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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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An elderly relative needs a stairlift and a bathroom conversion. Social
Services have said they cannot provide any financial support with the lift but they will with the bathroom. Relative has had a visit but was told that she won't know the cost of the stairlift until after it has been installed. On asking what would she do if she can't afford it she was told she could pay on monthly terms. It all seems like the window salesmen of the 1970's. The installation is as simple as possible - straight stairs. An accurate estimate and the APR of any finance surely is a legal requirement. I asked why she couldn't make arrangements directly with a stairlift supplier. She had been told that she has to go through Social Services as it is part of the "Scheme" with the bathroom. Sorry to be a bit vague - any ideas on what the normal practice is? -- Regards John --- All of my outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.686 / Virus Database: 447 - Release Date: 14/05/2004 |
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#3
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On Wed, 19 May 2004 19:21:11 +0100, "John"
john.plant90@NO-SPAMntlworldDOTcom wrote: An elderly relative needs a stairlift and a bathroom conversion. Social Services have said they cannot provide any financial support with the lift but they will with the bathroom. Relative has had a visit but was told that she won't know the cost of the stairlift until after it has been installed. On asking what would she do if she can't afford it she was told she could pay on monthly terms. It all seems like the window salesmen of the 1970's. The installation is as simple as possible - straight stairs. An accurate estimate and the APR of any finance surely is a legal requirement. I asked why she couldn't make arrangements directly with a stairlift supplier. She had been told that she has to go through Social Services as it is part of the "Scheme" with the bathroom. Sorry to be a bit vague - any ideas on what the normal practice is? My father had one installed several years ago, together with various rails and a device to assist with getting in and out of the bath. It probably varies across the country, but generally an occupational health person from social services should visit and make an assessment of what is required. AIUI, achieving that is quite a trial as they are typically way understaffed. In our case, this was the larger issue than funding for the equipment. It does not surprise me that they are willing to fund bathroom related stuff because anything to do with this and the use of the toilet takes precedence over anything else. The local authorities do seem to have their tame suppliers. For example, my parents have been visited on various occasions by a chap who is basically an odd jobs person and who fits rails and other items of that ilk. For larger capital items such as stair lifts, there are numerous suppliers and deals and you certainly don't have to go through the LA, as typically the individual pays anyway if they can't wait for budget to become available. Unfortunately, quite a lot of these things appear to be discretionary as well. If you can get involved in this, you could save a wrong decision being made. It can be difficult because most elderly people highly value their independence and dignity. For many, getting social services involved in the first place is something of an anathema because they feel that it is some kind of charity. I would start by getting agreement from your relative and go and see the occupational therapist yourself, sympathise with their plight and ask about the options and best ways forward. Certainly a stair lift is a considerable benefit if it avoids a fall downstairs or being confined to part of the house. ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
#4
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![]() "John" john.plant90@NO-SPAMntlworldDOTcom wrote in message news:%rOqc.13347$7S2.1035@newsfe1-win... An elderly relative needs a stairlift and a bathroom conversion. Social Services have said they cannot provide any financial support with the lift but they will with the bathroom. Relative has had a visit but was told that she won't know the cost of the stairlift until after it has been installed. On asking what would she do if she can't afford it she was told she could pay on monthly terms. It all seems like the window salesmen of the 1970's. The installation is as simple as possible - straight stairs. An accurate estimate and the APR of any finance surely is a legal requirement. I asked why she couldn't make arrangements directly with a stairlift supplier. She had been told that she has to go through Social Services as it is part of the "Scheme" with the bathroom. Sorry to be a bit vague - any ideas on what the normal practice is? I wish I did - the time is looming ... Mary -- Regards John --- All of my outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.686 / Virus Database: 447 - Release Date: 14/05/2004 |
#5
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In message %rOqc.13347$7S2.1035@newsfe1-win, John
writes An elderly relative needs a stairlift and a bathroom conversion. Social Services have said they cannot provide any financial support with the lift but they will with the bathroom. Relative has had a visit but was told that she won't know the cost of the stairlift until after it has been installed. On asking what would she do if she can't afford it she was told she could pay on monthly terms. It all seems like the window salesmen of the 1970's. The installation is as simple as possible - straight stairs. An accurate estimate and the APR of any finance surely is a legal requirement. I asked why she couldn't make arrangements directly with a stairlift supplier. She had been told that she has to go through Social Services as it is part of the "Scheme" with the bathroom. Sorry to be a bit vague - any ideas on what the normal practice is? When it looked as if my father wouldn't be able to walk again (contracted gangrene in hospital ! ), my brother looked into buying one. He found quite a few second hand ones being advertised quite cheaply on the internet. Luckily it wasn't as bad as it at first seemed , so it wasn't taken any further, but that's I think that that might be your best approach -- geoff |
#6
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Unfortunately she is a bit overweight and has been frightened into "you must
have a proper survey otherwise it cannot be guaranteed" situation. I have noted that most equipment in the disability shops don't display prices. I guess they have a captive market. -- Regards John "geoff" wrote in message news ![]() In message %rOqc.13347$7S2.1035@newsfe1-win, John writes An elderly relative needs a stairlift and a bathroom conversion. Social Services have said they cannot provide any financial support with the lift but they will with the bathroom. Relative has had a visit but was told that she won't know the cost of the stairlift until after it has been installed. On asking what would she do if she can't afford it she was told she could pay on monthly terms. It all seems like the window salesmen of the 1970's. The installation is as simple as possible - straight stairs. An accurate estimate and the APR of any finance surely is a legal requirement. I asked why she couldn't make arrangements directly with a stairlift supplier. She had been told that she has to go through Social Services as it is part of the "Scheme" with the bathroom. Sorry to be a bit vague - any ideas on what the normal practice is? When it looked as if my father wouldn't be able to walk again (contracted gangrene in hospital ! ), my brother looked into buying one. He found quite a few second hand ones being advertised quite cheaply on the internet. Luckily it wasn't as bad as it at first seemed , so it wasn't taken any further, but that's I think that that might be your best approach -- geoff --- All of my outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.686 / Virus Database: 447 - Release Date: 14/05/2004 |
#7
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In article %rOqc.13347$7S2.1035@newsfe1-win, John
writes An elderly relative needs a stairlift and a bathroom conversion. Social Services have said they cannot provide any financial support with the lift but they will with the bathroom. Relative has had a visit but was told that she won't know the cost of the stairlift until after it has been installed. On asking what would she do if she can't afford it she was told she could pay on monthly terms. It all seems like the window salesmen of the 1970's. The installation is as simple as possible - straight stairs. An accurate estimate and the APR of any finance surely is a legal requirement. I asked why she couldn't make arrangements directly with a stairlift supplier. She had been told that she has to go through Social Services as it is part of the "Scheme" with the bathroom. Sorry to be a bit vague - any ideas on what the normal practice is? Your relative should be provided with a written quote. If the company will not provide this give them a wide berth. -- Z Remove all Zeds in e-mail address to reply. |
#8
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In article bgRqc.295$M_4.53@newsfe1-win, John
writes Unfortunately she is a bit overweight and has been frightened into "you must have a proper survey otherwise it cannot be guaranteed" situation. So there should be a proper survey. I have noted that most equipment in the disability shops don't display prices. I guess they have a captive market. -- Z Remove all Zeds in e-mail address to reply. |
#9
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![]() "John" john.plant90@NO-SPAMntlworldDOTcom wrote in message news:bgRqc.295$M_4.53@newsfe1-win... Unfortunately she is a bit overweight and has been frightened into "you must have a proper survey otherwise it cannot be guaranteed" situation. A standard stair lift should be capable of taking up to 20 stone. When my parents had a stair lift installed, the installers surveyed the stairs and said exactly how much it would cost. However, they were buying privately, rather than through Social Services. I have noted that most equipment in the disability shops don't display prices. I guess they have a captive market. Prices for disabled equipment are not straighforward, as VAT exemption can be claimed in many cases. Colin Bignell |
#10
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"nightjar" wrote in message ...
"John" john.plant90@NO-SPAMntlworldDOTcom wrote in message news:bgRqc.295$M_4.53@newsfe1-win... Unfortunately she is a bit overweight and has been frightened into "you must have a proper survey otherwise it cannot be guaranteed" situation. A standard stair lift should be capable of taking up to 20 stone. When my parents had a stair lift installed, the installers surveyed the stairs and said exactly how much it would cost. However, they were buying privately, rather than through Social Services. I have noted that most equipment in the disability shops don't display prices. I guess they have a captive market. Prices for disabled equipment are not straighforward, as VAT exemption can be claimed in many cases. So they could show the ex-VAT price to allow comparisons. I'm with the previous poster on this one, it's a captive market and they know it. MBQ |
#11
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#12
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Z wrote in message ...
Your relative should be provided with a written quote. If the company will not provide this give them a wide berth. No kidding. And written specs for the lift as well. Regards, NT |
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