Stairlifts - Straight & Curved

There are two types of stairlift. Straight and curved. The first is designed for use on straight staircases. The footrest of the stairlift will stop level with the top stair. It may be possible to use a straight stairlift on some configurations of curved stairs.

For example if you have a straight staircase with three steps at the top which wind onto the landing, then a folding platform stairlift could be the solution. A straight stairlift is installed with extended legs at the top of the rail, so the footrest stops in line with the landing. A platform is then built around the foot rest of the stairlift. The platform can then be used to walk safely onto the landing. The platform is hinged so that it can be folded back against the wall to enable other people in the house to use the stairs.

The option of a powered platform is available which means the user doesn't need to bend down to raise it. The following video features the automatic powered folding platform manufactured by Meditek.

The folding platform option is not suitable for everyone. If the user of the stairlift is prone to dizzy spells or feinting or if you have very poor mobility this is not a viable option. Seek independent advice from more than one source.

The second, far more expensive type of stair lift, is a 'made to measure' or 'curved track stairlift' which can travel around bends on the stairs and can be designed to run on to the landing. Prices will vary according to the length of the rail required, the number of bends and the complexity of the bends.

It is worth noting that although far more expensive, the resale value of curved stairlifts is negligible, because the rail is made to measure and can only be used again on an identical staircase.

Curved track stairlifts can now be installed on the inside bend or the outside bend of the stairs. The layout of your staircase will determine which is most suitable.

If you need a curved track stairlift you will have to pay a deposit to the company that you are dealing with. This will normally be about 30% of the cost of the stairlift. The deposit is required because the company are committing themselves to building a stair lift rail that will only fit into your house. You should not have to pay a large deposit if you order a standard straight lift as these can usually be adapted to suit another staircase.

For stairs with a well sized half-landing it may be possible to install two straight stairlifts.

Secondhand stairlifts

For only £900 Dolphin Lifts will install a straight reconditioned stairlift into your home. This excellent offer includes a 2 year parts and labour warranty.

Call Dolphin on 0800 9800 126 to arrange a free no obligation quote today.

Heavy Duty Stairlift - 30 stone weight capacity

The Homeadapt Elite has recently increased the user weight limit to 30 stone on their straight stairlift. This is the highest weight limit available. Call Dolphin on 0800 9800 126 for more details.

No takers for Stair Lift

The following article appeared on www.pressandjournal.co.uk/

A GRIEVING son who has given away practically everything in his mother’s house cannot persuade anyone to take the most expensive item.

Richard Mechen, 61, of Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie, has contacted numerous charities since the death of his 91-year-old mother, Helen, in February, to ask if they wanted a stair lift worth thousands of pounds.

He has not heard back from any of them.

He said: “We have given away practically everything in her house. Her church, The Church of Scotland, took the lion’s share. She was forever giving little bits and pieces to her church but she didn’t really attend due to ill health in the end.

“The biggest and most expensive item in her house is the one that is giving us the most problems.

“I’ve contacted charities by e-mail but have not even had a response. I’m amazed.

“It was my father who needed it initially but he died a considerable time ago. It was serviced a couple of years ago and is still in good working order. Surely someone would be glad of it. They’re not cheap,” he added.

Anyone interested in the stair lift, which is in the house in Kincorth, Aberdeen, where Mrs Mechen lived before her death, should call Mr Mechen on 01467 623515.

Three men in a boat (or is that canoe?)

100-mile charity effort in aid of motor neurone disease

Three men in a boat plan to paddle more than 100 miles for charity despite the fact that none of them have any experience on the water.

Friends Cliff Elbourne, 42, Rob Hammond, 33 and Dave Simm, 26, plan to set off in a tiny Canadian canoe from Buckingham on April 25 and follow the River Great Ouse down through Bedfordshire, across The Fens and out into the North Sea through The Wash in Norfolk.

None of the men have ever stepped into a canoe before, but are willing to rough the choppy spring waters in order to raise £5,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).

Mr Elbourne, landlord of Ye Three Fishes pub in Turvey, said: "We have no previous experience in a canoe, but we are spending the month before we set off practicing.

"It's still quite daunting, but we can all swim and we have life jackets."

The trio chose to raise money for the MND Association after their friend Colin Knight was diagnosed with the condition a few years ago.

Mr Elbourne added: "I have a very good friend in the village who has Motor Neurone Disease and it has really been brought to my attention.

"Two or three years ago before it happened to him I would not have known anything about Motor Neurone Disease so this is about raising money and awareness too.

"We are aiming for £5,000, as that would buy two stairlifts for somebody. The hardest thing is sufferers are still the same mentally but they lose mobility, which when you are used to doing something is really hard.

"This will be a task for us, but because we are physically able, we should give it a go."

The trio plan to complete the adventure in five to six days, stopping off at Ye Three Fishes on April 25 for a fundraising bon voyage party.

As well as the hog roast, live music and a raffle, the pub has organised a charity auction with lots including goodie bags from record label EMI, signed Radio 1 merchandise and Bodyflight experiences.

The canoe will also be auctioned off after the fundraising adventure is complete.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the trio can do so by visiting www.justgiving.co.uk/canoetheouse

Facts about MND:

1) MND is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones and weakens the muscles.

2) It can affect the use of your arms, legs, speech and respiratory system as bodily functions disintegrate, with the nerve cells being destroyed.

3) Approximately three people a day die of MND in the UK.

4) Approximately 5,000 individuals in the UK live with MND.

5) Approximately three people in the UK are diagnosed with MND every day.

By Paul Fisher http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk

Changing Places

The Changing Places Consortium has launched a campaign on behalf of the thousands of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers, and the many other disabled people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

They need Changing Places toilets. These are toilets with enough space for disabled people and their carers, and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

There are almost no public Changing Places toilets in the UK. Providing these toilets in public places would make a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of people who desperately need these facilities. Sometimes you just need to change one thing to open up a world of possibility.

The time for change is NOW.

For more information on the campaign go to http://www.changing-places.org/

Stairlift factory closes with loss of 80 jobs

This article appears on the www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ website.

A NORTH-EAST factory which makes stairlifts is to close with the loss of 80 jobs, it was revealed last night.

The revelation that the Bison Bede plant, in Consett, County Durham will cease production with immediate effect was said to be a “massive blow” for Derwentside and the wider North-East manufacturing sector.

The decision was announced yesterday by Bison Bede’s parent company Acorn Stairlifts, after a 30-day consultation period. Although the plant has a forward order book of about £1.4m, work which will now be distributed around other factories in the Acorn group.

The move comes despite efforts from the GMB union and constituency MP Hilary Armstrong to preserve employment in the area.

Last night, the 80 workers at the plant were made redundant, although it is understood there are 20 jobs on offer at Acorn’s plant in Scotland, with workers being offered bus transport back to the North-East on weekends. It was unclear how many workers had opted to take up the proposal.

The factory has been a key employer in Consett since 1981, at its peak employing about 200 people at its base on the town’s Number 1 Industrial Estate. Its offers a range of stairlifts and mobility products, designed to aid independent living at home.

Gail Johnson, regional organiser for the GMB, said yesterday’s decision comes as a blow to the area, adding: “We’ve been in consultation for 30 days, but it is a blow to learn the plant is definitely going to close. It has been really successful and has orders for about £1.4m for this year, but that work is now going to be given to other factories outside the North-East.

“We understand that’s because there’s more space at the other sites. This area is being massively hit by job losses, and these are more jobs going that Derwentside can ill afford.”

No one from parent company Acorn Mobility was available for comment last night.

Bison Bede was acquired by Acorn, a rival stairlift manufacturer, in November 2007, although there were no changes made to the Consett operation.

Previously, the company affirmed its commitment to the North-East by revealing it had rejected options to relocate to Korea, and invested £1m in manufacturing equipment at the plant.

Stannah Curved Stairlift

A video of the curved stairlift with powered hinge rail manufactured by Stannah and available from Dolphin Lifts in the UK.

Heavy Duty Stairlifts - 28.5 Stone Weight Limit

The Homeadapt or Bruno Elite represents more than a decade of research and engineering by Bruno Independent Living Aids, the US market leader in high-quality stairlifts. A Homeadapt stairlift from Bruno means innovative design, unparalleled performance and a new life in the home you love!

The Bruno Elite is a truly Heavy Duty Stairlift and is more robust than any other stairlift currently on sale in the UK. Visit the Dolphin website for more details or call 0800 9800 126.

Stairlift Jargon

Stairlift jargon explained:
Hinged Rail Stairlifts
Swivel Seat Stairlift Chairs

Reconditioned Stairlifts - £900 with 2yr warranty

Over the last few years prices of new stairlifts have fallen considerably. It is now possible to buy a new stairlift for around the same price that a second hand lift would have been 10 or 15 years ago. Consequently many perfectly serviceable stairlifts are being scrapped.

For a limited time Dolphin Lifts will supply and install a straight reconditioned stairlift in the South-East of England for £900.00, including a 2 year parts and labour warranty (Office Hours Service). Click on the links below for more details.

Reconditioned Meditek Stairlift

Reconditioned Stannah Stairlift

Reconditioned Minivator Stairlift

Minivator Outdoor Stairlift

Some stair lifts are suitable for use in external locations and can be particularly useful for improving access to homes with several steps to the point of entrance.

The Minivator Outdoor Stairlift comes with a manual swivel seat and features remote controls and a key isolation switch.

The luxury seat has slate grey upholstery and the unit also has a waterproof stairlift cover for added protection.

The Minivator Outdoor Stairlift is suitable for use only on straight staircases.

Stannah 260 Curved Stairlift - powered hinge video

This video shows the powered hinge operation of the Stannah curved stairlift. Available from Stannah and selected distributor's such as Dolphin Stair Lifts.

Meditek Straight Stairlifts

The Meditek Straight Stairlift is available from selected distributor's in the UK such as Dolphin Stairlifts.

Stannah Stairlifts - Sofia 2 way powered swivel on straight stairlift

This video shows the 2 way powered swivel seat operation of the Stannah Sofia straight stairlift. Available from Stannah and selected distributor's such as Dolphin Stairlifts.

Stannah Stairlifts - Sofia powered swivel on straight stairlift

This video shows the powered swivel seat operation of the Stannah Sofia straight stairlift. Available from Stannah and selected distributor's such as Dolphin Stairlifts.

Stannah Stairlifts - Sofia manual swivel on straight stairlift

This video shows the manual swivel seat operation of the Stannah Sofia straight stairlift. Available from Stannah and selected distributor's such as Dolphin Stairlifts.

Stairlifts - New

For a limited time Dolphin Mobility are able to supply and install a new Minivator Simplicity 950 Series stairlift for only £1399, provided it is on a straight staircase and there is a nearby power point.


Alternatively, if you prefer the looks of the Brooks Lincoln Stairlifts, the price is the same. The Brooks Stairlift is the same as the Acorn Stairlifts that you may have seen advertised.



Should you be unsure as to the suitability of either of these stairlifts, or are in any doubt as to whether it will fit your stairs, Dolphin will happily arrange for a sales advisor to call and discuss their entire range with you.

Please note that this special price only applies if you do not need a sales advisor to call.

Navy widow gets lift from forces group

Navy widow Joan Britton has thanked a forces charity for buying her a stairlift after she was forced to climb to bed on her hands and knees.

The 79-year-old has a new lease of life now she can use her £5,000 stairlift paid for by SSAFA Forces Help.

To read the full article as it appears on portsmouth.co.uk click here.

Dolphin's John Petty rewarded for firefighting effort

John Petty, the owner of Dolphin Stairlifts North Yorkshire branch, has been honoured for 20 years of service as a retained firefighter.

John Petty, right, with Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling

Click here to read the Keighley News article

Henry VIII used his very own 'stairthrone'

Henry VIII is perhaps best known for his six wives and founding the Church of England.

But a leading academic has revealed that the bloated Tudor monarch has another claim to fame: inventing the stairlift.

David Starkey, well known for his TV documentaries on historical royals, discovered that Henry VIII used a bespoke 'stairthrone' during research.

Described in royal records as 'a chair...that goeth up and down', the stairlift is thought to have been operational at Whitehall Palace in London where it would have hauled the King up a 20ft staircase.

Read more on the Daily Maily website.

Stannah 320 Outdoor Stairlifts

The Stannah 320 Outdoor Stairlift is specially designed for outdoors use.

Designed to work in a variety of weather conditions the outdoor stairlift has been tested to ensure it operates smoothly from -10 up to 40 degrees celsius.

For more information visit the Dolphin Stairlifts wesbite or call 0800 9800 126.

Southend Lions offer free stairlifts

SOUTHEND Lions Club are once again doing a good turn for the community.

The Lions have recently been given several unwanted stairlifts and are offering them to needy disabled people in the Southend area.

Lion Allan Guthrie said: “We know many people are unable to afford or obtain a stairlift from other sources and we would be pleased to supply and fit one at no cost, as part of our activities for people in the area.”

Anyone who is interested in the Lions’ offer should contact www.southend lions_stairlifts@hotmail.co.uk and provide a brief description of their needs and a contact number.

This article appeared on the echo-news.co.uk website.

Stannah Stairlifts Child Seat

The new Child Seat from Stannah Stairlifts can be tailored to the child's particular needs and size, and can be made to fit practically any type of stairs - straight, curved or narrow.

Working in partnership with R82 - a leading paediatric mobility specialist - Stannah have designed a seat specifically for children, ensuring comfort and safety for a child, and peace of mind for a parent. The ability to swivel at the top of the stairs means the stairlift acts as a safety barrier, blocking off the stairwell and making child handling safer. A powered swivel option is also available.

Child Seat for Stair Lifts

The Freelift Panda Seat is specially designed for children up to 9 years of age. Safety and comfort go hand in hand in this seat with special adjustments for younger users.



The seat is supplies with a 'nurse control' which is a hand transmitter that you can use to control the seat as you walk beside your child going up or down the stairs. For more details contact Dolphin Lifts on 0800 9800 126.

New Stannah Stairlifts with 2yr Warranty

Dolphin Mobility now sell all of their Stannah Stairlifts with a 2yr warranty. See the website for more details or call 0800 9800 126 for a free no obligation quote today.

Incidentally, all of Dolphin's straight reconditioned stairlifts also come with a 2yr warranty regardless of the model that you choose.

Disabled Living

Disabled Living 0161-214-5959

Are you interested in ...

Products which help with easier and independent living.

Training courses to increase your knowledge of disability issues?

Then you need to know more about Disabled Living.

Where - they are situated just north of Manchester city centre not far from Victoria Station. They have some parking for disabled visitors (currently being extended). There is also free on-street parking in the area. If you have problems finding them please click here to see their map in pdf format.

When - their main opening times are 9.00 a.m to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Who - their services are open to anyone, no referral is needed. They are useful to disabled and older people, their families, carers and those working in disability, health/social care.

What - Disabled Living, based in Greater Manchester, has given an invaluable service to disabled people of all ages for over 110 years. Today, they offer a comprehensive range of services to improve the quality of life of disabled people, their families and carers. The Disabled Living Equipment Centre provides advice and information about equipment and products to help people make a more informed choice that will enable easier, safer and more independent living.

Other services include: Training - on most aspects of disability and which is aimed at professional and informal carers; PromoCon – a comprehensive resource and confidential help-line (0161 834 2001) for people with bladder and bowel problems and the Sensurround offers multi sensory experiences. To download their agm report please click here.

The Equipment Centre has thousands of products on display all designed with disabled and older people in mind.

At the Disabled Living centre there is a permanent display of equipment for you to try. If you require a piece of equipment not currently on display at Disabled Living, they may be able to obtain this item for you to view at your appointment. The service offers impartial advice about items that can help you keep your independence. Appointments can be booked with the Occupational Therapist to guide you in your equipment choice.

Hinge Less Stairlift from Minivator

Minivator Stairlift

Meditek Stairlift Options