible for people with disability and limited mobility and thus, stairlift needs to be installed. The auxiliary mentioned that the inability for disabled individuals to access the upstairs meeting room has led to limited membership. With the installation of the stairlift, it would be possible for the disabled and elderly members to become a contributing part of the auxiliary. One of the committee members, Pam Anderson said: “It is difficult to come upstairs for the meeting and if the installation of stairlift is approved, it will greatly benefit the village community. As the stairs are many, stairlift seems to be the only solution for better connectivity within the fire hall. Commissioner Sharon McLean said: “I think their request is valid and we will be looking into it. From what it seems, the facility is not suitable for disabled individuals looking to contribute to the ladies auxiliary. It is actually that we seem to be cutting away the people that want to join but cannot due to the problem of going up and down the stairs.” The village chairman, Tom Burke said: “It is time that mobility issues are looked into and stairlift installed ensuring a complete participation.” The commission came to the conclusion that they will look into the cost of buying and installing the stairlift and if there is a cost sharing assistance to help with the proposal. With a host of companies providing quick installation of stairlifts, it should be a matter of weeks before the ladies can join the auxiliary meetings.

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Pensioner wants refund on booked stairlift

29/02/2012
A pensioner had placed an order for a stair lift for her ailing husband and is now struggling to get back her initial deposit of £500 as he died within few days of placing the order. Satwant Gill who is a resident of St. Mark’s Avenue in Northfleet had placed an order for a stair lift costing £2080 on 5th of September last year. It was for her ailing husband Ajmer who was 73 years old and also suffering from dementia. But unfortunately, Mr. Ajmer suffered from massive brain hemorrhage that left him paralyzed and passed away on 22nd September. When Mrs. Gill rang up Longfield’s TLC Stair Lifts, Fawkham Road, in order to cancel the order, she was told that her deposit was nonrefundable. Mrs. Gill was quoted saying,”I had an urgent need for the stair lift as my husband had fallen once or twice. Though it was upsetting to pay the deposit, had my husband been alive, we would not have terminated the order.” She further added, “For a pensioner who isn’t earning anything and is completely dependent on pension £500 means a lot of money. I have to singlehandedly pay for all the bills and that is depressing. I would like to warn other people to think twice before spending huge amount.” She said,” Its just not about the money, but is regarding the whole unsympathetic approach of TLC.” Mr. Jim Simmonds the Managing Director of TLC responded by saying, ”Though we have sympathy for Mrs Gill in her distress, we would like to state that Mr. and Mrs. Gill had placed a tailor-made order for the stair lift and had paid the nonrefundable deposit with full knowledge. They had signed an order form that had clearly stated all the terms and conditions for the same. We even had the delivery date fixed, but it was unfortunate that Mr. Gill expired before it. Though, we regret the loss for Mrs. Gill and would like to help her in all possible ways, as far as the deposit is concerned, we cannot do anything, as the lift was made according to their specifications.”

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'Affordable stairlifts needed by home based carers', says charity

14/02/2012
The BBC reported that the Oakland Stairlifts has provided the carers at home with low cost stairlifts in order to help them deal with the daily chores. This came after the BBC reported that ‘Carers are missing out on the support at home’ as most of the Oakland Stairlifts are working as home carers. Recently, Oakland Stairlifts were recently called in to install a stairlift in the 83-year old woman’s house, who met with an accident this month. Her small car crashed into a bus and that resulted in serious injuries which mean that she will have a long recovery period. With the result that she now needs a stairlift and due to the recession, as reported, the elderly are majorly hit. Families with elder people living with them are not able to afford stairlift. Lucy Gray said: “Even though I’ll be happy to look after my mother but her mobility will be restricted as I cannot afford a stairlift.” However, Oakland Stairlift is now providing cot effective stairlifts day ad night to those looking for affordable help at home. The company spokesman said: “If we see that the stairlift is out of bounds for the customer, we offer a range of reconditioned stairlifts at an affordable low rate as we understand that the difference in price can make the elderly family member have a stairlift or be without it. It is important for us to ensure the care the elderly in the community deserve.” The company spokesman said: “For those living independently, the question of not buying a stairlift didn’t occur as they will feel hopeless when they have limited access in their own house.” “At Oakland stairlifts, we go an extra mile to ensure that the elderly are cared for. The woman who has been injured, will receive a stairlift as long as she needs it, without any extra cost.”

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Football fan donates to Karl Darby Fund for stairlift

14/02/2012
The football fan, Scott Preece’s game prediction has helped Karl Darby Fund get a donation of £500 towards installation of a stairlift at the home of the Sheffield United fan, suffering with myoclonic epilepsy. Scott won £5,000 through a football competition, all of the members that took part in the competition had paid £10 as a stake to predict the weekly win and he had won. According to the clause, the winner is asked to nominate a cause or a local charity and JustOnestanding gives a donation. Mr. Preece selected Karl Darby Fund. The non-profit has been raising money to get a stairlift installed at the house of Karl’s parents so that he can move back with them. Resident of Gleadless Valley, Sheffield, Scott said: “Winning the JustOneStanding jackpot of £5,000 has been wonderful and I am planning a vacation already!” He elaborated: “I had read about the effort that Karl’s friends and family are doing to collect the money and get the stairlift and get him home. He is a Sheffield United fan too and I really wanted to get the £500 donation by JustOneStanding to go to his fund. I hope it has helped.” 30% of all stakes by members of JustOneStanding is donated to good causes or grass root sports and it is just a way of contributing to the community. Managing Director of Sheffield United, Dave McCarthy said: “It has been inspiring to know about Karl and the appeal by the charity to raise money for installing a stairlift and transform his life. Players and fans have been inspired and we have been able to collect about £15,000 which will ensure that the stairlift can be installed. The project shall be completed with donations like from JustOneStanding and Scott, who have contributed to it and mobilized others to do so.”

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OFT puts spotlight on mobility aids, stairlifts and adjustable beds distributors

14/02/2012
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has issued a warning and taken due action against UK mobility aid traders dealing in stairlifts, power chairs, adjustable beds and other mobility aids. Concerns were raised on the sale of mobility aids and adjustable beds to pensioners and disabled people and it has cancelled the license of two individuals. While another few mobility aid companies have come under investigations. Spokesman for OFT said: “We had received hundreds of complaints last year about the mobility aid sales including stairlifts, mobility scooter, adjustable beds and riser recliners from different consumers. In the complaints which ranged from the products not being delivered or were overpriced, we found that some were even scammed. There are specific guidelines for traders on how to sell once they enter a customer’s home.” “Adjustable beds and recliners are usually used at home by the elderly and disabled but their demand has risen considerably.” OFT Director, David Fisher said: “Warnings have been issued to traders that they are not allowed to use any pressure tactics, aggressive sales techniques and illegal or unfair business means to sell their products. All of the companies need to have the credit license and in case of any complaints, we look into it and investigate.” The consumer license of ABM Mobility owners, Ranjit Dhami and Amarjit Gill have been revoked after the way mobility aids and adjustable beds were sold by them. OFT declared that they have breached the legislations for consumer protection by utilizing aggressive sales tactics even though in the past Derbyshire Trading Standards had issued warnings. Although Ranjit Dhami had a separate license she was debarred due to the close association with Mr. Gill’s business.

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State-of-art stairlift, AmeriGlide Rave launched

14/02/2012
The AmeriGlide proudly announces this newest stairlift AmeriGlide Rave that they have to offer individuals requiring the assistance of a stairlift. AmeriGlide, an online retailer for stairlifts to assist the elderly and disabled, is more than proud to let everyone know about their newest offering in the first quarter of 2012. It is no other than the AmeriGlide Rave that comes with the latest user-friendly features and top of the line safety enhancements. “We are truly pleased with the awesome features of the new AmeriGlide Rave does offer to our customers. One of its biggest attributes is its overall ability to provide space-saving capabilities.” states Mr. Ziehwein, Vice President for Sales of AmeriGlide. “Rave is the product that does complete our brand new line of stair lift offerings and we are truly excited about what 2012 will have for both us and our customers.” He further added: “The features that the AmeriGlide Rave has are numerous and innovative for those who rely on the use of a stairlift. One of the most remarkable of these features is its tiny footprint. The Rave does not take up a lot of space on the stairs, less than a foot, and this is a good thing for those stairways that are narrow in description. This is when it is folded up.” The track that the Rave operates on was designed to make the installation an easier process for both the homeowner and the handyman. It is a much simpler process all around with the reduction in the number of brackets. It only needs one bracket to be used along each point of contact that is on the track itself.

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Long wait for getting the stairlift fixed

14/02/2012
A Netherton man who is elderly and 83 years of age was left without being able to use the stairlift for a period of six weeks. A borough charity arguing on his behalf said that “It is enough of negligence as he is suffering everyday without it.” 83-years old, Arthur Foxall has life crippling arthritis and needs to use his bathroom upstairs throughout each day. He has got a colostomy bag which requires regular cleaning. The stairlift that helps him do what he needs to do. The stairlift broke down long before Christmas came and even though repairs were made; the lift still wouldn't work and had to be removed to be looked over further. The Council of Dudley had a fitted handrail put in to assist Mr. Foxall with climbing the stars on his own. However, just after a month, Age UK got immediate action done to get the stairlift replaced for the elderly man. Rex Parmley, an Age UK volunteer, visited the Foxall residence every week, he said: “It is appreciated that the stairlift was taken, but it has been a month ago and Mr. Foxall is still in the waiting process. “Mr. Foxall also got a handrail that was fitted to assist him with climbing the stairs, but it is extremely tiring due to the number of times he has to use it. He was even offered a toilet, but it's a waste as he must have a regular access to washing facilities. This is upstairs in his bedroom. “It was informed that the lift will not be fixed for three more weeks. This whole thing is totally dumb and it is something that must be treated as a real emergency in nature.”

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Stairlift and mobility shop offers reward to catch charity tin thief

02/02/2012
A thief stole the charity boxes from the Rochester Ability Outlet, a store selling stairlifts, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other aids to assist the disabled. And the mobility store is offering a reward for anyone bringing more information about him. As per the CCTV camera footage that has been made available, it shows the thief taking away the two boxes that were meant to donate money to the Wisdom Hospice and Kent Air Ambulance Trust in Rochester. The mobility and stairlifts store owner, 45-year Graham Johnson has announced a reward of £50, which is more than what has been stolen. Mr. Johnson said: “I know the reward that I am offering is more than what was stolen but it is all about principles.” “My mother passed away 8 years back at the Wisdom Hospice and I was planning on donating some money there. It is a really bad situation and is upsetting to see that someone was in such a situation that he had to steal the money from a charity box. I completely understand that recession has hit people badly and unemployment is high. However, stooping so low is not of advantage. We need to take steps that the young people do not behave like this.” Graham Johnson released the camera footage of the theft and it details a man walking past the stairlifts and mobility shop, coming back again, glancing through the window. He then opens the door and grabs the charity boxes before walking away. The man is in his 20s and wears a cap and tracksuit. The policeman investigating the theft, PC Dan Hunt said: “It is a shameful crime that needs to be deplored. Imagine stealing a charity box. I cannot imagine what kind of a person that man is who steals from charities that depend on the public to do good for others.”

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'Affordable stairlifts needed by home based carers', says charity

02/02/2012
The BBC reported that the Oakland Stairlifts has provided the carers at home with low cost stairlifts in order to help them deal with the daily chores. This came after the BBC reported that ‘Carers are missing out on the support at home’ as most of the Oakland Stairlifts are working as home carers. Recently, Oakland Stairlifts were recently called in to install a stairlift in the 83-year old woman’s house, who met with an accident this month. Her small car crashed into a bus and that resulted in serious injuries which mean that she will have a long recovery period. With the result that she now needs a stairlift and due to the recession, as reported, the elderly are majorly hit. Families with elder people living with them are not able to afford stairlift. Lucy Gray said: “Even though I’ll be happy to look after my mother but her mobility will be restricted as I cannot afford a stairlift.” However, Oakland Stairlift is now providing cot effective stairlifts day ad night to those looking for affordable help at home. The company spokesman said: “If we see that the stairlift is out of bounds for the customer, we offer a range of reconditioned stairlifts at an affordable low rate as we understand that the difference in price can make the elderly family member have a stairlift or be without it. It is important for us to ensure the care the elderly in the community deserve.” The company spokesman said: “For those living independently, the question of not buying a stairlift didn’t occur as they will feel hopeless when they have limited access in their own house.” “At Oakland stairlifts, we go an extra mile to ensure that the elderly are cared for. The woman who has been injured, will receive a stairlift as long as she needs it, without any extra cost.”

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Sioux City resident accesses his home with stairlift

24/01/2012
The stairlift that Paul Leander, Sioux City resident, got installed has been a lifesaver for him. He said: “Now it has been nearly two months and though it goes just upstairs, I really do not know how I could have managed being home without it. As my house is not at the level of the street, the stairlift is the only thing that gives me proper mobility.” “At the hospital, the doctors were not ready to discharge me unless my home was adapted to access the upstairs and downstairs with ease.” He lost his his leg due to diabetes and now requires a wheelchair to get from one place to another. Leander said: “My house is not on just one level and as m house is not disability accessible, with the basement on street level and the first floor going up to the second floor, stairlift was a must.” Leander said: “This new stairlift that I got installed did cost me but it is a real lifesaver. If you have a disability or are homebound, a stairlift is essential. I told them that I could crawl up the stairs but they refused that a fall could be very debilitating. Then I called Matt Topf and he had this stairlift and he got it installed. I did not argue on the price though it was just a little over the budget.” Stairlifts are chairs mounted on rails along the stairs and are perfect for going up and down the staircases. Though he is not sure when he can return to work, Paul Leander is enthusiastic about life and said that the stairlift gives him access to the computer room so he can get some work done. He said: “I want to walk again and get back to work but for now my big goal is to get set for the drag races in Topeka, Kansas. I should be walking by June.”

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Hammersmith's new Academy get stairlifts from Stannah

24/01/2012
The state-of-the-art West London secondary school is getting new stairlifts for easier mobility of the disabled and those with limited mobility. Most of them are students and traversing the building’s four floors gets difficult for the staff and students with handicaps. For the pioneer school in West London, the campus is always bustling with a lot of activity. To cope with that - Hammersmith Academy has got two Stannah Xtralift that are similar to stairlifts installed to provide optimum connectivity between different floors for the staff of the school, the users with disability and limited movements which includes students. The school has numerous visitors, 780 students and staff that require the help of a passenger stairlift. The smooth and swift commute between different departments in the school required enhancements of a stairlift. The school is a co-educational school catering to people of different abilities. The passenger lifts aspects include plasticized, light-grey walls, stainless-steel consoles with 'Domino' suspended, down lighter on the ceilings, car doors and, skirting. With large graphics on the external lift door, the alphabets and numerals, G-1-2-3 has been printed. This ensures that the lifts can be located with ease at each of the building floors. All of the lifts have been enabled with the feature of access only by swipe-card ensures that they can only be accessed by the users with a swipe card. The stairlift or passenger lifts were designed by a London architect Nathan Beevers, whose specialty is layout and designing academies. According to Mr. Beevers, he said: “The demands of the staff and students are both physical and emotional and in all the projects that we have done, we are concerned about the sensitivity of this project. We are happy to say that Stannah stairlifts has supported us at every step and delivered the product that was needed. We have worked in the past with the stairlift company and were confident about the results.”

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Fundraiser planned for disabled daughter’s stairlift

17/01/2012
A fundraiser has been organized by a Wirral couple with the hope of funding a stairlift and wheelchair for their severely disabled 11-year old daughter, Aleks. Nicoll Baker and her partner, Steve are hoping to raise £20,000 to pay for a specially adapted wheelchair and stairlift which will make the life of their daughter easier as she grows up. Aleks suffers from Rett Syndrome, a genetic disorder that renders her incapable of feeding, speech and mobility. Eastham based, Nicoll said: “She is completely dependant on us for all her personal and social requirements but as she is growing, it is becoming very difficult for us to lift and carry her around. A stairlift would make a lot of difference in her life.” Launching a fundraising drive, the patents are hoping that there is good response for the forthcoming event. On 28th January is a soul night in Bromborough to help with the campaign. Aleks was diagnosed at 2 years and completely relie son her parents for everyday needs. Her parents are hoping that the stairlift and wheelchair will ease off some of the mobility requirements to ensure that the whole family has a little easier time in looking after her. Steve and Nicoll said: “Though one of us is there for her all the time, she is getting bigger and it has become very difficult to carry her around all the time.” “Our fundraiser is aimed to raise the money that we need for her stairlift and specially adapted wheelchair as it will make a massive difference in her life and will make it easier for us. Basically, it has come to a point where our lifting her has become dangerous for me and for her, as I fear she might fall.” “Negotiating the stairs is extremely tiring and risky and using a stairlift can solve that problem while putting her in the specially adapted wheelchair can ensure that she is safe and mobile.”

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World's fastest stairlift installation service launched by Acorn Stairlifts

11/01/2012
Based in Steeton, West Yorkshire, UK’s leading stairlift manufacturers and distributor, Acorn Stairlifts has introduced a new installation service that has reduced the standard stairlift installation time from few weeks to hours. Acorn Stairlifts has a reputation of responding quickly to customer requirements and has prided itself in its excellent customer service. With a fleet of installers and surveyors all over UK, the company has a proven track record of fulfilling all orders of straight stairlift installations within 24 hours. The rapid response of Accord’s team is just one of the major reasons that it has come up to the top UK industry leader and has the highest turnover than the other stairlift companies. But as not everyone requires straight stairlifts but many of the stairlifts have bends which then require customized curved staircase. As the stairlifts run on rails attached to the stairs, which are custom designed in case of curved stairlifts, the bespoke rails take longer to manufacture. With a new innovation, ‘Fast Track’ Acorn has now reduced the delivery time of stairlifts from weeks to just a few hours. To ensure quick deliveries, all of the stairlift bespoke rails are built and assembled at the customer’s house using numerous angled, straight and curved rail pieces than putting it together in the factory. This means that it brings about a quick delivery of the stairlift for the customers. One of the best examples about the quick delivery services is the one provided to a customer in Scotland. On 22nd December 2010, the customer contacted the company to get an estimated delivery on a stairlift and most of the companies had given them a 4 week delivery time. However, Acorn salesman attended to the enquiry the same day, took their specification on the order and on 24th December 2010, the stairlift was installed, just in time for Christmas. The total completion time from the time of order placing till delivery and installation was just 36 hours! The Acorn’s ‘Fast Track’ service has now been launched in USA, UK, France, Italy and the UK. The two specially adapted vans were sent out to Acorn’s subsidiary in Germany which helped to implement the Fast Track service there. Kris Hopkins, Keighley MP presented the keys to Nick Wilson, Acorn's Operations Manager and Martin Dyson, Installations Manager. Nick Wilson said: “At Acorn, we have proven that installation of stairlifts can be done quickly and efficiently. All types of stairlifts are installed quickly unlike our competitors. Our quick service will help our customers get quick installations and not wait for weeks to get it installed.” Mr. Hopkins said: “It is a pleasure to know that companies such as Acorn help our local and national economy to progress again.”

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Fundraisers install stairlift for small business owner

11/01/2012
Owner of self-inking stamp and label company-Clean Impressions, Edward J. Herter is a self-made man and even at the age of 72 years, he is the type of man who can make friends immediately. Founder of 4The Cause Marketing & Consulting, David M. Roth said: “Edward is just genial human being, you meet him and he makes you so comfortable that you feel that you know him for ages.” When Edward fell sick, he was visited by friends especially Mr. Roth and others. They were surprised to see the ever-smiling, Edward saddened by the thought that with his breathing problems he will be confined to the downstairs living room as he will not be able to climb stairs to his bedroom and bathroom. Mr. E. Herter said: “A stairlift would be such a help and as I use portable oxygen, it would be even more useful. But all of this will not be covered by insurance.” To help Edward settle in quickly and more comfortably, Mr. Roth took the help of other small business owners and his friends to start a fundraising effort. He hopes to raise $3,500 so that the initial cost of the stairlift can be met while the installation will be at a discounted rate by SourceLift. Mr. Roth further discussed that any extra money that is collected will be used for another project of using refurbished or installing more stairlifts for other needy business owners. Owner of SourceLift, W.H. Fellows said: “Edward was instrumental in helping many people and I know him since we were together on numerous committees. This was a good opportunity to help another small business owner and I was assisted by Brad Hager, operational consultant at SourceLift.” “It was such a pleasure to see the happiness of Edward and his wife, Gail that with the stairlift he can come and sleep in his own bed.”

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£51 million pledged for stairlifts and other mobility aids for independent living

11/01/2012
Grant Shapps, Housing Minister has pledged over £51million for the Home Improvement agencies to ensure that adaptable properties are available for vulnerable people to give them the freedom to live in their own homes independently. Mr. Shapps in addition to the pledged amount said that these agencies benefit from the grant will ensure that housing support and advice on moving home, provisional adaptations such as installation of stairlifts and grab rails along with repair services will be undertaken. Apart from the £51 million grant, the Disabled Facilities Grant of £20m has been approved which makes it about £200m this year. It has been granted to ensure that those requiring stairlifts and other mobility aids are given it for independent living. Most of the elderly suffer with problems related to climbing stairs and other issues that require then to shift to residential care. However by providing stairlifts and other mobility aids, people can stay on at home for longer. Grant Shapps said: “Nobody wants their homes to become their prison as they grow old. That is why this is a new deal for those people with a backing for millions of pounds so that with aids and mobility support, elderly can live independently. Those requiring nursing care and recuperation at home after leaving hospital can benefit from it.” “We hope that such assistance can protect the elderly so that they are not exploited by rogue dealers, while they can get the stairlifts and mobility advice through the trustworthy channels. The grants prioritize for elderly people’s dependence on stairlifts and mobility aids and as per government statistics, 1 in 5 people will be over 65 years by the year 2020.” Commission on Funding of Care and Support had commented “the current system of funding that is used by adult social care is unfair” and to rectify that it had advised a lifetime cap of £35,000 for social care and extension of state support after the cap is done.

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Acorn stairlift praised for aiding terminally ill cancer patient

11/01/2012
To assist a terminally ill cancer patient, Jayne Edwards, Acorn stairlift fitted a stairlift within 24 hours at her home. One of the top UK stairlift companies, Acorn stairlifts acted immediately when it came to know about the problems faced by the Gloucestershire based terminally ill Jayne Edwards who was mobility impaired after her release from the hospice. Her husband Neil said: “My wife’s wish was to be able to navigate the stairs with dignity when we were nursing her at home. I called up stairlift companies and one of the representatives said it would take 5 weeks to actually assess and install a stairlift. And the worse thing was that we didn’t have that many weeks, she was not going to make it. We all knew that.” The problem came to the attention of Acorn representative, Jackie Harris and he contacted the couple. Neil said: “It was just amazing. Jackie got into action and organized a curved stairlift to be installed the same day. But the sad part was that even though we got the stairlift installed, Jayne was in bad shape and could not leave the hospice. She passed away shortly after that and never got to use the stairlift. “It was so comforting to know that Acorn did that for us in our most painful times. She was at peace knowing that someone had catered to our request and moved quickly to fulfill that.” After Jayne’s death, Neil asked Acorn to dismantle the stairlift and donated it to Sue Ryder hospice so that it could be used by another family in need. Acorn’s secretary said: “We were extremely sorry to hear about Jayne and that she was not able to use the stairlift. Honoring her husband’s wishes, we’ll carry out the survey and get it installed in someoneelse’s house that needs it equally. We’ll do what we can to honor her memory.”

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Donated Acorn stairlift fitted in the home of cancer patient

11/01/2012
32-year old Lucy Moore was the lucky recipient of donated stairlift which has been life-changing for her. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer for the second time and has the knowledge that her condition is terminal. With months of radiation and chemotherapy, she has lost her means to move around in the house and outside. However, with a stairlift donation by Acorn Stairlift, the Steeton based manufacturer her home and mobility has been transformed considerably. Although the stairlift was ordered by another terminally ill patient, Jayne Edward, she was not able to come home to use it and passed away before coming home. Jayne’s husband requested Acorn to donate it to Sue Ryder. Valerie Bone, clinical nurse at Sue Ryder knew about Lucy’s condition and said: “We understand that any support at this time helps. Whether it is emotional, practical or medical, I know she needs it more than ever before. Stairlifts have a very important role to play in the life of someone who is immobile. It is easy to use with just a press of a button as you can go up and down the stairs. This crates a sense of freedom for those being cared at home.” Lucy Moore says: “I never ever though that at the age of 32 years I won’t be abel to get upstairs but I didn’t think cancer would strike me either. Having a stairlift has made such a considerable difference in my life. The donation of the stairlift was so unexpected and so nice.” “My muscles have wasted due to lack of use and even with physiotherapy climbing stairs are just too painful. It has been just a few days, but this stairlift has made such an incredible difference in my life.”

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Broken stairlift makes 64-year old woman confined to a couch

11/01/2012
All that Marie Helliwell, a disabled pensioner wants is to be able to get upstairs and sleep in her own bed. And this is because her stairlift broke and is now confined to sleep on her sofa. 64-year old Ms. Helliwell said: “I am being forced to rest and sleep on the sofa as my stairlift broke. For over a month, I have been suffering as the housing association, Spectrum Medina has failed to repair the stairlift which has put me in a difficulty. “I suffer from diabetes, arthritis, spondylosis and cardiac problems which prevents her from climbing the stairs without aid. Marie Helliwell said: “The stairlift stopped working in 25th November and since then I have not been able to use my bedroom and bathroom as both of these are upstairs. With the result, I have not been able to sleep properly not wash regularly. I just feel terrible.” The spokesman for Spectrum Medina apologized for the delay while assuring her of faster service and proper care of the residents. He said: “An engineer has been sent to determine the nature of the problem and as per the assessment, a new stairlift is needed. An occupational therapist has gone and checked the condition to advice on the best stairlift that can be ordered. It will be installed as soon as possible and we would like to apologize for the delay.” Though there are a variety of stairlifts that are used for those with mobility disorders. From straight indoor stairlifts to outdoor stairlifts including wheelchair lifts are all used as per need. However, this is not the first time that Ms. Helliwell has been left without a stairlift. About three years ago, her stairlift had broken and she was confined in her room for three months, which was a traumatic experience.

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To aid Nanny B, family raising cash for stairlift and other equipment

11/01/2012
A fundraising drive has been launched by Stacey Early and her family, organized the event to finance the payment of stairlift and other mobility equipment. They feel that it is important to assist their 88-year old grandmother. Stacey is desperately looking to find funds ad raise money for a commode, wheelchair and stairlift for Betty Lavender who requires mobility assistance after she collapsed on 12th November. ‘Help Nanny B’ , a Facebook page has been set up to help by Stacey and is asking people on social network website apart from buying tickets for charity events, donating raffle prizes. Hemel Hempstead is scheduled to happen on 20th January 2012. To help buy a stairlift for Nanny B, Stacey has invited over 500 people for a fancy dress event, ‘Through the Decade’ at the Tudor Rose pub in Long Chaulden. Stacey knows that as the stairlift can cost nearly £3,000, she is hoping that she can get it installed at Risedale Close by raising enough money. The family lives close to each other and Betty has Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Stacey has been caring for her grandmother since July. She said: “Granny’s bed had to be moved into the living room from her upstairs bedroom as she cannot climb the stairs anymore. There is a makeshift toilet in the room where the commode was donated by Red Cross. She also required a wheelchair and stairlift to ensure that she can be independent in their home.” Though the family said that it was happy to care for Betty, they would appreciate some help and guidance to ensure she gets all the care that is needed. The County spokesman said: “We are in touch with Mrs. Lavender and are doing an urgent care assessment while working with the family and Dacorum Borough Council to ensure all needs are met.”

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Bake sale to offset medical costs and stairlift for 6-year old

19/12/2011
Though Aubrey is just 6 years old, she has undergone 29 surgeries and requires a walker to move around. Born with Treacher-Collins syndrome, which causes facial deformities, she is now showing signs of cerebral palsy. The community at Red Lion organized a bake sale to fund the continued medical treatment that she needs. Aubrey's mother, Jennifer Staines said: “We are looking forward to buying a stairlift for our home which will help Aubrey go up and down in our home. The funds will pay for the physiotherapy to help her learn to walk. I know that she wants to walk and even despite all of these complications, she is such a go-getter. She is such a loving person.” At the Stewartstown Community Center, a bake sale was held which was organized by Danielle Keller, Aubrey’s aunt. Ms. Keller said: “A few months ago, Jennifer, Aubrey’s mother came to me and was crying as her daughter had been denied insurance. She requires intensive physiotherapy to walk and with no medical coverage, it was financially straining. I just knew I had to help them.” Ms. Keller organized the bake sale for her niece and at the gym; hundreds of baked goods were displayed for people to buy while the proceedings will go towards buying a stairlift and other medical costs. At the Bake sale, some of the food was donated by Loganville based Brown’s Orchard and Yoe’s Nom-Nom Bakery while he rest was baked by residents. Aubrey’s father, Donald Staines said: “The money will help install a stairlift which is much needed and the physiotherapy that she needs to walk. I am happy to do what I can after seeing her awesome attitude towards everything. Though she does not understand the financial aspects of her condition, she appreciates what people are doing for her.”

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Mobility business in Shrewsbury expands

19/12/2011
Owned and run by Martin Maley, Mobility Homecare was established in 2009 and had 30 products but today the business presents a chance to browse over 150 products that help in the improvement of life of the disabled and elderly. The business celebrated the 2nd anniversary and traded at the Town’s Market Hall. It has taken more space within the market area and plans to further expand. With extra spaces, the business has been able to get more attention and the customers can try out the products before buying. With a host of adjustable beds, riser recliner chairs and walking aids, people have a chance to try out before buying. There are numerous demonstration stairlifts that are going to be installed in the near future. The already stocked products include commodes, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking aids. Mr Maley said: “Even though I started the business during the economic downturn, in 2009 the business has seen higher growth prospects and we have been able to expand within 2 years. Today we are proud to say that we carry over 150 products to aid mobility. Though stairlifts are required by those with disability, we see that a number of people with arthritis and injuries even in 30s and 40s prefer these.” “With prices starting from 75 pence, we are hoping that we can make the lives of people easier. The overheads at the Town market are low and that is one reason that I can make the prices extremely competitive. It has been my policy to help people as and when I can and that is why trying out the products before buying makes it easier to make your choice.” “However, it is important to stay away from rogue traders and people need to handle the products before they buy them to ensure they know what they are buying. It is my personal view that people need to be vigilant about only dealing with trained salesmen. What may seem like a low price deal may not be that in the long run.”

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New Website Launched by Oakland Stairlifts

13/12/2011
Oakland Stairlifts based in Leicester have successfully launched a new website ensuring higher online presence. The family-based Oakland Stairlifts has over 20 years of experience in the industry and have installed innumerable stairlifts across UK and Scotland. Having an established reputation gives a quality standard of the services from purchase to after-care. Andy Lewis, owner of Oakland Stairlifts says: “It is a delight to launch our website and we have ensured that the website is easy to navigate. It is a user-friendly website for our customers and it explains in detail the complete range of quality stairlifts that are available for hire and for purchase.” Talking about the aspects that makes Oakland Stairlifts stand apart from local competitors, Andy Lewis said: “Our attention to detail and quality products and services has ensured that we are one of the top leaders in stairlifts industry. We are dedicated to provide the best customer care and with years of experience in the stairlifts industry, we have gained an insight into requirements of people with limited mobility and disability. This has helped us meet the specific requirements of the customers.” “We know that a purchase of a stairlift is a major decision and a necessity for some and to ensure complete help and care, we have a team of dedicated professionals that can assist the customer through the entire process. Business has generated through referrals and as reputation is second to none, business is booming.” Oakland stairlift business based in midlands in Leicester serves and maintains stairlifts in Nottingham, Coventry, Northampton, Derby, Somerset, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Milton Keynes and Sussex.

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ATP Society Supported by stairlift manufacturer, MediTek

13/12/2011
One of the leading stairlift manufacturers, MediTek supports employee accreditation for the ATP or Assistive Technology Practitioners Society. The technical lead at Meditek’s support team, Paul Levey was recently added to the ATP Society. The society aims to give proper recognition to stairlift and mobility industry job competence, and raises standards giving professionals and public the confidence that when they are dealing with an ATP member who is a Registered Practitioner, they can trust he individual. Each of the registered practitioners is issued an identity card with the proof of the registration. The society has a Special Code of Conduct which each of the member has to agree. People with limited mobility and users of stairlifts require assistance with day-to-day care and advice about mobility equipment. Having someone trustworthy to talk to and discuss is an asset to elderly and disabled individuals. MediTek Managing Director, Phil Rice, talked about the decision about supporting the ATS program. He said: “We are an active supported of the BHTA organization and ensure that we do our bit to support ethical business providers in the homecare industry. The aim of ATS Society is to ensure that the customer is assured of the company or person they are dealing with people who are registered practitioners." "One of our technical lead, Paul has been supported by our company as a commitment by the company as a sign of recognition of investing on quality care and employees. After Paul’s success, more employees have shown interest in becoming a member at ATS and we are happy to support them.” Paul Levey said: “I have been accepted as a member of ATS and the company funded my application. It is a great honour and personally I think that to provide better care, more in the stairlifts and mobility aids industry will need to demonstrate higher quality standards, professionalism and ethical practices. “

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Christmas Gift of Stairlift for Sheffield United Fan

05/12/2011
Thanks to the community campaign to install a stairlift at the life long Sheffield United fan’s home, made homecoming easier for Karl Darby. He will be able to move back home as Blades supporters have been able to garner thousands of pounds worth of donations and have got the lift installed at his home in Woodseats Sheffield. Karl Darby is confined in a wheelchair and suffers from mycolonic epilepsy and has been living in a supported accommodation. He has been hoping to be home permanently after the stairlift has been installed after festival season. Striker Ched Evans and Danny Wilson, Sheffield United’s manager had met the life long fan, Karl Darby and his parents to get an overview of the work begin on the building. Rotherham-based Classic Lifts Company’s Andy Emsey has donated the stairlifts while the Coda Studio’s have planned to design the project of installation. Managing director of Sheffield United, Dave McCarthy said: “All of us have joined forces namely, United fans and the local business community have been able to raise the money and resources to get the stairlift installed. It gives us immense pleasure to know that work has begun in his home and we are thankful to everyone that has participated, donated and offered support. We all hope the stairlift will be installed and completed by Christmas.” The funds collection was organized by Sheffield United Disabled Supporters Club and a bucket collection had helped to raise the money. The charity Blades Legends versus Blades Fans match was also held. To help raise more money for charity, a football match is on the anvil between television celebrities and Sheffield United legends at Bramall Lane to complete the funds required for the project. According to Classic Lifts, Mr. Emsley had said: “It is a pleasure to help another Blades fan and being a fan myself, I am happy to contribute. I hope that by donating a stairlift, Karl will be able to enjoy a better quality life.”

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Stairlifts a better solution for La Salle County’s courthouse

28/11/2011
For over a year, La Salle County Property Committee has been planning to get an approval to change the old elevator. According to the committee chairman, Jim Olsen: “As the old elevator is not really working well, the real problem is that there is no alternative elevator and we are having issues about getting ir replaced. People still need to access other floors of the courthouse.” He added: “The elevator is important in accommodating the old and the infirm access the building accessible to the disabled. And we need it functioning for the daily movement of dozens of files and boxes of court documents.” The best solution that has been offered is installing a stairlifts for access but the doubts still linger as it will narrow down the stairs. Olsen said: “As soon as the engineers suggest a replacement, there seems to be a snag. But installing a rented stairlifts seems to be the most cost effective solution.” “The only promising solution is to get that stairlift mounted along the staircase but it might create code compliance issues as the width of the stairs will decrease. However, the committee is evaluating that option.” Jerry Hicks, the Board Chairman said: “The main drawback is that a trained operator will be needed on duty to help people use the stairlifts as accidents can happen. Whether a security guard will be stationed or a person from the office? We really do not know yet.” “However, the low cost of renting stairlifts seems to be the most viable option as the elevator that was installed years ago is old and creaky. We do not want to depend on just one elevator but need at least one backup or even more to ensure everyone can access the floors easily. “

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One stairlift and poor facilities at Fair Havens Hospice is one reason to close

22/11/2011
The danger of running the charity in an archaic building, Fair Havens Hospice stands high chances of failing the stringent Government inspections. The Second Avenue, Westcliff is present building that is under scrutiny. Although Fair Havens is trying to build a larger hospice in Leigh at a cost of £15 million but it has been contested by the residents that want to see the verdant green belt preserved instead of having a hospice. However, Andy Smith, charity’s CEO said: “The time is fast approaching when the Fair Haven’s will stop operating from the Westcliff address. As per the government regulations, we have to adhere to the fitness procedures and the question whether we are doing it is in question. In the current building there are issues that do not allow us to ensure that hospice is a modern facility.” Originally a converted house, the increasing demand led to additional modifications and expanded over to the next door building and then converted storage areas into rooms for patients. The problems arise due to the fact that the charity currently cares for 10 adults and the rooms are on the first floor while there is just one stairlift to service so many individuals. In the new proposed building, there are going to be many stairlifts ensuring that the patients and residents are more comfortable. Stairlifts are an important aspect of a hospital or care home, ensuring that individuals with no or limited mobility are able to transverse the building’s floors easily. In addition, the building was a family home and that included narrow corridors and that makes it difficult to move stretchers and limited space for disabled and invalid patients. Another 50 patients care was enabled after the hospice underwent a £250,000 revamp last year. The facility comes under the Care Quality Commission and it oversees the standard of the care and facilities at the establishment.

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13-year old girl in ‘waking coma’ after jab and needs stairlift to be with family

22/11/2011
An extreme reaction to the cervix cancer vaccine has rendered Lucy Hinks suffer from extreme exhaustion that she sleeps for 23 hours a day. Along with classmates she completed the third dose of Cervarix and within a few days she began to be extremely exhausted. Steve and Pauline Hinks, her parents are of the view that it is a severe reaction to the drug that has made their daughter so ill. Although they were told that the drug is safe to use, it seems that the drug has caused severe reaction in other people also but the percentage is low. She received the dose in May and by July, she had lost a stone and slept round the clock. Pauline, her mother said: “Some nights I have been so worried that I get up very frequently to check on her breathing, lest she dies in her sleep.” Tests have ruled out glandular fever and brain tumor and the doctor has narrowed it down to a severe reaction to the injection. Pauline adds: “I was concerned about the vaccines as Lucy had shown sever reaction to MMR vaccine also.” Before the vaccines she was perfectly normal and happy girl doing well in school. Mr. Hinks says: “We have to keep hoping that there will be improvement and we are desperately looking for a treatment that will get our daughter as she was. We care for Lucy full time around the clock but it has been a nightmare to see her like this.” Mrs. Hinks added: “I have not seen the white’s of her eyes for weeks and do not know when I will be able to see her properly awake again.” They got a stairlift installed so Lucy could be brought down to be with the family although she is usually in a semi-comatose state, but her father hopes that she will know that she is part of the family activities or at least her the voices occasionally.

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Calderdale Council assists disabled and elderly stay home easily.

11/11/2011
Ensuring success in making inroads into property enhancements, the Calderdale Council’s has helped elderly and disabled people to improve their homes. According to Calderdale Council’s head of housing Mark Thompson Just two years ago, over 400 people were on the waiting list to receive stairlifts, walk in baths, grab rails, kitchen alterations and disability showers but with the assistance of Calderdale Council, the number of people has decreased to 252 people. Through the Accessible Homes Agency, the council spends about £1.5 million a year to make the life of disabled and elderly individuals easier by relocating and adaptations. Usually the modifications are carried out after the council discusses the problems and requirements with the occupational therapists and on self assessment. The modifications needed for adults are comparatively easier than those required for children. Disabled and elderly living in homes without a stairlift find themselves cut off from the rest of the home as they are unable to climb the stairs. Thus, modifications in the kitchen and bathroom are required for those with severe disability. Mr. Thompson said: “According to the economy and the environment panel, the referrals for children are more expensive. Though most people are eligible for grants for alterations, there are numerous times that they have had to pay for the complete alteration on their own. Only three grants qualified for more than £20,000 and there were only 55 that were granted for under £3,000. Apart from these alterations, more than 1800 minor improvements were made that cost the council about £100,000.

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Severely disabled woman affected by cable theft in Coundon

11/11/2011
With the theft of over 60 meters of power cable, a family was affected including a severely disabled woman that relied on vital equipment. The 30-year old Nicola Bell could not use the stairlift after the burglary stuck in the early years which left the areas of Cleveland View and Collingwood Street in Coundon without power and electricity. The severely disabled woman requires 24/7 care and was badly affected by the power cut. The family said that she was not happy with the disruption in her life due to the power outage. Although the neighbors brought hot water and a generator for small power supply, the stairlift was badly damaged due to the power surge while the burglar cut away the cables. Stairlifts have become a lifeline for people with mobility issues as they are able to quickly go up or down within the house enabling them to live a normal life. 76-year old Nicola’s mother, Margret said: “It is sad that people have to stoop so low and they just do not care about their actions. It has called in for massive disruption in her life as the stairlift is the only means of the mobility within the house. We do everything for her and when there is a disruption, she gets upset. Her special diet has gone haywire due to no electricity.” Her sister, Diana said: “I really cannot believe that people can actually do this and get away with it. Just imagine, how much would they have been abel to sell it for as compared to the problems that people are facing due to the theft? It is a wonder that they didn’t die in the attempt to steal live cables by electrocution.” The cables were cut and left overhanging from the poles and the police were able to find the ladders that were used at the scene of crime.

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Elderly stuck in stairlift in house fire

04/11/2011
After a cigarette caused a house fire, firefighters were called in. The smoke filled the whole house in the wee hours of the morning. In Ellesmere Port, the house in Bailey Avenue was engulfed and just after 4 am and it came to the notice of the firemen that an elderly man was stuck inside. Usually stairlifts are not considered safe to use in fires. However, in extreme circumstances, if a person needs to evacuate, stairlift running on batteries is safer. Even during power outages, they work on battery power. However, the elderly man either forgot the basic rule or was frightened. Maybe he was using the stairlift when the fire started, it is unclear. The policeman attending to the crowd said: “Everyone is safe. The fire was reported on time and the elderly man was rescued in time. However, due to the thick smoke, he and another couple were treated for smoke inhalation.” Stairlifts are safe equipments to use for people with limited mobility. Easily available in standard staircases, the curved ones require to be customized as the individual stairs. Another bystander, Mr. Willis said: “Lots of people use stairlifts and it is a cause of concern that in a hurry they may get stuck on it.” Although stairlift companies say that it is okay to use stairlifts in extreme cases during a fire, as the smoke engulfs the areas and the risk of an electrical fire is always there, if anyone uses Ac current. However it is safer to run it on battery. The police are thankful that no one was hurt in the fire and was contained in time.

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Legion HQ appeals for financial aid

04/11/2011
Keighley’s Royal British Legion headquarters is in desperate need of repairs and an appeal was launched for financial assistance. The dilapidated building requires massive amounts of renovations, including re-plumbing and rewiring. Due to the current condition of the building, the Legion members have to hold a meeting elsewhere. Although the headquarters has been able to raise about £2,000 for the renovation costs but it is not sufficient. Thus, it has appealed to the residents and businesses in Keighley to help out. Laurence Brocklesby, 84-year-old vice-chairman said: “We would be happy to receive any amount of donation of services and money to get the place up and in running condition. Currently it is dilapidated and needs extensive renovations.” He further added: “From electrical rewriting to replacing plumbing, new doors and windows require to be fitted. Heating is needed in all rooms as for now we only have a few electric heaters that do not suffice in the cold building.” A former army man, Laurence has been a Legion member for past 60 years and said: “There were limited funds for the amount of work that is currently needed. We are running Poppy Appeal and some of the members are filling boxes for distribution. But all that money goes back into Poppy Appeal. We need to look at the building maintenance and heating costs. We cannot do it alone as we are all retired and on pensions.” “Maybe some of you might be willing to volunteer your services, offer a new door or window. We’ll be happy if the community can assist us in raising finances. We would be extremely grateful for any assistance that can be rendered to us.” Support has already been received. Acorn Stairlifts have gifted and installed a stairlift on the premises, considering that most all of the members are pensioners and are in dire need of stairlift. B&Q has donated a kitchen while the town councilor, Katherine Roberts sent in £500. The residents and business are being mobilized to ensure active participation.

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Stairlift plea sent to Council by disabled woman

02/11/2011
A woman with muscle wasting disease, Suzanne Rowley has been refused council grants that may have helped pay for hoe modifications. She was in dire need of the modifications as her husband Ian Rowley carries her upstairs as there is no stairlift. She has seen two bids for home modifications rejected after being diagnosed with MND or motor neuron disease. The money was needed to install stairlifts and other disability home adaptations. Mrs. Rowley had to give up her job after being diagnosed with MND and her husabdn, Ian cares for his wife full time. Based in Timperley, Mrs. Rowley had put in her application at Trafford council for disabled facilities grant and she says: “I was told to pay for it myself. The total cost is about £70,000 and then I again applied under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1972. But it was again turned down.” This time it was turned down as there were insufficient funds. Mrs. Rowley added: “Applying has taken a lot of time and the disease progressed quickly. And there is absolutely no way that we can pay for it. I just wanted to get back to a normal life. Though there is a sturdy handrail on the stairs, I need someone to move my legs so I can climb. A stairlift would have been the ebst solution.” To aid her cause, Mel Barry representing Motor Neuron Disease Association has been sending out messages to the council to support her. Mel said: “It is important to understand that people affected by this debilitating disease and require access to vital equipment that can lead to adaptations in the home that can help on a daily basis.” David Hanley, deputy director of communications said: “We are unable to offer any funding to those whom we assess as being able to fund the full cost of adaptations on their own. But if we find that the circumstances have changed, we reassess the situation to see if they are entitled to grants.”

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Stairlift owner meets former Japanese police head to honour fingerprints pioneer

26/10/2011
On meeting a delegation of civic officials at UK home of fingerprints pioneer Dr Henry Faulds, former head of Tokyo police, Mr.Akira Mitsuzane presented them with a bronze plaque. It was to mark the centenary celebrations of fingerprint identifications that are still being used in Japan. In addition to meeting the Mayor and his wife, Mr.Akira Mitsuzane met with Castle Comfort Stairlifts owner, Keith Simpson who has plaques honouring Dr. Faulds while fingerprints have been preserved as a medical missionary. Travelling from Wolstanton in Newcastle under Lyme, the Tokyo police delegation came to the specially commemorated memorial at James Street. The delegation with Mr.Akira Mitsuzane was greeted by the local historian, Mervyn Edwards of Wolstanton and representatives of the Newcastle Civic Society while businessman and owner of Castle Comfort Stairlifts, Keith Simpson was also present. Stairlifts have become a prominent feature in UK homes as more elderly prefer staying at home than in nursing care. Additionally, it gives freedom to those disabled individuals of all ages to enjoy freedom of movement within the house. With options of straight and curved stairlifts, customization is easy to do. There are choices of selecting outdoor and indoor stairlifts, ensuring individuals with limited mobility to lead a full life. Mr Mitsuzane presented bronze plaque of Dr Henry Faulds, to honor his contribution and marks 100 years of fingerprinting in his country, Japan. He elaborated and said: “The contributions made by Dr. Faulds in Japan have helped get treatment to over 15,000 patients at the Tsukiji Hospital in Tokyo when he was working there. He established the first special school for hearing and visually impaired in Japan and his major contribution to formalize fingerprinting in forensics is unparalleled.”

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Listed Manchester library to be refurbished.

26/10/2011
According to Building.co.uk, the Manchester Grade II central library that is listed is deemed to receive £95 million makeover. As per the signed contract, Manchester City Council and Laing O’Rourke have been given the charge of refurbishing the 1930s buildings along with collaboration with English Heritage. As per the proposed work which includes the buildings to be connected and installing the ‘steel and glass featured stair and lift’. It includes the construction of a ground floor exhibition area that includes entertainment features. A large construction recruitment drive has been necessitated for assisting the Council and Laing O’Rourke in their search for talented individuals to restore the buildings. Most of the scheme’s negotiations are based on the assurance that al of the work will be ‘delivered immediate economic benefit in the surrounding areas.’ As per Construction Enquirer, there are 66 apprenticeships for local residents. The Council plans demonstrate the commitment to bring world class services to the Manchester residents. Callum Tuckett, Laing O'Rourke's Construction North business unit leader said: “We are expecting the project to be completed 2014. It is a delight for us to sign the contract as it is an important construction program. It is based on Laing O'Rourke's proven capability to provide excellent skill with engineering challenges.” He further added: “We are looking forward to taking it over the next level in the partnering and collaborations as our company has years of experience and skill to complete the renovation program as per requirement. We have delivered numerous projects together and hope to successfully complete it as per the time frame.”

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To better understand customer needs, Stairlift Company, Stannah uses ‘osteoarthritis’ suits.

14/10/2011
Loughborough University’s Design School and Stannah Stairlifts have come together to raise awareness about arthritis on World Arthritis Day. To ensure that the stairlifts meet specific needs of the individuals suffering with the ailment, they have gone to extreme lengths to stimulate the effects of the disease. The iconic stairlift manufacturer purchased the osteoarthritis suits from the Loughborough University to ensure that the engineering design team and the technicians understand the problem that people face everyday. This ensures that the salesmen and technicians are able to empathize with the consumers all over the world. As per current statistics, there are over 9 million people within UK that suffer from this painful disease and it calls for over 1 visit in 5 GP visits. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the nation and arthritis affects the older generation though there has been increasing cases of younger generation being affected with it. Loughborough SKInS (Sensory and Kinaesthetic Interactive Simulations) research, design and develop Wearable Stimulations of different health conditions. According to the manager of the program, Sharon Cook, “The aim of the program of Wearable Stimulation suits is enhancing empathy with suffers. They are specifically designed for sales teams, staff trainers for better futuristic products.” The Osteoarthritis suit stimulates the arthritis of the hip, knee and hands along with a sock which has a bunion like lump. This suit has given the development experts at Stannah insight into how the design of stairlifts can be improved while understanding the challenges that numerous Stannah customers face. Product Marketing Director at Stannah Stairlifts, Nick Stannah said: “The arthritis suit has helped Stannah employees empathize with the customer base, understanding the specific requirements. With Britain aging fast, this illness has come into the forefront. Osteoarthritis suit has had a positive impact on Stannah to design accordingly.”

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Schenker UK has a 2-year contract with Stannah Stairlifts

14/10/2011
A unit of DB Schenker, Schenker UK has got a 2-year contract with Stannah Stairlifts for handling its European Roadfreight requirements. The company will make deliveries of stairlifts from Czech Republic and UK to Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands and Poland. Deliveries will g out from Stannah’s Andover headquarters while the accounts and logistics will be maintained through DB Schenker's Bournemouth branch. David Harrison, Schenker UK commercial director said: “Our Company has invested time to understand the requirements of the stairlift company and we have understood the specific requirements.” he further added, “Apart from understanding the specific requirements, our ability to offer management solutions like the innovative e-booking system means that now Stannah will have complete confidence in our company’s ability.” Stairlifts have provided to be an integral solution for those with mobility issues. With a higher aging population in the UK today, limited mobility solutions are the mainstay of independent living. Stairlifts give freedom to the older generation and those with disabilities to live an independent life in their own homes, instead of moving into care facilities. Harrison said, “We have shown Stannah stairlifts how by changing some of the routing for distribution can change delivery times. Change of distribution routes can save nearly a day in transit to numerous European locations.” Chris Ward, Distribution manager of Stannah Stairlift said: “DB Schenker has provided innovative solutions and excellent service and we look forward to working with them on future projects. With better logistics, deliveries and distribution has improved leading to better sales.”

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Disability lose the cover for free stairlifts

06/10/2011
Numerous disabled people will now be forced to pay nearly £500-a-year for the maintenance of stairlifts that were installed by the county council. They are removing the free cover as part of the cost cutting measures by the city council. The Durham County Council provides platform lifts and stairlifts for elderly and disabled individuals, with the warranty ranging from 1 to 5 years. After this the council will be providing free repairs and maintenance with 24-hours emergency call-out facility. In the next four years, the change seeks to slash £123.5m from the budget due to the funding cuts by the government. However, the council is issuing 5-year warranties until 2016 and then the stairlift ownership passes over to the homeowner. After that the user will be responsible for maintenance or repair costs which according to the council reach £500-a-year. Before putting it into effect, a consultation exercise is being undertaken and user views are being documented. However, residents are not happy with the move. Alan Hardwick, who suffers from spinal problems, owns council stairlifts for the past 15 years. The 69-year old said,” It is another way of eroding my income. The council sent me a letter which said it was reviewing the funding for maintenance. Now the council is saying that we will have to pay on our own for the maintenance which does not make me happy at all.” He further added, “If it is approved, it will take away a chunk of his pension and I don’t know how they are going to save so much when all they do is come and check it for 20 minutes every year.” With over 1700 people that are living with authorized stairlifts, the council’s consultation runs till 2nd December. According to Denise Elliott, the council’s strategic manager for adults, health and well-being said, “As per our proposals, the warranties are there for the next 5 years and after that the residents will be responsible for the stairlifts upkeep.” She elaborated, “When the council is looking for cost cutting measures, this will be the first step to ensure lower costs to the council.”

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According to OFT, scams of mobility aids putting elderly at risks

06/10/2011
There are numerous disabled and elderly people that face the risk from unscrupulous stairlift and mobility aids traders, the watchdog has warned. According to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is trying its best to eliminate unfair sales practices by and removing credit licenses and trading standards officers to prosecute. According to the watchdog, they have got over few thousands of complaints and buyers are paying over 50% extra than the High Street prices. Some people have paid over thousands of pounds extra due to the scams. There have been thousands of complaints about mobility equipment sales that have reached OFT and most of the complaints are about adjustable beds, mobility scooters, special chairs, stairlifts and more. While some of the victims found that the limited mobility products that they paid for did not turn up at all. According to one of the victims, Ms. Bell who told BBC News that she lost £1,800 and was left on the ground floor of the house after the salesman’s visit. She said, “They disconnected the old one and the replacement did not arrive. I had to sleep in my chair for 5 weeks and used a commode instead of the toilet.” However, she got justice, when the representative from Nottingham Mobility, Shane Johnson was convicted of breach in consumer protection and sentenced to a year in prison. At OFT, Anne Pope has promised better enforcement for the protection of consumers. She said, “We are issuing a strict warning to the industry that further action will be taken against as and when required.” However, Ms. Bell had a new stairlift installed by the manufacturer for free after they came to know about her plight. But she is extremely hesitant about answering phone calls and answering phone calls. Her granddaughter, Frances Bell is extremely agitated about what happened with her grandmother and said that they are extremely lowly to do such a thing with old pensioners and vulnerable people.

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Selling stairlifts as a second career

03/10/2011
After over 35 years in the entertainment industry, David Myers has started a new career and started as a franchise of 101 Mobility. His company sells and installs stairlifts and mobility aids. He is also running a separate business, Shelf Genie that customizes cabinets with sliding shelves. Although these are two separate businesses, he says “the customers are nearly the same. With advancing age, no one wants to bend down to open a cabinet. To me, it seems that people that buy Shelf genie are the same as those looking for mobility devices.” Basically, the targeted audience is those looking to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Myers further added, “60% of the people that buy Shelf genie are tired of looking for things at the back. And those are the same people that are looking at disability friendly options like a stairlift.” David Myers further clarifies, “Though most people tend to focus on disability friendly audience, we have experienced that there is a higher growth in the market for the middle aged and aging in place gentry.” Operating out of his Bensalem office, as an authorized franchise for both the products, his wider audience includes the individuals in the age group of 50-70 years. Stairlifts gives them the peace of mind while the sliding shelves help them reach at the objects in the back. Basically it gives people a chance to stay at home for as long as possible. In the summer, Richard and Ruth Manapar had hired 101 Mobility to install a stairlift in the house and after 3 weeks, they required an installation of an outdoor stairlift to help Richard, who is wheelchair bound. Ruth Manapat says, “It has been such a pleasure working with 1010 mobility. They have excellent team of workers, providing quick and good installation.”

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Twin City Stairlifts Opens New Store in Rochester, Minnesota

03/10/2011
A US stairlift company, Twin City Stairlifts based in Minnesota just announced their launch of their new store in Rochester, Minnesota. The company is known for their excellent customer service, offering customers an opportunity to get their stairlift from a reputed dealer. They have high hopes from their new launch and with an A+ at BBB, the owner of the new business, Bruce Stevenson says, “We have a goal for helping people stay in their own homes, even in old age. At Rochester Stair Lifts, we only offer a range of highest quality products and our team of technicians is extremely skilled at installation. He further added, “One of the reasons that our stairlifts are known for their reliability is due to the expert skills of installation and quality of the product. We are determined about our goal to help people live a better life and are passionate about our business and services offered to the customers. This is the secret of our success.” Stairlifts have proven to be one of the best mobility aids that have been developed to ensure that aged and disabled individual can continue to remain at home, without limited access. With a newly updated business website, most of the products are visible while there is informative content about the stairlifts. It gives a free report and an insight about the costs of the stairlifts which the potential customers can use. Bruce Stevenson says, “It is easy to browse the availability of a variety of stairlifts along wit the advantages and features of different manufacturers.” The business website is fully functional for official business and is live. People interested in installing stairlifts are being encouraged to check out the availability and check the comparisons with a researched chart, to get an idea of what the stairlift offers.

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Former Northampton vicar dies after a fall from stairlift

03/10/2011
A company that provides stairlifts and other mobility solutions to he elderly has been criticized by the coroner as after a fall from the stairlift, the former vicar sustained injuries that led to his demise. The 87-year old former chaplain of St. Andrew Hospital, Rev. Douglas Catt died last year after a fall from the stairlift in presence of care givers from Msaada Group, headquartered in Kettering Road. At the inquest that was held yesterday, it was said that the carers had gone to his home that is located on Billing Road around 6.30 pm and had helped him on to the stairlift. However, Rev. Catt had a history of dizzy spells and falls, just fell out of the device and was found lying at the bottom of the stairlift. Although paramedics were called, they could not do anything and he was pronounced dead by the Northampton General Hospital. The Northamptonshire Coroner, Anne Pember while recording the narrative verdict said that the caregivers had failed to put the seatbelt in place before progressing up the stairs. She said that Msaada care-givers did not suffice the documentation in the Rev. Catt’s care plan which should have included the plan on putting him in the stairlifts that evening. The main cause of death was recorded as a combination of diabetes and ischaemic heart disease. However, there was no one from the Msaada Group was available for comments. Rev. Catt had a history of hypertension, epilepsy and diabetes and had a leg amputee below the knee. With a history of dizziness and falls, it was lax on the part of the caregivers to leave him on stairlift without a belt. Between the years 1966-1988 he served as a rector, chaplain and vicar in numerous places in the Peterborough Diocese.

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Rowan Court Tower Blocks have no space to install stairlifts worth £15k

03/10/2011
The Council chiefs were left embarrassed and had to drop their plan to install stairlifts at a community of high rise buildings as here was no room to install the expensive stairlift, bought at the price of £15,000. As per the report in Paisley Daily Express, it revealed that the Renfrewshire Council had planned to put into effect 14 stairlifts at Rowan Court as a temporary measure due to the elevators break-down. The decision was taken as most of the residents are old and infirm. However as per the recent report by Paisley express, the council then discovered that there s no room to install the £15k worth of stairlifts into the tower’s stair block. Stairlifts are convenient ways to go up pr down the stairs when there are mobility issues at hand. Although this time the stairlifts could not fill in, the usually work wonders. A spokeswoman for the Rowan Court said “We are looking for options to ensure that going up and down is easier for the tenants while the lifts are being repaired. Though we had considered installing stairlifts, the detailed assessment has shown that there is no suffice space in the stairwell especially during any emergency.” It was initially assessed that the lift could not be repaired until November but due to the glitch in the stairlifts idea, work has just began and workers are going to be on-site considering the repairs as priority job. Additionally, we are giving the residents up to date reports of the progress.” Other residents fear that the second lift working on double duty might suffer from overuse since one of the lifts stopped working three weeks ago.

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Stairlift Company helps terminally ill lady

20/09/2011
Stairlift Company has helped a terminally ill woman by the name of Jayne Edwards live the last few weeks of her life with peace and dignity. Jayne is a 48 year old grandmother from Churchdown. Her doctors have given her just weeks to live because her breast cancer and brain cancer has progressed to the point of no longer being treatable. Her cancer is causing her excruciating pain. The pain is so severe that she has been forced to crawl up the stairs in her home just to reach her bed to try to get some sleep. Stairlift Company has stepped in, saved the day and made it much easier for her to reach her bed for a more comfortable sleep. An earlier story in The Citizen on Thursday reported that Jayne had already made a bid for a stairlift and was hoping to get one as soon as possible. Unfortunately, she didn’t get one when she wanted because of the time it take to install this type of equipment. When staff at Acorn Stairlifts, based near Keighley in West Yorkshire, saw the article, they knew they had to step in and make this woman’s last few days on earth more bearable. “Jackie Harris, Acorn’s local Gloucester sales representative saw the original article,” said company secretary, Dave Belmont, referring to the original article about Jane Edwards needing a stairlift. Dave went on to say that the company has been developing new systems over the last 12 months. “During the last year Acorn has perfected a way to install lifts on non-standard staircases like curved ones.” The process for installation is simple, explained Dave. “The installer arrives at the customer’s house, in this case the home is Jane’s, and builds a rail to fit the staircase. The pieces are all in the van and the installer has access to straight, curved and angled rail pieces. Acorn is the only stairlift supplier who has the capacity to do this.” Acorn installed the stairlift on Saturday morning for no charge. It will be there when Jayne returns home from the hospital.

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Improvements for Olympics worth £2.5m for Wembley Station

12/09/2011
With the installation of stairlifts and two lifts at the Wembley central station, the station is being made disabled friendly for the coming Olympics. With improvements worth £2.5million, the passengers will have a step-free route to reach the different stations for the stadium. The stadium will be hosting the 2012 football tournaments, gymnastics and badminton events. Using the grants given by the Department for Transport’s Access for All Program, refurbishing restrooms and lengthening of the platforms are in progress for disable friendly movement. The London Travelwatch spokeswoman said “An extremely busy station, Wembley Central serves the daily needs of workers and shoppers in the area apart from being the central station for the coming Olympics.” She added “We have championed the needs of the disabled and the requirement of the station to be fully accessible. We welcome the completion of the works. This translates that wheelchair users will be abel to go directly to the other stations that are disable friendly.” The work started on 30th august 2011 and will be completed by June 2012. The Wembley Central is connected with the London Overground, Midland on the West London line between East Croydon and Milton Keynes.

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Organ Donation Being Raised

02/09/2011
When a family member or yourself needs a new organ and the call comes that the new organ is available it is a relief. Natasha Rogers finally got this call after seven years of waiting. She needed a heart and a lung and in a few hours she was in surgery and was on mobility support including stairlifts and scooters to go about. It has been 10 years since this young woman, now 36, was given a new life through these organs. She will now be taking part in a fundraiser to help others with organ donation needs. She will be walking from her Wakes Meadow, Northampton residence to Harefield Hospital. It is an 80-mile walk to the hospital where an annual fundraising walk will be conducted. She looks forward to doing the walk with stops along the way to talk about organ donation and raise funds. The walk is Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. Rogers and her family invite others to volunteer as drivers to assist them in the walk by helping with supplies as they walk. Other fundraising events included were a Valentine’s disco and dinner dance and a concert. Anyone that wants to help sponsor this fundraising event for organ donation and the Harefield Hospital call Northampton 405431.

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Elderly Man Attacked, Man Jailed for 12 Years

02/09/2011
James Lund, 90, suffers from cancer and now has a fractured jaw and broken hip following a recent attack that happened outside his Bury residence. A neighbor, who was drunk at the time of the attack, was put in jail for attacking on the man. Since the attack Lund is frail and no longer able to care for his blind wife, Joan, 88. They need professional and continual care. With stairlift, he was able to help her go about the house but with these injuries, he is bedridden. Their daughter, Joan Griffith, 57, lives with her husband, said the attack has, “diminished his life quality.” She adds that they should be enjoying their life together. In June, they observed their diamond wedding anniversary. “Their life has been shattered,” she expressed. She and her husband felt justified when the man that caused this harm was put in jail. Ferris, 51, was sentenced to 12 years in jail following his trail in Bolton Crown Court. He indicated that he did attack Lund as he got a taxi early Feb. 20. He had gone to the wrong house since he was extremely drunk. He mistook Lund for an intruder and attacked him. Ferris threw the elderly man to the ground and continued to keep him while others shouted for him to stop.

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Nottinghamshire Independent Living Showroom Opens

25/08/2011
A unique independent living showroom is set to debut in Nottinghamshire with a grand opening Sept. 15 to 17. This is brought to the area by Noble Health Consultants, independent living specialists. This showroom is a home interior focus that demonstrates leading living aids as well as home adaptations to help those who need it to live independently. Those attending will be able to interact with mobility experts as well as safety experts. Visitors are free to ask questions and learn more about stairlifts, scooters, walk in baths or any of the products at the show or available to them. They can also actually work with the items available. Even mobility scooters will be available to test drive. Noble Health Consultants is a family run business. It is a company that provides products and support to the elderly and individuals needing assistance. The company’s Director Oliver Scott explains the reason for the showroom is, “to help individuals that need these products to help them stay in their own home without moving to a care home or away from their family.” The public is invited to the grand opening in September. Complimentary refreshments will also be served. Those attending the grand opening will be able to benefit as well from a 10% purchase discount during that weekend.

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Marine Battles Army in Court

25/08/2011
Marine David Millard is fighting to keep his home. He is fighting the Army. Millard served for over 30 years with the Royal Marines spending time overseas for several tours and trained young recruits. He put the front line behind him and started a desk job with the armed forces working in the military recruitment office. He did this to care for his wife, Wendy, who is stricken with cancer. Now he is not only being forced out of his home, but out of the military as well by MOD bosses. The house has been modified for her, such as the bathroom, kitchen and adding a stairlift. It is a three-bedroom home that is semi-detached and owned by the armed forces. Nevertheless, the house is for military personnel on the front line and he is no longer working in that capacity. This is the cause of the case. The family has been notified that they need to move to make room for a new military family. They couple has two children, Mollie, 11 and Cameron, 9, who have been awarded the Child of Courage award for the efforts they have made to help their mother. The family has been granted until October to move out.

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Triple Amputee Skydives For Charity

19/08/2011
Corporal 3rd Battalion Andy Reid with The Yorkshire Regiment is a triple amputee who did a tandem skydive recently at the Sibson Airfield. It was done to aid The Soldiers’ Charity to raise rehabilitation for soldiers. Reid did the jump with Lance Corporal Frank Millerick who is a Tigers Freefall Parachute Team member. He lost his limbs while in action while in Afghanistan. An IED explosion took his legs and right arm in 2009. He was helped by The Soldiers’ Charity when he returned home. His home was adapted to fit his wheelchair as well as installed a stairlift. His rehabilitation continues with the Army Recovery Capability and he is a The Soldiers’ Charity ambassador. He joined others during the skydives to raise money to support those benefiting from this fund. There are many of Reid’s friends in the Army. He said, “The Soldiers’ Charity is a national charity that I want to give and help others to become aware of the work provided.” When LCpl Millerick mentioned his experience skydiving with Reid he expressed it was an honor, “I was privileged to make the jump with him.” He added that he finds Reid has an inspirational life even with his injuries.

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A Life Changing Gift of a Stairlift

19/08/2011
Dominic Littlewood and Melinda Messenger attended the Cowboy Builders, a Channel 5 endeavour, without realizing the surprise that they would bestow on a family and how the stairlift would change their whole life. As victims of a cowboy builder, who didn’t get proper heating installed and left the couple living in a freezing house, Diane and Simon Saulis suffered badly. Afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, Diane’s condition worsened. With stairs to reach other parts of the house, it can be debilitating for a person with arthritis and she had restricted movement. Responding to a plea of help, Acorn Stairlift responded. Based in Steeton, West Yorkshire, Acorn Stairlift as part of the Cowboy Builders team helped in the makeover of their house. They are one of the leading stairlift manufacturers in UK yet they installed the stairlift free of cost and it has a five year guarantee on it. Melinda Messenger says “The family was more than happy with the surprise gift of the stairlifts and they said it would be a turning point in the life of Diane. We are pleased that Acorn could help us and make a change in someone’s life.”

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National Business Awards Announce Stannah as Finalist

12/08/2011
The National Business Awards have been announced with a nomination for finalist. Stannah, a Hampshire based stair lift manufacturer, has been named one of the first to reach the finals. The entrants of the National Business Awards are judged by the country’s leading business experts. Stannah has been nominated for its growth as well as British industry contributions. This company was recognized earlier in the year with their fourth Queen’s Award for Enterprise. This award is presented to the manufacturer that has done “exceptional financial returns, strong growth and strategy innovations as well as in the sector’s market prominence.” Stannah continues to grow even though the economic life is difficult currently. They have produced its 500,000th stairlifts after earning the Queen’s Award. It is a company that also produces escalators, vertical platforms and passenger lifts. Alan and Brian Stannah are joint chairmen for this fourth generation company. The joint manager director is Patrick Stannah. He explains this family run business is independent and, “is steadily growing at 6% yearly.” The company strives to work for the customers and is an example of the British manufacturing strength. Nov. 8 is the day the Private Business of the Year category award will be announced.

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Medical Equipment Lent to Group

09/08/2011
An area non-profit group is leading medical equipment to St. Mary’s County residents. There are hospital beds and shower chairs through walkers and wheelchairs including numbering in the thousands. A Community That Shares (ACTS) volunteer group led by Sam Brown is providing the items. Individuals that will be receiving medical equipment include those in recovery such as from an illness or surgery. Brown explained that those needing this equipment will be offered it for 90 days as a free loan then can extend the loan for longer if needed. A need was seen in the area and the small group was launched nearly 20 years ago. This group is the only source of medical equipment that is needed for many people. Anyone St. Mary’s County resident that needs medical equipment is asked to contact ACTS and set up a request. Volunteers are ready and busy helping those that need this medical equipment. The United Way helps with funding as well. The medical equipment being provided is donated to ACTS. St. Mary’s residents, business and donated money are the sources. The group is always seeking new items to lend out. They are currently seeking lift chairs to meet a need.

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Bariatric Curved Stairlift Introduced

09/08/2011
Finally there is a Bariatric Curved Stairlift on the market and it is a heavy duty model. There are plenty of options when it comes to purchasing a heavy duty stairlift, but there have been no heavy duty (HD) Bariatric Curved Stairlifts options until today. These were needed by many and now they have that option meaning they don’t have to move from their home to fit their needs. The Bariatric Curved HD Stairlift from the UK’s company Platinum is a new addition to the products that are known for quality. The Bariatric Curved HD Stairlift is in high demand with the demand increasing over the years. The stairlift has been resigned. It is set up to take on 160 kg or 25st when the stairlift is in use. The upgrades to the chair for the stairlift make it more comfortable. It has even been better positioned to be more comfortable when moving. All work done by Platinum has been done to meet the need of customers. Anyone interested in the Bariatric Curved HD Stairlift is invited to request a brochure from Platinum. This will give more information such as how to order the product.

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Disabled Youth Seeks Outdoor Fun

09/08/2011
He is seven-years-old and in a wheelchair. He wants to spend time outside and his parents have asked for modifications to an old garden. The Stoke-on-Trent City Council was asked by Daniel and Tracey Lucas for assistance. Their son, Ethan, has autism and severe learning difficulties. They want their child to enjoy outside by leveling the back garden at their Ball Green residence. The residents explain the area is crumbing with broken concrete making it unsafe for their son and the rest of their three children. The boy’s father is a decorator and painter who have worked to help improve the issue, but the garden is still causing issues for his son. It is difficult for the boy to be wheeled through the area. The family explained that they have found it could cost around 7,000 to improve the garden area. The council has helped the family in the past with money for house adaptations such as stairlifts and a ramp as well as the electric shower with a changing table. The council continues to discuss the garden issue. The council puts forth effort first to help being get into their house and be comfortable inside their home.

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South Wales Access Granted

09/08/2011
South Wales static caravan insurance customers have been granted access to the area. A new footpath has been developed with effort from Forestry Commission (FC) volunteer efforts. The effort was completed in three days by 15 supporters. They cleared a path that had been blocked from Brynhill Farm around Lisvane to Coed Llwyn Celyn woodland. This is government owned land. Emma Louise Felkin, FC Wales community ranger, said the path was overgrown with many trees that had fallen over it. This made it difficult to walk the path because it was blocked. Another element that helped clear the path, when the fence was removed. This allowed access to the Coed Coesau Whips woodland. This is an area that is cleared that is also used as a horse route. It is used by Safety and Facilities for Equestrians. Felkin also added that they three days of work were spent cutting down trees, removing debris, cutting brush away and trimming away everything along the path. This has allowed South Wales area to have access to this footpath. Everything that had been in the way has been removed by those volunteering to assist in this project.

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Stannah Stairlifts Now Available to Purchase Online

09/08/2011
Stannah Stairlifts are now available for purchase online. It is set up to make it easier for purchase and more available for customers. The Hampshire stairlift company in the United Kingdom provides a variety of stairlifts. Stannah Stairlift is introducing Eshop. It is a way for interested customers to purchase a stairlift with a variety of discount prices online. There are a variety of packages and prices designed for what the customer needs through several options. Two of the main models available are Solus and Sofia. They are considered comfortable as well as stylish. Other classic Saxon models are available along with new and reconditioned models. Customers are invited to search the Eshop online to look at all Stannah products available. They will have access to various package and price options right there on the website too. Having an Eshop will help customers to have 24 hour access to what is available. It is set up as a good way to research what customers have available to them. Learn more about Stannah Stairlifts by visiting the website at www.stannahstairlifts.co.uk . There is more information available about the Eshop to view the website http://www.eshop.stannah.com/eshop_v2.asp

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American Stair Lifts Introduction

09/08/2011
Nationwide Lifts is a home elevator company that is introducing Indy Stair Lifts, which is an American made stair lift line. These lifts provide assistance to a variety of physical and structural needs. The use of stair lifts is a way of bringing more freedom in the home of an individual that has a mobility issue. These stair lifts can also be used in a commercial building. The Indy Stair Lifts have a 10-year warranty from Nationwide Lifts. This line has a variety of options available to fit all needs. This includes outdoor use, all body types, wheelchairs, curved stairways and narrow staircases. It is important to have choices because staircases vary as do people. Having a stairlift that fits is important and having a stairlift that has the right weight requirements is also vital. The Indy Stair Lift is designed with strong materials while also providing comfort to the user. The chair option also has a 180 degree range. Nationwide Lifts provides a wide array of elevator and accessibility products for home and commercial use, including dumbwaiters and custom elevators. They also have 24 hour phone assistance available with offices available throughout the United States

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Royal British Legion Gets Funds from Stairlifts

24/06/2011

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OAP Helpless After Power Cuts

17/06/2011
Various power cuts in Cirencester have left those in stairlifts strained for around an hour in their homes.

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Cheque Rethinking Sought For Firm

15/06/2011

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Norton Way Hosts Exhibits

07/06/2011

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New Office Set for Castle Comfort Stairlifts

27/05/2011
A new Lanzarote office at Casa Robert, Garajonay will be opening featuring Castle Comfort Stairlifts Ltd. This leading United Kingdom stairlift company has been providing mobility equipment to the area for decades.
 
The new Castle Comfort office will allow an increase to local services to go along with the Malaga office in Spain. Castle Comfort provides more than 30 stairlift models. The options include various budget meeting items to specific needs. Employees are also Spanish Incisa Stairlift authorized agents. Coverage of Lanzarote has been added to the Spanish Incisa Stairlift coverage. This provides more opportunity for warranty needs and services to be met.
 
Castle Comfort Stairlifts Ltd. has been in the stairlift industry for more than 10 years in the United Kingdom and is adding service to the Canary Islands for a reasonable rate. Anyone that needs a stairlift is invited to contact them for assistance. Call the next office at 928 51 48 38 to contact a representative or visit the Castle Comfort website for more information.
 
The new office openings will continue with a Balearic office set to open soon as well. It is Castle Comfort’s mission to help people remain at home and live more independently

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MediTek Expecting USA Success

20/05/2011
MediTek, a County Durham stairlift manufacturer, is expecting success in the United States (US) market after launching their product there.

This 15-year-old company in Fishburn remains in the region after rivals left the region leaving MediTek the only stairlift manufacturer. This company is looking to profit in America as well. They are undergoing plans in North Carolina to have a base. North America is known to have 23% of the global market in the industry making it the third largest buyer when it comes to stairlifts. The United Kingdom (UK) has 43% of this market with Europe having 26%.

Stairlifts are still made in the UK, but shipped to the US according to the company’s marketing manager, Angus Long. When the stairlifts arrive in the US they will be modified. The stairlifts are adapted to make it easier for buyers to find the stairlift for them to install, maintain and use.

MediTek became attracted and decided to bid for the new American market following a trip to Las Vegas. MediTek had an exhibit during the Medtrade show there. The US plan is to add staff to the Fishburn plant and add a manager with a part-time salesperson and a few other employees.

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MNDA Becomes Charity of 2011

12/05/2011
The KPMG Company has named the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) as the charity of 2011 and lending them their support.

The area MNDA branch is part of the United Kingdom network of the association. The local association is independent though and has raised money recently from the Santa Dash event. Money for this and other MNDA fundraisers are for equipment. This equipment and services, such as stairlifts, medical care and recliner chairs, is for the use of MNDA patients. Another way funds help is to help support projects to aid in research about the disease.

Sinead O’Connor is a KPMG senior manager of advisory. She mentions, “One of KPMG’s core value is ‘we are committed to our communities.” KMPG is a company that helps with many area fundraising events monthly. Examples are celebrity events, dress down days and cake sales.

The cause of Motor Neurone Disease is unknown and no cure is available to date. Once the disease is in onset the person with symptoms is expected to live from two to five years. The MNDA strives to help anyone suffering from Motor Neurone Disease and living with the symptoms daily as well as their loved ones.

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Minivator’s Investor Gresham Returns Profit Following Sell

06/05/2011
The UK based manufactured of walk-in baths, stairlifts and other mobility products had investments from Gresham Private Equity, a lower mid-market firm. It had profits following the sale early last year of the business to a Norwegian trade buyer. Paul Marson-Smith had mentioned that Minivator’s owner and manager realized the requirement for development and thus, in 2004, Gresham invested into the business.

The managing partner of Gresham, Paul Marson-Smith, expresses a team was developed to discuss business and a sale.  Mike Lord was in charge of the team that was used to deal with preparing for the management buyout. When Gresham decided in August 2004 to invest with the business this lead to the deal as he partnered with Paul Franks, who was Birmingham based.

“We realized a number of things could be brought to bear … First, in the installation teams, we replaced tape measures with digital cameras. The measuring of a home prior to installing a lift could be done using digital photographs with markers laid out. This helped to condense the lead time between measurement and installation, from weeks to just days.”

It was also determined customers had been calling out the engineers because of an equipment failure. There were 50% of the cases that were operator error. Remote diagnostics have been introduced to identify the problem at the factory. This reduced customer issues as well as eliminating costly and unnecessary attendance call-outs. The agreement has helped by doubling sales.

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Medical Experts and Multicare work toward new stairlift design

21/04/2011
Multicare work is working with medical experts to create a new stairlift design that is ready years before planned. This is the “HomeGlide Stairlift”.

The design is strong, but simple with all the requirements wanted and needed in a stairlift. It also works in any home décor. It is easy to use this stairlift through the maneuvering of a joystick. It will move the user up and down the stairs with the movement of the joystick either left or right. There are remote controls as well that are found in a handheld set. This can be placed at the top of the stairs or at the bottom. That means anyone can control the HomeGlide Stairlift.

This stairlift also has a battery that is rechargeable. It can be charged through a routine wall socket. Batteries are keeping charged on the stairlift due to an on/off switch. This will help the battery to stay charged if you are away from home or the HomeGlide is unplugged.

Safety is another feature and each stairlift has a seatbelt as well as a swivel chair to help getting in and out of the stairlift easier. Pressure sensitive elements also help protect the user.

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Prince of Wales Visits Stannah Factory

15/04/2011
During a recent visit to Stannah Factory, a family run business, the Prince of Wales started stairlift production at the facility.

The Andover factory hosted an assembly line tour for Prince Charles. There was also a meeting for workers and Stannah family generations. The Prince is an Almshouse Association and Abbyfield patron so he decided each charity needed stairlifts and presented these. Almshouse and Abbyfield both strive to help people have an easier life and keep their freedom. He expressed this experience to see the production in operation was a good opportunity for him. He also said he admires family businesses and companies.

Jon Stannah Factory managing director said he enjoyed hosting Prince Charles and showing off the factory as well as production process. Stannah Factory has been owned and operated by the Stannah family since 1867. It is located in London and employs 250 people abroad along with the 1,450 people through the UK. It has been in the Hampshire area since 1974 and started making stairlifts in 1975. It was first a factory for cranes, hoists and lifts developed and sold for cargo ships and then passenger lifts at the start of the 20th Century. It now works with walkways, platform lifts and escalators as well.

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Multicare Launches Stairlifts for Thin Staircases

08/04/2011
Anyone with a thin staircase can still benefit from a stairlift. Sometimes an individual has mobility issues making it difficult to maneuver stairs. A stairlift can be put in place giving an individual the opportunity to ride up and down the stairs.

Sometimes the staircase isn’t a standard size. Anyone with such a staircase as one that is thin might feel their location is not meant for a stairlift. Nevertheless, there are options when it comes to these staircases and having a stairlift fit to it. Multicare has a stairlift that is set up for a thin staircase.

These stairlifts are considered to have some of the slimmest rails available and work well in thin staircases.  The aluminum tracks also are colored to the wall to help them fit with the décor. These stairlifts also have a battery charger at the top of the rail and at the bottom. This will help the chair to always have enough power to work properly.

It also has a swivel chair to help the person using it to ease into and out of the chair. Another feature that is important is the device is designed to not be in the way of those walking the stairs or walking nearby.

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Stairlift Blogs

25/03/2011
Stairlift Renting
Stairlifts are an important part of my life. It is my business. I supply and sell stairlifts. I also started renting stairlifts a few years ago. This has been a wise business choice for me, but has really helped a lot of my customers too.  I feel anyone that needs a stairlift to have more freedom deserves one. Some rent it for a while to recover from surgery. They save money that way. Others have rented the stairlift and ended up paid for it and it was like payment plans for them. It worked for both of us.
Stairlifts Expense
We knew a stairlift would be a major expense. Still we were getting one for my mother. We started saving money and looking for deals. We even thought about getting a refurbished stairlift. We were lucky when we found our supplier. We got a great deal during a sale and they let us make payments while we tried to save up the rest of the money for it. We were able to purchase it quicker that way which was very helpful. Mom loves it and we were able to pay it in just a few months thanks to their understanding.
Stairlift Installation
It is vital to have a safe stairlift. I want my mom to be safe on her stairlift and I want my children to be safe as well when she is using it. That’s why we made sure our supplier would install it. I know I couldn’t do it properly. I’d be okay doing it, but what if I missed something. It was too important to have it installed correctly. When the supplier installs it they know what they are doing because they’ve done it hundreds of times. They installed it and did great. The job went quicker with them doing it too.
Independence through Stairlifts
I was told a stairlift was a key back to my independence. My friend’s father used a stairlift for years and loved it. When I had my accident I knew I was going to have mobility problems for life. Sure I’d get better through rehabilitation, but I was going to have issues. Walking up the stairs was going to be difficult. When I spoke with my friend she really said I should have a stairlift. She said there would be no problem even though we have a very curvy stair case.  Tomorrow I am going shopping for my stairlift.
No Stairlifts Failure
I was scared that my stairlift would quit working during a storm if the electricity went out. I didn’t want to get one because of this. Then when I heard that I could get one that had a battery backup we went shopping for my stairlift. I’m glad I have my stairlift now and I don’t have to worry about stairlift failure. I would have hated to get stuck on it and now I don’t even think about it. I love my stairlift and it has been very helpful for me for three years now.

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Recent Stairlift Blogs

18/03/2011
Outside Stairlift

I have an indoor stairlift. It is placed on the stairway going to the top floor. I also wanted an outdoor stairlift. I kept thinking of a way I could talk my wife into it. I really didn’t need it -- I wanted it. I could just put indoor stairlifts in, but that’s no fun. I finally got my way last week when we put an outside stairlift outside my workshop garage. It is fun to ride it up to my loft workshop. It works fine as it is made to be outside with no problems.

Stairlifts for Youth

My young son has mobility issues. As he gets older it is becoming more and more difficult for us to carry him up and down the stairs. We have been looking for a stairlift for him. Another reason a stairlift will be good it for his freedom. Using a stairlift he will be able to go upstairs when he wants. I look forward to seeing that smile on his face. I know he will love it. Now, we just have to find the right stairlift for him as well as our budget. His safety and joy is our number one thought.

Safety with Stairlifts

My mother has a dog. It is a little dog that always gets under my feet when I am walking. The situation is different with my mother. I was always concerned he would get in her way when she used a stairlift. We wanted Mother to have more freedom and have been thinking about getting a stairlift. The dog is the only reason we haven’t. Now we find out there is a motion sensor that will stop the stairlift if the dog gets in the way. That is great and we will be looking for Mother’s stairlift tonight.

Financing Stairlifts

My stairlift has been important in my life. I want anyone with mobility issues and stairs in their home to consider a stairlift. If you feel it is too expensive you need to know there are options. Some suppliers provide financing, others have discounts and there are even stairlifts that can be rented. I found a refurbished stairlift and that has been a wise choice for me. If you consider refurbished stairlifts be careful to get one that really works and is worth the money. It would be frustrating to get a stairlift installed and find that it quits working a week after you use it.

Awesome Stairlifts
I want to tell you to get a stairlift if you have mobility issues. My stairlift is awesome. It really has been a God sent for me. I know before I was confined to my downstairs and I didn’t feel free. I want no one else to feel that way. Now that I have my stairlift I am happy again. I recommend a stairlift if you have mobility issues. Take it from me having a stairlift is a good idea. It really has helped me improve my quality of life and it can help you too!

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Stairlifts replace stairs for the elderly

25/02/2011
Disabled and elderly individuals might notice some trouble handling the stairs. When this happens for their personal reasons they don’t have to say goodbye to the stairs and the upstairs. Stairlifts are an option that will help them continue to maneuver the stairs.

Stairlifts has an electric rail attached to the wall along the stairway. Attached to the rail is a device that moves up and down the rail over the stairs. The person riding the stairlift pushes a button and moves the device. Having a stairlift can be expensive but there are a variety of options available for those interested in using this. An example is a stairlift can be purchased or rented. Both are worth investigating.

The various types of stairlifts that is available in different price ranges. Often a big part of finding a stairlift depends on the stairway such as being straight or curved. Curved stairlifts and customized stairlifts are both more expensive than a standard stairlift. There are stairlifts for those in a wheelchair as well as stairlifts that have a chair the person will transfer to then travel. Another stairlift often is one that is weatherproof and designed to be used outside.

A good starting point when seeking to purchase a stairlift is of course to go through catalogs, check online and visiting specialty stores. It is important to talk to specialists to make sure that you get the right type and size stairlift for your stairs. It is a good idea to talk with a stairlift manufacturer. Check for suppliers that provide quality products, warranties and installation. Some give installation discounts or even include installation in the price. Having a warranty is important because it can be expensive to have a stairlift installed. Even though prices are starting to decrease there are still people interested in renting stairlifts instead. This is a possibility.

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Types and Styles of Stairlifts To Fit Any Home

14/02/2011

Individuals that need some mobility assistance are finding freedom with stairlifts. They no longer have to endure the pain of climbing stairs or moving slow on the stairs. Many different stairlift types are available to help fit any home and any stairway. Stairlifts can also be customized to be sure anyone that needs one will have an opportunity to use one. They will have a chance of more freedom and increased use of their home.

 

There are straight and curved stairlifts. When using a straight stairlift it is used for a standard designed stairway and is the easiest to install. This makes it cost less than a customized or even a curved stairlift. A curved stairlift have special rails that fit a curved or bent stairway with some having corners to fit. Outdoor stairlifts are another option. These are most often designed for straight stairways. These stairlifts have been weather-proofed and sport a leaf guard to protect the lift and chair. They also have a weather resistant seat so it will not be damaged and reduces the growth of mildew.

 

The features found on most stairlifts are often safety related. Even with the variations in design and size the features remain the same for all stairlifts. They have seat belts, easy to use and reach remote controls and safety sensors. Many stairlifts have a swivel seat to make it easier for the person to get on and off the device as well as having a function that lessens the space taken up by the chair by allowing the seat and arms to fold.

 

Professionals usually install all the stairlifts. This is a wonderful thing because they have experience with this process. They know how to get it installed properly and they will work quickly due to their installation process.

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Best Mobility Aids-Stairlifts

04/02/2011
Of course having stairlifts is important to help with mobility issues. These do not heal these conditions, but allows the person to have more freedom. When installing stairlifts in a home or even another location they are designed to be safe.
 
Every stairlift has safety features developed which is important. There are a variety of stairlifts, such as being used on curved stairs that can be used inside and outside. Those using stairlifts have several options to help them find the right fit for them. They can use a chair, wheelchair or standing option. Each works the same on a track that travels from up the stairs to the bottom. You could wheel the chair onto a secure platform, transfer yourself from a wheelchair to the stairlift chair or walk onto the stairlift platform.
 
Safety restraints are required on each stairlift. The chairs have seatbelts, there are secure items when standing and wheelchair restraints are in place to keep the chair from moving off the platform.  There is also the comfort aspect that might not be considered a safety feature but it is in a way. Some of the chairs have foots rests and seats that are adjustable. This will help the person be more comfortable and it also helps the device to be folded out of the way when not in use. This way the person using it as well as others in the home stand less of a chance of getting injured by walking into stairlift or chair.
 
All of these elements are important and help a useful device to be safe. There are also emergency safety features. This is important because there are sensors on the stairlift that will stop it from moving if something gets in the way. If a family pet is in the way it will be safe.

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Do Only Disabled Use Stairlifts?

17/01/2011
People with mobility issues such as the elderly and individuals recovering from an injury as well as surgery use stairlifts.
 
There is a type of stairlift to fit every stairway. These can be customized and even curved stairways can be fitted with a stairlift. An added benefit is stairlifts are installed by professionals. This has many pros because that means it will be done right and they have done it before therefore they can get it done quickly.
 
These are designed to be easy to use by the user. The controls can be wireless, but even if they are not they are located where they can always be reached. There are also safety measures in place, such as if something gets in the way of the stairlift while moving up or down it will stop allowing the item to be knocked out of the way or to move. It can even allow the user to go back the other direction. It is also designed to work with battery backup if the electricity goes out to prevent the person from being stuck for hours on the stairlift.
 
Different types and options are available with stairlifts. There are seated stairlifts that are considered the most common. It is often a swivel seat and the person sits down or moves from a wheelchair to the sit. It is important that the person can sit down or transfer comfortably. There are also fixed seats, perching seats, sliding seats and fold-down seats. One thing to consider is the chair size and that it will comfortably fit the user. Some stairlifts are standing allowing the person to stand while they travel up and down the stairs. Then there is the wheelchair stairlift allowing the user to wheel the chair onto the lift. Once there they secure the chair with belts.

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Is It Important To Learn All About Stairlifts before Buying?

07/01/2011
Stairlifts are not an everyday purchase. Chances are you have never been around a stairlift let alone used a stairlift. It is a new concept when you are considering this purchase. You probably don’t know what is best and you probably have no idea about all the terminology.
 
Learn all you can about stairlifts before making a purchase. Not only will this knowledge help you during your research it will also help you decide what is best. Start out by studying the terminology. A stairlift track is important because it is the track that the chair glides along on the wall. This is a vital element of how the stairlift works. Weight capacity is another important term and element of a stairlift. This will let you know the safe weight the person can be to use the chair. The proper weight will help the chair work properly.
 
Stairlifts are powered by either Alternating Current (AC) power or Direct Current (DC) power. AC is used in older electrical stairlifts and DC is battery powered. DC is the most common form of power today. Stairlifts also have safety edges at the footrest that are used to stop the device if something gets in the way on the stairs. It helps the user to remain safe and the user could even get rid of the item in the way. One type of stairlift is the stand and perch or perched design. It is used for someone unable to sit because it has a higher level seat. It makes it easier for the user. Other types allow wheelchairs to be wheeled on to the lift and secured.
 
Having a little more knowledge will help you make an informed decision. It will help you find the right stairlift for you.

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Stairlift Sales.....

20/09/2010
Sales for stairlifts continue to grow despite the recession. As a needs base product the sales remain strong as the product itself is often a necessity rather than a luxury purchase. Often a new stairlift can change the quality of life for the user.

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Stairlift users urged to be prepared for power cuts

20/01/2010
Like all good scouts, users of stairlifts across the Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire region are being urged to be prepared - for power cuts.

According to local electricity provider, CE Electric UK, only 23 per cent of older people in the area know who to call in the event of an unexpected power cut, the Halifax Evening Courier reports.

David Gill, the company's head of customer service, said with more pensioners living independently in their own homes, the use of domestic mobility aids and medical equipment that rely on mains electricity, such as stairlifts and oxygen concentrators, has risen significantly.

As a result, in the event of a power failure, there is a "very real risk" of people being stranded on a single floor of their home.

He therefore urged older people who use mains-powered mobility aids to sign up to their local electricity supplier's Priority Services Register, which offers a range of free services to help homeowners with heating and powering their properties.

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Redesign Goes Live

20/01/2010
 After months of hard work our new design have finally gone live. We hope the new site will improve users experience and make obtaining information on stairlift much easier.

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