Step 1 : Try your Local Authority
Before making any decision about buying equipment, or making alterations, it is advisable to contact a Community Occupational Therapist (OT), based at the local Neighbourhood, Communities and Children's Services/Social Work Department, who will come and assess your daily living needs.
The OT will advise on possible solutions and may provide simple equipment to use on the stairs, for example, an additional handrail.
If an OT recommends that the solution is a stairlift, they will then inform you of grants that may be available to help with the cost.
DISABLED FACILITIES GRANTS (DFG'S)
A disabled facilities grant may be available for structural work to accommodate lifts or stairlift. A means test (similar to that used for housing benefit) is applied to decide how much financial assistance can be made available to the applicant.
Depending on the outcome of the test the amount of assistance offered can vary from 0-100% of the cost. A ceiling of £30,000.00 will be put on each disabled facilities grant, irrespective of the applicants assessed contribution. The housing authority pays the grant, but has to consult the Neighbourhood, Communities and Children's Services Department to find out if you need the adaptation or equipment and whether it will be appropriate for you. The whole process can take some months to complete.
CONTACT:
Adult Contact Team
Neighbourhood, Communities and Children's Services
P.O. Box 251
Council House
DONCASTER
DN1 3DA
Tel: 01302 737 391
E-mail: adultcontactteam@doncaster.gov.uk
Website: www.doncaster.gov.uk
Step 2: Get Independent Advice
You can visit, by appointment, to see and try out a range of equipment and adaptations including stairlifts.
Occupational Therapists are on hand to provide assessments and impartial advice.
Contact:
Sycil
Units 1, 2 & 3,
M & M Business Park
Doncaster Road
Kirk Sandall
Doncaster
DN3 1HR
Tel: 01302 892 949
Fax: 01302 885 023
Minicom: 01302 892 968
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Housing Associations (See our Housing Association factsheet)
If you live in housing association property get in touch with the association first. They have staff who deal with different kinds of home adaptations, and will have experience of stairlifts. The association will also be able to advise you on financial assistance.
Step 3 : Manufacturers and Commercial Suppliers.
If you are arranging for the stairlift yourself you will need to do this through a manufacturer or supplier. All manufacturers provide free home assessments. However they are very unlikely to recommend any other products. Don't be rushed into making a decision. Look at models from more than one manufacturer. Take time to consider the terms and conditions of supply and repair and maintenance costs.
Some firms supply but do not make stairlifts. They will also provide home assessments, and may sell products from a range of manufacturers.
Stairlift Suppliers (Local Based)
