FAQS
Please contact us if you have a question not answred below, or if you’d like to have a chat.
HOW MUCH WILL A STAIR LIFT COST?
Stair lift pricing starts at only €1,799 (plus VAT) fully fitted with a full 1 year warranty.
Please call our Customer Care Team on 0818 989 353 to discuss your stair lift requirements and any queries you may have. Beechfield Stairlifts provide free home surveys and quotations with a “No-Hassle No-Obligation Guarantee”.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A STAIR LIFT AND WILL IT MAKE A LOT OF MESS?
Your stair lift will be constructed in the factory, so it will arrive at your home ready to be fitted. Our professional fitters will perform the installation and it usually takes just a couple of hours to fit a stair lift to straight stairs, slightly longer to fit a curved stair lift. The rail will be fitted first, then the motor and the seat. It will then be tested thoroughly and you will be shown how to use it. There will be minimal inconvenience and any mess made will be tidied up by the installation engineer.
DOES THE STAIR LIFT FIT TO THE WALL?
No, your stairlift will be fitted to the steps, not the wall. As most stairlifts are slim line they fit comfortably and unobtrusively to the stairs. At the time of your consultation we will be able to show you on a computer how the stairlift will look when it is fitted.
CAN OTHER PEOPLE STILL USE THE STAIRS ONCE THE STAIR LIFT IS FITTED?
Beechfield Stairlifts have a market leading slim design. The seats, arm and foot rests that can be folded up when not in use, leaving plenty of room for other stair users to walk up and down the stairs.
ARE STAIR LIFTS COMPLICATED TO USE?
Our stair lifts have been designed for ease of use. They glide smoothly up or down the stairs at a gentle speed. All models have a seat belt for your safety. Our customer service team are always available at the end of a telephone line if help or reassurance is needed, just call 1890 989 353.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING IS LEFT ON THE STAIRS AND GETS IN THE WAY OF THE STAIR LIFT?
Our Stairlifts have built-in safety sensors that will detect an obstructions on the stairs, such as objects that have been dropped, pets or children. The sensors will respond by automatically stopping the stair lift so that the any obstruction can be safely removed.
WHAT IF THERE IS A POWERCUT?
There is no need to worry. Your stairlift is run on DC power with battery backup, which charges up when your stair lift is left on a charge point This means that if there is a power failure your stairlift should carry on working for approximately 6 – 8 trips.
ARE THERE ANY WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS?
This depends on the model, most stairlifts have a weight limit of 18-22 stone or 115 – 140kgs. Our team will be able to advise on the different types of stair lift during your consultation, helping you to choose the stair lift most suited to your needs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY STAIR LIFT BREAKS DOWN?
Handicare Stairlifts from Beechfield Healthcare are very reliable and it is rare that they would break down. However, in the unlikely event of a breakdown, our engineers would be able to get to you quickly and fix the problem. We advise that all stairlifts should be serviced annually to keep them in excellent working order. Your Beechfield Stairlift is also covered by a 2 year warranty with the option of an extended warranty which we will discuss with you.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE MY STAIR LIFT IS INSTALLED?
Not long! A stair lift for a straight stairs can be installed very quickly, within 2 weeks. A Stair lift for curved stairs are made to measure your stairs so may take slightly longer. We will be able to advise on the delivery time for your stair lift at your consultation, we’ll keep you updated on the delivery date and arrange the most suitable time for you to install the stair lift.
CAN I CHOOSE WHAT COLOUR MY STAIR LIFT IS?
During our consultation we will discuss the various models of stair lift which offer a choice of different upholstery colours so you can choose one to match the décor of your home.
WILL FITTING THE STAIR LIFT IT DAMAGE THE CARPET?
No. The fixing bolts will cause a small penetration in the carpet but they will not be visible as the carpet pile will hide the holes if and when the stair lift is removed. If you are having a new carpet fitted then it is better if possible to have it fitted before the stair lift – but a good carpet fitter can always work around one that is already installed.
HOW IS A STAIR LIFT OPERATED?
Stairlifts are operated by simple, large, up and down paddle switches on the arms, which are designed to work with minimal pressure. This makes them suitable for people with arthritis or who are visually-impaired. You simply need to gently press the paddle in the direction of travel to start the stair lift. When your stairlift is installed we will show you how to use it and the various features of your new stairlift. We are always available by calling 1890 989 353 should you have any questions.
HOW EASY IS IT TO GET ON AND OFF?
Stairlifts come with different features which included swivel seats, making it easy to turn away from the stairs and to get on or off without having to twist or turn your body. You can use the armrests to push yourself up. The armrests can be raised separately, which is especially useful if you are getting on from a wheelchair. During the survey we will discuss the various features of each model and help you choose the one most suited to your needs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY HUSBAND/WIFE HAS USED THE LIFT TO GO UPSTAIRS AND I’M STUCK DOWNSTAIRS?
Stairlifts come with 2 remote controls, which is used to call it back to where you are or if you want to send something up or down the stairs without having to carry it. Your remote controls can be mounted on the wall at the top and bottom of your stairs so you can always able to find them when you need them.
WILL MY STAIR LIFT BE EXPENSIVE TO RUN?
A Stair lift is very energy-efficient and economical to run. They run on a 13 amp socket and the daily cost of running a stair lift is comparable to using a kettle – the only power used is the charge that keeps the batteries topped up all the time. We advise you not to turn off the charger at the plug as the batteries may go flat necessitating replacement batteries.
WILL IT BE NOISY?
No, they are very quiet. You will be able to use your stair lift at any time of the day or night without disturbing others.
IS THERE A GRANT AVAILABLE?
Yes, you will need to apply to your local county council and ask for a mobility grant. Our team will guide you through the process and assist you with completing all the necessary paperwork for your grant application. VAT is also charged in the price but can be reclaimed, we will provide the necessary documentation and advice to assist in this process.
SAFETY AS STANDARD
- All Handicare stairlifts have safety sensors on the power pack and footplate, these are designed to stop the lift if it meets any obstruction.
- All Handicare stairlifts have a diagnostic display so that you can monitor the status of your stairlift.
- Your stairlift will also come with a seat belt as standard for additional peace of mind.
- All upholstery options are also fire retardant.
EASY TO USE
All that you need to do to use your Handicare stairlift is to press or hold the large robust toggle or joystick in the direction you wish to travel and the stairlift will transport you smoothly and safely.
All Handicare stairlifts also come with two remote controls which can be used to call the stairlift between floors. This not only allows you to park at the top or bottom of the stairs, it is ideal for multi-user situations as the stairlift can be called between levels.
USER ASSESSMENT AND PHOTOSURVEY
Our representative will conduct a user assessment at the same time as conducting the staircase survey. During this assessment some measurements may be taken to ensure the stairlift chosen is suitable for the user.
There will also be some simple questions to see which would be the best side to place the controls, what sort of seat belt would best suit the users and to ascertain which features would be required now and in the future.
Most staircase surveys are very quick and easy to perform.
If your staircase is more complex with intermediate landings, fan stairs or a spiral for example, the survey may be conducted quickly with Handicare photographic survey systems (PhotoSurvey). This specially developed electronic system maximises the accuracy a staircase survey whilst minimizing the time needed to carry it out.
Cards are placed on and around the stairs and photographed. Specialist software measures these images to create an accurate 3D model of your staircase so the track is designed to fit your staircase perfectly.