A swivel seat is a device that enables the top half of the stairlift (where the user would sit) to be rotated away from the staircase so that the user is facing another direction. It’s designed to make getting on and off the stairlift easy and safe. It’s main use is usually at the very top of the stairs for direct access to the landing area. They come in two options, manual and powered.

Manual swivel seats are the standard option on most current stairlift models. Powered swivel seats are an upgraded feature. Manual swivel seats are very easy to use but do require the user to,

1. activate the swivel seat by pushing down the swivel lever

 2. use of light assisted movement to rotate the swivel seat to face the landing area. Powered swivel seats make alighting even easier and are recommended if the user is experiencing difficulties with movement in their hips for example. Because the swivel seat process is automatic then this eliminates the use of the swivel lever and any assisted movement.

How they work – Manual Swivel

Once the stairlift reaches the very top of the stairs and has stopped, the user can push the swivel lever down to activate the swivel seat. The swivel levers are located at either side of the seat so that the user can use their preferred hand to push gently down. (Powered Swivel) Once the stairlift reaches the very top of the stairs and has stopped, there will be a short delay and then the swivel seat will automatically start turning towards the landing area. Step 2. (Manual Swivel) Once the swivel seat is activated via the swivel lever the user can then gently swivel the seat by use of there hips, legs or hands. The seat is designed to be very easy to rotate so that minimal effort is required. (Powered Swivel) The seat will start moving towards the landing area slowly and gently. The swivel motion is powered by a motor meaning no movement from the user is required.

Powered  Swivel

 Once the stairlift is fully rotated and is facing the landing area, the chair will then automatically lock in place for safety so that the user can’t then fall down the stairs. It can be left in that position for the users next trip or it can be folded away flat against the wall to create space on the stairs.

When you are reviewing stairlifts you may want to take a look a few good information points in our site starting with a  video of a stairlift. The video will help you to understand how a stairlift works, and how a stairlift is fitted and you can see how the stairlift sits onto the stairs and not onto the wall.  this is one of the first things that people who need a stairlift think that the stair lift will actually disturb decorations, this is not true, only small holes are drilled through the carpet and the stairlift is then fitted to the stairs, and see a stairlift in action and how it is to be fitted

In our Stairlifts Frequently asked questions section here you will find some answers that we are asked most of our home visits.

The video also explains why you need a surveyor to visit your home, so visit our site to help your search in finding the right stairlift for you.  Oh and also one of the most popular features is our stairlift comparison chart that outlines all the best features of  each stairlift on the market.

Stairlift prices – well i am going to have a moan about all these new sites on Google that are offering unrealistic discounts!!  Some apparently can offer up to 75% discount!!!  What a load of rubbish.  After working in the stairlift industry for many years i can tell you now this just does not happen.

Do your self a favour and do business with a reputable site that does not offer these stupid and unbelievable stairlift discounts.  A reputable company come out and tell you a truthful stairlift quotation and offer no nonsense stairlift advise

The other thing is if you don’t know the brands take a look at our stairlift comparison chart as this can help you compare stairlift brands and their features side by side.  And i can feel another rant coming on – this is another thing these sites say they are comparing stairlifts which is a load of rubbish they are just sending you brochures – you get to compare nothing!!  So compare stairlift properly here

If your buying a stairlift and need funding this article maybe of help!  Now I do realize for the majority you will not be able to claim for funding but take a look here you never know you may be one of the lucky ones.

The wonderful thing about living in the UK is there are so many charities and helpful organisations that want to enhance the lives of those around us, those in need and this is what this article is all about.  There are other organisations a part from government grants that can actually help when you are in need of funding for a stairlift.

As a Stairlift company over the years there have been a variety of charities and benevolent funds that have helped individuals who need stairlift funding.

I thought it might be useful to mention a few in this article and what they do, And yes you do have to fit into their criteria but read on you or your relative may well do.

Blesma

A lovely organisation that help individuals who have been made limbless who needs stairlifts, wheelchairs and car adaptations.  This is a direct quotation from the Blesma Site.

“An Ordinary Membership is open to serving and ex-serving men and women who, whilst serving or as a result of service in any branch of HM Forces or Auxiliary Forces, have:

• lost a limb or an eye
• permanent* loss of speech, hearing or sight of an eye or the use of a limb

Grants are made to help overcome disability or to make the disabled life that bit easier. The Welfare department assess need and grants are made in accordance with policy laid down by Trustees. Grants can cover, for example, help with provision of wheelchairs and Electric Propelled Vehicle, stair lifts, car adaptations and even help with the garden. We aim to ‘meet need with speed”

http://www.blesma.org/services.html

Saffa

SAFFA is all about the armed services and helping its ex armed forces with their needs

“Our services reflect the financial, practical and emotional issues people face today and they are freely available to virtually everybody with a Service connection. Some are more appropriate for those currently serving, some for those who have served and there are those which apply to everybody. But whatever your status, you can be certain that we will treat your enquiry as confidential and ensure that you are always treated with dignity and respect.”

As well as financial assistance, we also provide housing advice and facilities

to the ex-Service community, friendship visits and practical support, such as

providing wheelchairs and stair lifts to those who have difficulty moving

around and are in need.

We provide experienced, non-judgmental and friendly advice, as well as a variety of practical services which cover a range of social, family and financial issues.  All our dealings are confidential and anybody who approaches us for help is treated with dignity and respect. Contact us or download more information

http://www.ssafa.org.uk/exService.html

Mc Millians Cancer Relief

We all know McMillans for the wonderful work they do for cancer victims.  We have dealt with people on many occasions who have given a grant towards the cost of a stairlift, as they can’t manage with one.  There is an online document here which discusses help with the cost of cancer.

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Documents/HowWeCanHelp/Get_support/financial/CostOfCancer.pdf

Another couple of sites worth looking into are Motor neurons and Railway Benevolent Society as I know we have had customers who have received funds from here.

As discussed I know most people do actually have to fund their own stairlifts and you can gain stairlift brochures on our site and we will give you the best advice we can, but its still nice to know there is help out there for the few.

Well this has changed over the years. The top manufacturers in the UK are undoubtedly the following:
Acorn Stairlifts
Brooks Stairlifts
Minivator Stairlifts
Stannah Stairlifts

There are other manufacturers in the UK but these seem over the years to be the most reliable UK manufacturers. The trouble is when you first need a stairlift you haven’t a clue who to buy off or what brands are available because it is not something you want to buy until we need one.

Caremore Stairlifts are a national dealer and the good thing about dealers is they add competition to the market. Without dealers competing with the manufacturers quotes stairlifts would be a lot more expensive. When getting a quotation for a stairlift always get three and then you can arrive at the best stairlift and the best price for your needs.

If you need any more advice please do visit our web site www.caremorestairlifts.co.uk