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Stairlifts and Vertical Lifts (P19)

Torbay Disability Information Service Chadwell Annexe Torquay Road Paignton TQ3 2DW Tel: 01803 546474 Fax: 01803 546498 Email : dis.torbay@nhs.net

Torbay Disability Information Service Chadwell Annexe Torquay Road Paignton TQ3 2DW Tel: 01803 546474 Fax: 01803 546498 Email : dis.torbay@nhs.net

Torbay Disability Information Service Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust 4th Floor, Union House Union Street Torquay TQ1 3YA Tel: 0300 456 8373 Email: dis.torbay@nhs.net

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This is a controlled document. It should not be altered in any way without the express permission of the author or their representative.

On receipt of a new version, please destroy all previous versions.

Document Information

Date of Issue: 5 September 2019 Next Review Date:

October 2019

Version: 7 Last Review Date:

December 2016

Author: Christine Evenden, Disability Information Service

Directorate: Operations

Important: Please ensure that you are using the latest version of this information sheet. To check this, go to our information sheets page on the Trust website at www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/disinfosheets or call the Disability Information Service on 0300 456 8373.

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Contents Subject Page

About this Sheet 3

What do I Need to Think About? 4

Further Support 4

Choosing a Stairlift 5

Types of Stairlifts available 6

Finance 7

VAT Relief 7

Service and Maintenance 8

Second-hand Stairlifts 8

Consumer Advice 9

Local Stairlift Suppliers 11

Stairlift Suppliers in the South West 13

National Stairlift Suppliers 16

Other Titles in this Series 18

Torbay Disability Information Service 19

Feedback Sheet 20

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About this information sheet This is one of a series of regularly updated local information sheets that aim to meet the most common information needs of people with disabilities and carers in Torbay. The information should be used as a guide only, as it may not cover all the organisations that can help with your needs. Torbay Disability Information Service (part of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust) cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the quality of service provided by the organisations. No liability can be accepted for loss, damage, or injury arising out of any contract made by a private individual with any of the organisations listed. Details change often, so please make sure you are using the current edition. Latest copies of the sheets are published on the following website page: www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/disinfosheets

If you do not have Internet access, you can ask for single copies from our office. A full list of our other information sheet titles can be found at the end of this sheet.

Information can be made available in other formats and languages. Please let us know what your needs are. Torbay Disability Information Service 4th Floor, Union House Union Street Torquay TQ1 3YA Telephone: 0300 456 8373 Email: dis.torbay@nhs.net

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Introduction - what do I need to think about? Stairlifts are very expensive so before buying it is a good idea to look at other options, e.g. moving to one-level accommodation, living downstairs or having re-building work done. It is worth noting, however, that whilst the fitting of a lift would be costly it could work out cheaper and easier than other choices. As there are so many different types of stairlifts available and so many things to consider when buying it is important to obtain impartial advice and information on the various products available and to think carefully before buying. Included in this information sheet are sections on where to obtain advice, how to pay for the purchase, the types of stairlifts available and both local and national stairlift manufacturers, suppliers and installers.

Further Support For information and advice about further support, please contact Torbay Adult Social Care Services on (01803) 219700 to discuss your concerns. If you live outside Torbay contact Care Direct on 0345 155 1007.

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Choosing a Stairlift Your choice of stairlift should be based on: a) the physical construction of your home b) your immediate and future mobility needs (eg. a stairlift would be of no use to a wheelchair user living in a small house with narrow stairs: in this case, a through-the-floor platform lift would probably be a better option). It is a good idea to choose a lift that you will find easy to use and look after. Clear, accessible controls are important, particularly if you have arthritis or a visual impairment. Some manufacturers offer joystick controls as opposed to switches or buttons. Once your lift is fitted, test it well before the people leave to ensure it does exactly what it is supposed to do as the buyer’s rights to free repairs or a refund become much less as time goes by. Impartial Advice on buying a stairlift can be obtained from the Independent Living Centre, Devon House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 4BP Telephone: (01392) 380181 Email: ilc-exeter@devon.gov.uk Website: http://devon.cc/ilc The Centre also has available a useful ‘Before you Buy’ guide on choosing a stairlift. Check whether a stairlift supplier is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) as they have a code of practice and may be able to help in cases of dispute with a member. The BHTA have produced an independent guide to buying a stairlift, ‘Get Wise to Buying a Stairlift’. Download a copy from the BHTA website at www.bhta.net or contact them to request a copy on 0207 702 2141 or info@bhta.com For up to date product and supplier information, contact the Disabled Living Foundation’s (DLF’s) Equipment Helpline on 0300 999 0004 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm), email: info@dlf.org.uk, or refer to the DLF’s Stairs section in its ‘Living made Easy’ website at www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk. See also the DLF Factsheet on ‘Choosing Equipment to Get Up and Down Stairs’ (this can be downloaded from the DLF website at www.dlf.org.uk). Ensure that all stairlifts meet the British Standards BS EN 81-40:2008 (replaces BS 5776:1996). Some stairlift companies belong to the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA). It is worth checking if a company belongs to this as it guarantees that certain standards will be met. For example, all full members of the Association are required to have ISO 9001 certification, a minimum of 3 years’ registration under the Companies Act and a written company safety policy or OHSAS 18001 certification. The LEIA can be contacted on 020 7935 3013 or email enquiries@leia.co.uk. Its website address is: www.leia.co.uk

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Types of Stairlift Available Stairlifts may be mounted on straight or curved tracks, although straight tracks are much cheaper than curved ones. Stairlifts are often cheaper to fit than through floor lifts as building alterations are not normally required. Curved stairlifts cost roughly twice as much as straight stairlifts. Seated stairlifts tend to be the most common type used in a domestic setting. The user must be able to sit safely on the seat when moving and transfer on and off at the top and bottom of the stairs. Any aids larger than walking sticks will probably not be able to be carried on the stairlift so the user will need to have two aids – one at the bottom and one at the top of the stairs. Standing stairlifts can be used by people who can walk and stand while travelling up and down stairs. They may be easier if the staircase is particularly narrow or if the person cannot bend both their knees. These stairlifts usually have one or two guard rails that the user can hold on to when moving. Perching stairlifts are like standing stairlifts except that they give a small amount of extra support underneath the buttocks. These stairlifts usually have one or two guard rails that the user can hold on to when moving. Stairlifts with a wheelchair platform remove the user’s need to transfer out of his wheelchair and onto a stairlift. Instead, the user is able to wheel or be pushed straight onto the platform. Although most of the platforms fold up against the wall when they are not in use, this type of stairlift takes up a lot of room on the stairs and many domestic stairs may not be wide enough to manage it. Mobile stairlifts are operated by a carer and are available either as a seated device into which the user is transferred or as an attachment, which fits onto a standard manual wheelchair. These have caterpillar tracks that grip the stairs and move the user up or down. They are powered by rechargeable battery. It is essential that the carer is used to the equipment before trying to work it.

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Finance The main costs of a stairlift are for the purchase itself, maintenance, and repairs. Running costs of a stairlift are very low. Financial help may be available through grants such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, and local homeowners may get help through Torbay Home Improvement Agency. A Disabled Facilities Grant is a means tested grant for disabled people who own or rent their home, which can help them to continue to live independently. Applications must be made through Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust who will do an assessment and then make a recommendation to the Council’s Grants Officer if you are eligible. The Occupational Therapist will offer to put you in touch with Torbay Home Improvement Agency who can assist you with filling in your application. Please note that if you receive a Disabled Facilities Grant you will be responsible for costs of repairs and maintenance.

Contact: Anyone who may require a Disabled Facilities Grant should self-refer for an OT assessment via (01803) 219700. Torbay HIA is now part of Torbay Council and can be contacted for general advice on (01803) 208020. National and local fund-giving bodies and charities may be able to give you financial help. For details of charities that may be able to help you, refer to our information sheet P12, ‘Finding Funding for Extra Needs’. There is also advice on funding in the DLF factsheet ‘Choosing Equipment to get Up and Down Stairs’ (visit www.dlf.org.uk or call the helpline on 0300 999 0004).

VAT Relief People buying a stairlift or a chair lift for their own use that is designed for use in connection with a wheelchair will not have to pay VAT (it isn’t necessary for the lift to carry the person whilst seated in the wheelchair). You do not have to be registered as disabled – just complete a form declaring your disability and give it to the stairlift supplier at the time of purchase (before making payment). Many have printed forms for this purpose. Also, people aged 60 or over can claim a reduced rate of VAT for certain mobility aids (including stairlifts) that are installed in their home by the supplier. Further Information and Advice For information and advice on the VAT reliefs available for people with disabilities and older people, contact the VAT Disabled Reliefs Helpline on 0300 123 1073. You can also refer to VAT notice 701/7, available online at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-7017-vat-reliefs-for-disabled-people for more detailed information.

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Service and Maintenance Most major companies guarantee their stairlifts for one year. After this, it is recommended that it be inspected every 6 months and serviced annually. Some companies offer an emergency call-out facility. However, check that they have fully trained service engineers on call 24 hours per day. It is preferable to buy locally in order to avoid mileage charges. Also, if you buy from outside your local area servicing may be more difficult.

Second-hand Stairlifts If buying a stairlift second-hand it is a good idea to buy from a stairlift manufacturer or company dealing in re-conditioned stairlifts who will have checked that the lift meets current safety standards and will provide a guarantee. If you are considering buying a lift privately, eg. via the local paper or adverts board, it is a good idea to get the original manufacturer, or company dealing in re-conditioned stairlifts to check the stairlift for its suitability for your use in the new location, service it and - if all is satisfactory – carry out the fitting of it. Always check that the manufacturer is still in business and/or parts are still available should anything go wrong. Once the stairlift has been installed, it is a good idea to set up a service/maintenance contract with a company who you will be able to call on 24 hours a day if there are problems. Yearly maintenance is recommended.

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Consumer Advice For consumer advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline (formerly Consumer Direct) on 03454 04 05 06 or textphone 18001 03454 04 05 06. Also, before buying please note the general advice below:

Do plenty of research prior to buying. Shop around to find the best deal but remember cheapest isn't always best. Customer service has to be paid for. If a representative visits you make sure you have someone you can trust with you for support and to witness any claims that are made. Also, check if they are a member of the Direct Selling Association (www.dsa.org.uk) as they have a code of practice for consumers. NB. New regulations extend the cancellation period for contracts made in your home to 14 days. The cancellation period for sales contracts begins from the date when goods are received. However, beware of doorstep selling – always check the identity of callers and do not open the door to anyone unknown to you. Consider buying from a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (www.bhta.net) as they have a code of practice and may be able to help in cases of dispute with a member. If you use a company whose premises you can visit you will receive a more personal service than if you telephone a customer care help line. Check how long the company has been trading. Make sure the seller knows exactly what your needs are. Don't sign anything until you are sure you have read everything. It's a good idea not to sign on the day. Also never sign a blank or partly completed form. Insist on a full copy of everything you sign. Make sure that any special requirements or promises given by the seller are written into the contract on the receipt. Consider paying for goods over £100 with a credit card if you have one, even if you pay it off immediately - credit card companies are jointly liable for purchases. Don't assume you have a cooling off period - it is safest to assume that any contract is binding unless you are given the right to cancel in writing.

If you have a complaint If you can, stop using the item of equipment. Take photographs, if relevant. Be sure the fault was not caused by misuse, an accident, normal wear and tear or by not following the care label. If the dealer is local, go back to them as soon as possible, taking the receipt or other proof of purchase with you.

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If you can't go back to the retailer, either phone or write a letter, briefly setting out the problem and ask the trader to get in touch with you. Include a copy of your proof of buying - don't send originals. Say what you want done - refund, repair or compensation. Set a deadline. You may ask, or the seller may arrange, for someone to come and have a look within a reasonable time, say 7-14 days. This could be someone from the shop or the manufacturer. Make a note of the person's name, where they are from and anything they say about the problem. Keep copies of all letters, both sent and received.

If you are not satisfied with the response Be especially careful about withholding payment if you have a credit agreement. Put your complaint in writing. If the shop is part of a chain send a copy of the letter to the head office. Send your letter by recorded delivery. If the seller asks for more information be as helpful as you can. If you don't get a reply, send a reminder by recorded delivery, with a copy of your last letter. If the seller offers something that is not what you have asked for, you can accept the offer or negotiate for a better offer. Be reasonable. You may need to compromise. Keep copies of all letters, both sent and received.

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Cavendish Health Care Mobility & Independent Living Centre Unit 1, Babbacombe Business Park, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 3UP Telephone: (01803) 220378 Email: sales@cavendishhealthcare.co.uk Website: www.cavendishhealthcare-torquay.co.uk

Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 9.00 am - 5.30 pm, Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm. Products: New and reconditioned, straight and curved, indoor and outdoor stairlifts available. Service: Free quotes for those thinking of buying a stairlifts. Quick installation possible. Repairs/servicing normally within 24 hours. Callout/service: from £65.

K S Stairlifts Ltd. 33 Gloucester Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 1AY Telephone/fax: (01626) 207867 Mobile: 07966 989 325 Email: mail@ksstairlifts.com Website: www.ksstairlifts.com

Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. 24 hour emergency callouts available via mobile number.

Products: New and secondhand reconditioned stairlifts available. Service: Servicing, repairs, reinstatement and removals. Competitive

rates for servicing. Free quotes for those thinking of buying a stairlift. Rentals available on straight runs. Members of the Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society and Devon County Council Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme.

New Ability 371 Torquay Road, Preston, Paignton TQ3 2BT Telephone: (01803) 555961 Fax: (01803) 523023 Email: info@newability.co.uk Website: www.newability.co.uk

Opening Times: Showroom open Monday to Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, Saturday, 9.00 am - 4.00 pm. Products: A wide range of stairlifts – both indoor and outdoor. Home

visits available for clients who are unable to get to the shop, and assessments can be made to determine correct type of lift for client’s individual needs.

Local Stairlift Suppliers

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Torbay Stairlifts C/o Torbay Mobility 107 Dartmouth Road, Paignton TQ4 6NF Freephone: (0800) 389 0347 or (01803) 558888 Email: torbaymobility@yahoo.com Website: www.torbaystairlifts.co.uk

Opening Times Monday to Saturday: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm (for stairlifts only). Products: Offers a range of new and reconditioned stairlifts for both

indoor and outdoor use. Stairlifts available to buy and hire. Suppliers include Acorn, Brooks, Companion and Budget

Stairlifts. Service: Free home trial (survey and demonstration). Free

quotations for those thinking of buying a stairlift. Free DVD/video on choosing a stairlift. 24 hour call-out and servicing.

World of Mobility Unit 3, Trago Mills Liverton, Newton Abbot TQ12 6JD Telephone: (01626) 821100 Fax: (01626) 824935 Email: sales@worldofmobility.co.uk Website: www.worldofmobility.co.uk Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00 pm, Sunday: 10.00 am -

4.30 pm. Products: Agents for Acorn Stairlifts - stairlifts not in stock but can be

ordered. Servicing not available. Parking: Yes

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Arrow Lifts Trillium, 2 Oak View, Bugle, St. Austell, Cornwall PL26 8RL Freephone: 0800 0121840 or (01392) 341041 (Torbay & Exeter area number) Email: via website Website: www.arrow-lifts.co.uk

Products: Offers a wide range of branded stairlifts. New or reconditioned lifts. Service: 24-hour emergency call out service. Rental options available. Free survey and quote.

a2b Stairlifts Ltd. 3 Cipher House, Culmhead Business Centre, Culmhead, Taunton TA3 7DY Freephone: 0800 91 77714 or telephone: (01823) 601605 Email: a2bstairlifts@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.a2bstairlifts.com

Products: Straight, curved and vertical stairlifts available. New or reconditioned lifts. 1-year warranty. Straight stairlifts available to buy or rent Service: 24-hour emergency call out service. Free survey and quote. All makes repaired and serviced. Also unwanted stairlifts purchased.

DMA Stairlifts Ltd. 8B Castle Road., Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9JQ Telephone: (01823) 661037, fax: (01823) 666364 Email: dmastairlifts@gmail.com Website: www.dmastairlifts.co.uk

Products: New or reconditioned lifts, fully guaranteed for 12 months. Straight, curved and vertical stairlifts available. Outdoor stairlifts are also available. Service: Free survey, advice, and quotations for those considering buying

a stairlift. Stairlifts available to buy or rent (short or long term rental - minimum hire period is one month. Straight stairlift rental only). Local authority approved.

Repairs and servicing on most makes of lifts. Service charges vary. One-off service: straight lifts - £49; curved lifts - £69 (as at 28.11.16).

Call out service within 24 hours.

Stairlift Suppliers in the South West

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Dolphin Stair Lifts South West Ltd. Unit 8, Creedy Vale Lords Meadow, Down End Crediton EX12 1HN Telephone: (01363) 776486 Email: info@dolphindevon.co.uk Website: www.dolphindevon.co.uk

Products: New or reconditioned lifts. 12-month guarantee on all stairlifts. Straight and curved stairlifts available. Outdoor lifts also available. Service: Stairlifts available to buy or rent.

Euro Lifts Ltd. Euro House, Bere Ferrers Devon PL20 7JX Telephone: (01752) 559000 Email: info@euro-lifts.co.uk Website: www.euro-lifts.co.uk

Products: New or reconditioned lifts. 5 year warranty option available. Straight and curved stairlifts available. Service: Free survey and quote 24-hour service, 7 days a week Stairlift rentals available – from £15 per week Offer repairs and refurbishment services

Hanover Lifts

Unit 1, Newbery Commercial Centre, Fair Oak Close, Exeter Airport, Exeter EX5 2UL Freephone: 0333 666 4247 (24 hour line) Email: info@hanoverlifts.co.uk Website: www.hanoverlifts.co.uk

Products: New and reconditioned lifts, fully guaranteed for 12-24 months. Stairlifts, through floor lifts, platform lifts. Internal and external lifts.

Straight and curved stairlifts available. Service: Sales, installation, service and repairs.

Free ‘no obligation’ surveys and quotes can be provided for those interested in buying a stairlift. Straight rail stairlifts can be supplied on a rental basis.

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Pluss - Lifts and Public Access Mount Gould Hospital, 200 Mount Gould Road, Plymouth PL4 7PY Telephone: (01752) 680012 Email: plymouth.showroom@pluss.org.uk Website: www.pluss.org.uk

Opening Times: Monday to Thursday: 8.30am - 4.30pm, Friday: 8.30 am - 4.00 pm. Products: Supplies stairlifts. Makes include Minivator and Meditek. Service: Sales, installation, service and maintenance (generally only

available on models stocked). Service charge: from £88.75 for straight stairlifts.

Technician available for call-outs 365 days a year.

Somerset and Westcountry Stairlifts Unit 5, 27 Frobisher Way, Taunton TA2 6BB Telephone: (01823) 288196 Email: somstairs@btinternet.com Website: www.somersetstairlifts.co.uk

Products: New and reconditioned stairlifts, curved and straight. Service: Free survey and quote. 24-hour emergency call out service.

Stairlifts Southwest Unit 24A, Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam Industrial Estate, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7ED Telephone: (01566) 770787 or mobile: 07970 475130 Email: sales@stairliftssouthwest.co.uk Website: www.stairliftsouthwest.co.uk

Products: New and reconditioned stairlifts, curved and straight (Brooks, Stannah, Platinum and Meditek).

Service: Servicing and emergency call out service.

WLS Stairlifts Telephone: Kelvin Braddon, (01752) 212136 or 07787 587957 Email: kelvin@wlsstairlifts.co.uk Website: www.wlsstairlifts.co.uk

Products: New and reconditioned stairlifts, curved and straight. 2-year warranties on new stairlifts or 1 year warranty on reconditioned stairlifts.

Service: Free survey and quote Rental options available

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Acorn Stairlifts Telecom House, Millennium Business Park, Steeton, West Yorks BD20 6RB Freephone: 0800 073 9775 Website: www.acornstairlifts.co.uk Email: customerrelations@acornstairlifts.co.uk Products: New and reconditioned straight and curved stairlifts. Outdoor lifts

also available. Service: Fitting of straight stairlifts can be done the next day if urgent

(curved stairlifts may take longer – usually within 5 days). Service charge varies. Stairlifts are guaranteed for one year and extended guarantees are also available. Straight and curved stairlifts are available to buy or rent - minimum hire period is 6 months.

Bison Bede Limited (acquired and merged into Acorn Stairlifts – see above) Freephone: 0800 073 9770 Website: www.acornstairlifts.co.uk/bison-bede

Products: Manufacturer of new straight and curved stairlifts. Service: Free quote. Full installation service.

Brooks Stairlifts Limited (sister company of Acorn Stairlifts) Telecom House, Millenium Business Park, Steeton, West Yorkshire BD20 6RB Freephone: 0800 834 730 Website: www.brooksstairlifts.co.uk

Products: Straight and curved stairlifts. Service: Free one-year guarantee.

Express Elevators Ltd. Express Buildings, Otley Road, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD17 7HF Telephone: 0845 230 0303 Email: sales@expresselevators.com Website: www.expresselevators.co.uk

Products: Express Elevators has acquired the EquiLift, StairGlide and LiftGlide brands. Provides new and reconditioned lifts. Products include straight and curved stairlifts and through floor lifts. Stairlift rentals available (from £10.00 per week).

Service: Specialises in the installation, maintenance and repair of new lifts. Also able to modernise and refurbish existing lifts. Offers a 24-hour emergency call out service.

National Stairlift Suppliers

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The Platform Lift Company Ltd. Millside House, Anton Business Park Andover, Hants SP10 2RW Telephone: (01256) 896000 Email: sales@platformliftco.co.uk Website: www.platformliftco.co.uk

Products: Internal and external platform access lifts, travelling from 300mm to 13m. Platform stairlifts, straight and curved. Rentals and finance packages available.

Service: Free site surveys and quotations available. 12-month guarantee. Repairs and servicing undertaken for all types of lifts. Offers a 24-hour emergency call out service (call-out within 2 hours).

Stannah Stairlifts Head Office Watt Close, East Portway Andover, Hants SP10 3SD Telephone: 0808 274 7851 Email: webenquiries@stannah.co.uk Website: www.stannahstairlifts.co.uk

Products: New and reconditioned straight and curved stairlifts available to buy and rent. New vertical homelifts and outdoor lifts (for straight staircases only) also available. May be able to supply reconditioned outdoor stairlifts subject to availability. Outdoor stairlifts are available on a purchase basis only.

Service: Offers free no obligation home surveys for both stairlifts and vertical homelifts to provide a quotation. All new stairlifts and vertical homelifts come with a two-year warranty and two annual services. Reconditioned models come with a one year warranty and one annual service. Provides a 24-hour emergency call-out service

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Other Titles in this Series Most sheets have many pages, and details change often. If you would like copies, please request no more than 5 titles at a time (further details on p.3). Disability Support Series

Adult Abuse: how to raise your Concerns P35

Bathing and Showering P02

Computers P27

Continence Management P24

Domiciliary Care Agencies P05

Emergency Care For Pets P06

Equipment Centres P07

Equipment Hire and Loan Services (including wheelchair hire) P08

Family and Emotional Support Services P03

Finding Funding for Extra Needs P12

Gentle Exercise P22

Holiday Services (national contacts) P09

Home Maintenance Services and Building Adaptations P10

Home Visiting Services P23

Housework, Domestic Help and Laundry Services P11

Housing Options for Older People P25

Information, Advice and Advocacy Services P01

Keeping Safe and Warm at Home P13

Leisure and Day Opportunities P28

Meal Delivery Services P14

Motoring P17

Parking and Public Conveniences P15

Shop Delivery Services P16

Sitting Services P18

Sport and Outdoor Activities P34

Stairlifts and Vertical Lifts P19

Support for People with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome P33

Support Groups P21

Telecare (includes community alarm systems) P04

Transport Services P20

Caring

Caring for an Adult with an Alcohol or Drug Problem P31

Care Home Series

Care Homes - Day Care, Torbay C09

Care Homes: Dementia (residential and nursing), Torbay C06

Care Homes: Learning Disabilities, Torbay C05

Care Homes: Mental Health, Torbay C08

Care Homes: Nursing, Torbay C03

Care Homes: Paignton and Brixham C01

Care Homes: Torquay C02

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Further Information and Advice

Torbay Disability Information Service Torbay Disability Information Service has been providing comprehensive information and advice to people in Torbay for over 21 years and we are a founder member of the Torbay Advice Network (TAN). Our service is open to any resident of Torbay affected by any type of disability. We also provide information to anyone working or caring for people with disabilities. No referral is necessary. Simply call us on 0300 456 8373 or email us at dis.torbay@nhs.net We offer:

An enquiry desk service covering a wide range of topics related to disability support and independent living.

Advice and guidance on disability-related social security issues, including benefit checks.

Over 40 web-based information sheets covering the questions that we get asked most frequently.

Appointments for help with social security forms (PIP, ESA, etc.) for people with diagnosed mental health conditions.

An access point for the Mental Health User and Carer Involvement Worker (appointments only).

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 4.30pm; Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm only.

Signposts for Carers Signposts for Carers is Torbay’s dedicated telephone support service providing specialist information and advice to unpaid carers in Torbay. Contact Signposts in confidence to find out about services, equipment, benefits and rights. Support is available on a short or long-term basis. Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 9.00am - 4.30pm. Fridays: 9.00am - 1.00pm. Calls are diverted to a 24-hour staffed message taking service outside office hours. Your details and enquiry will be relayed to us and we will respond to your enquiry on the next working day.

(01803) 666620 signposts@nhs.net

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