Buying and Hiring a Stairlift. Suppliers and Funding Arrangements.
Step 1 : Do I need a Stairlift?
Before making any decision about buying equipment, or making alterations, it is advisable to contact a Community Occupational Therapist (OT), based at the local Authority/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.
Step 2: Can I get help with meeting 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 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 Local Authority 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 (ACT)
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 3: Get Independent Advice
You can visit an Independent Living Centre, by appointment, to see and try out a range of equipment and adaptations including stairlifts. An Occupational Therapist is on hand to provide assessments and impartial advice.
Contact:
South Yorkshire Centre for Inclusive Living (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
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 (Locally Based)
Clarke And Partners Ltd.
120 St. Sepulchre Gate West
Doncaster
DN1 3AB
Tel: 01302 323 536
Fax: 01302 323 866
Website: www.clarkandpartners.co.uk
|
Abbey Healthcare
41 Church Street
Armthorpe
Doncaster
DN3 3AE
Tel: 01302 302 302
Fax: 01302 835 854
Website: www.abbeyhealthcare.co.uk
|
Pennine Mobility
6 Nab Wood Drive
Shipley
West Yorkshire
BD18 4FJ
Tel: 01274 585 898
|
|
Calandine Lifts Ltd
Granery House
Ropery Road
Gainsborough
Lincolnshire
DN21 2NS
Tel: 01427 679 911
Fax: 01427 679 922
Website: www.calandine.com |
Parkgate Mobility (Doncaster Branch)
23 High Street
Bentley
Doncaster
DN5 0AA
Tel: 01302 822 099
Fax: 01302 822 099
Website: www.parkgatemobility.co.uk
|
DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.
