Obam Stairlifts' 25th Birthday

You should always have a thorough survey before making decisions about your stairlift. Here’s why this step is crucial. Until we have conducted a survey, we won’t know if the product will meet your needs. We must consider your staircase’s width, the steps’ height, and obstacles like radiators, window sills or cupboards. We also need to assess your requirements – your height, weight, knee flex, mobility level and how you’ll use the stairlift. A stairlift isn’t ‘one size fits all’. It needs to be tailored to your unique situation. You want to get this right first time, as removing an incorrect stairlift will cost you significantly more than taking time to find the right solution initially. At Obam, we always carry out a survey before installing any stairlift. This ensures you get a product that gives you maximum help and safety.

Stairlifts offer benefits that go far beyond simple mobility. They transform daily life in ways you might not expect. They conserve energy for meaningful activities. Instead of exhausting yourself climbing stairs, you can focus on spending time with family, enjoying hobbies or maintaining daily routines without constant fatigue. Stairlifts enhance privacy and personal care. You can move freely around your home without needing assistance for personal tasks like bathing or changing clothes. This maintains your dignity and reduces feelings of vulnerability. They boost confidence and self-esteem. Knowing you can navigate your home safely and independently restores a sense of control and reinforces your capability. Stairlifts allow you to stay at home longer. Many people face difficult decisions about moving to single-story homes or care facilities simply because stairs become impossible. A stairlift eliminates this pressure, letting you remain in familiar surroundings. They reduce anxiety and fear of falls. Fear of falling on stairs can lead to avoiding upstairs altogether, further isolating you. A stairlift removes this source of worry, giving you peace of mind.

Many people wait until their first fall before getting a stairlift, but this is a mistake. You should invest in a stairlift when you start struggling with stairs. Waiting until after a fall means you’ve already experienced the danger a stairlift prevents. Falls on stairs can cause serious injuries, hospital visits, and longer recovery times. Why risk this when a solution is available? Getting a stairlift early eliminates the risk of preventable falls. It allows you to maintain your independence before mobility becomes severely limited, rather than after an accident forces the decision. The fear of falling on stairs is common and can lead to avoiding the upstairs altogether. This isolation affects one’s mental health and quality of life. A stairlift removes this fear, allowing one to use their entire home confidently. Early installation means you can choose the right stairlift calmly, without the pressure of urgent need after an accident. This ensures you get the best solution for your specific requirements.

No, you don’t need a Blue Badge to hire, rent or install a stairlift in your home. No legal requirements exist for owning a Blue Badge to get a stairlift. If you find stairs challenging and need help moving between floors, you can seek solutions like stairlifts. It’s similar to installing a walk-in shower or handrails – it’s your home, and you can make it safer based on your needs. While you don’t need a Blue Badge, it may help when applying for financial support. It could strengthen your eligibility for Disability Facilities Grants from local councils or charitable support for mobility aids. A Blue Badge might also support applications for VAT relief on mobility equipment, though it’s not essential. Anyone with mobility challenges (whether short or long-term) can explore getting a stairlift. This includes people with age-related conditions, injuries, neurological conditions or recovering from surgery.

At Obam, we offer genuine 24/7 support, 365 days a year. If your stairlift breaks down, help is always available. If you have an issue at 3 AM, call us and speak to a human being immediately. Our phone diverts to the mobile number of the engineer on call, who can come to you if necessary, even on Christmas Day. We don’t operate like companies that only offer voicemail services outside office hours. If your stairlift stops working, you need immediate help, not a callback in a few days. Imagine being stuck halfway up the stairs in the middle of the night or unable to reach your bathroom because it’s on a different floor. These situations require immediate attention, which is why our 24/7 service is genuine. Our stairlifts are battery-powered, so they continue working during power cuts. Most breakdowns are simple issues that our qualified engineers can resolve quickly.

Straight stairlifts in the UK typically cost between £2,000 and £4,000. However, the exact price depends on several factors; therefore, a free-of-charge site survey is recommended so we can provide you with an accurate quotation. Your staircase configuration plays a significant role. Straight staircases are more affordable than curved ones because they use standardised rail designs. The features you choose also affect the cost – swivel seats, remote controls and safety sensors add to the price. Brand quality matters too. Established manufacturers often charge more, but this reflects their products’ durability and reliability. Don’t forget installation costs, which are essential for safety and functionality. If you genuinely need a stairlift, VAT is usually zero-rated, meaning you don’t pay the usual 20% tax. The government recognises that stairlifts are essential for people with difficulty using stairs. Many people wait until their first fall before getting a stairlift. Don’t make this mistake – invest in a stairlift as soon as you start struggling with stairs. This eliminates the risk of preventable falls.

Preparing your home for later life is a wise investment that helps you stay independent longer. Here are key adaptations to consider. Label cupboards and drawers with large, easy-to-read labels. As memory sometimes becomes less sharp, these reminders help you find things quickly. Get an XL TV remote with clear buttons to avoid frustration with small controls. Install a key safe so trusted family members and caregivers can access your home without you struggling to answer the door. This keeps your home secure and ensures help is available when needed. Consider a stairlift to access all levels of your home safely. This will increase your freedom and give your family peace of mind. Set up weekly food deliveries and schedule regular social visits to reduce loneliness. Use a daily pill dispenser to take the correct medication daily. This helps carers and family members track your medication too. Make sure your heating is programmed to come on at set times or when the house gets cold. This prevents health issues during the winter months. The most important thing is ensuring you feel in control of these changes and understand their benefits.

The adaptations industry is growing rapidly, and there are several reasons why more people are choosing home modifications. People live longer, creating an ageing population with naturally greater demand for adaptations. As demand increases, manufacturers develop better products that are easier to use and more cost-effective. Technology has advanced significantly. Solutions for narrow, steep and spiral staircases now exist. What once seemed impossible is now achievable with modern engineering. The cost of residential care has spiralled. The average cost of a care home is £28,500 per year, or £37,500 if nursing care is needed. Installing a stairlift or ramps costs relatively little compared to these ongoing expenses. Many people want to stay in their own home and pass it on to their children rather than selling it to afford care. Adaptations make this possible while maintaining independence and familiar surroundings.

Not all stairlift companies are the same. Here are warning signs to watch for when choosing a provider. Alarm bells should ring if a company doesn’t conduct a proper survey before advising you. A reputable company will visit your home and conduct a comprehensive assessment before recommending any product. Without this, they can’t possibly know what’s right for you. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. Some companies force you to make decisions immediately rather than allowing time to find the best solution. If they’re pushing for an instant decision, they’re probably trying to sell you something more expensive than you need. Look for companies with extensive technical knowledge. Engineers need to match your needs with the right stairlift. You need to get this right first, as it will play an essential role in your life. Check their service and aftercare. You need a company that offers genuine 24/7 support, not just office hours. If your stairlift stops working at 3am, you should be able to speak to someone who can come out immediately, not leave a voicemail.

Straight stairlifts offer surprising advantages beyond helping with mobility challenges. They enhance safety for everyone in your home. By reducing fall risks on stairs, they protect all household members. They also make transporting heavy items up and down stairs safer, reducing accident risks for the whole family. Stairlifts are remarkably space-efficient. Their compact design means minimal disruption to your home’s layout and aesthetics. They fold away neatly when not in use, keeping your staircase accessible for others. Stairlifts can lead to substantial long-term savings. By enabling people to age in place, they can delay or eliminate the need for costly care facilities. They also reduce fall-related injuries, potentially lowering medical expenses. Stairlifts provide relief for family caregivers. They reduce the physical strain of helping someone up and down stairs, allowing caregivers to focus on emotional support rather than physical assistance. They can increase your home’s value. A stairlift appeals to a broader range of potential buyers, especially those planning for their later years. It’s seen as future-proofing your home. Stairlifts are not just for permanent mobility issues. They prove invaluable during temporary injuries or illnesses and are convenient for everyday tasks like transporting laundry or groceries.

Yes, stairlifts can be installed on virtually any staircase. We offer various models to accommodate different stair designs. Our selection is specifically tailored to fit straight staircases perfectly without causing damage. Each stairlift is battery-operated for reliability and safety, including various safety features. Curved staircases require custom-made rails tailored to conform precisely to their unique contours. While this makes curved stairlifts more expensive, we offer an array of models designed for different needs and preferences. Even narrow staircases can often accommodate a stairlift. Generally, stairs must be at least 700mm wide, but we have models specifically designed for tighter spaces. For very narrow curved staircases, innovative solutions like the Flow X stairlift can accommodate spaces as narrow as 640mm. We also offer outdoor stairlifts for garden steps, porches or front doors. These are built to withstand weather conditions while providing the same safety and reliability as indoor models.

Yes, most narrow staircases can accommodate a stairlift, though your options may be more limited. For properties built after 2010, the standard 800mm clearance typically provides enough room. However, what matters most is whether the user can fit comfortably when seated. We offer compact stairlift designs with foldable armrests, seats and footplates. These allow the stairlift to tuck away neatly when not in use, ensuring your staircase remains accessible to other household members. For extremely narrow curved staircases, we have the Flow X stairlift. This innovative solution features sophisticated software that maps your staircase’s contours. As it approaches curves, the seat swivels to angle your knees 45 degrees downward, minimising the space needed. While these cutting-edge solutions cost more, they’re often the only option for very narrow staircases. The Flow X can handle staircases as narrow as 640mm wide.

A well-maintained stairlift typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. Several factors affect this lifespan. Usage frequency plays a role – stairlifts used multiple times daily may need replacement sooner than those used occasionally. Regular maintenance significantly extends the lifespan, so it’s important to service your stairlift annually. The quality of the product matters. Established brands with good reputations typically last longer, though they may cost more initially. This reflects their products’ durability and reliability. Technological advances may lead to improvements in design and functionality over time. While your older model may still work well, newer versions might offer better safety features and user experience. Regular servicing and promptly addressing any issues contribute significantly to longevity. This is why we offer genuine 24/7 support to keep your stairlift operating safely and efficiently.

Straight stairlifts can usually be installed within 1-2 hours, though we recommend allowing half a day for the complete process. The installation itself is relatively quick and straightforward. Our professional technician will assess your staircase, install the rail and carriage, and ensure everything works properly. Installation time depends on factors like staircase complexity and the specific stairlift model. Some models come with additional features that require extra installation time. Before installation begins, we clear the area and prepare your staircase. The stairlift rail is secured along your stairs, then the chair is added and programmed to travel smoothly. After installation, our engineer will tidy all cables, demonstrate how to use your stairlift and provide you with the user manual. We’ll also ensure you’re comfortable with the controls.

Modern stairlifts are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and less intrusive than older models. They don’t require significant home redesign and can often be folded away when not in use. Many stairlifts offer upholstery options in various colours, allowing you to choose something that either blends with your décor or provides an attractive contrast. Some models are available in multiple colours to match your home’s style. The compact design means minimal disruption to your home’s layout. Stairlifts feature slimline designs that preserve the visual appeal of your staircase while providing essential mobility support. Some models have one of the slimmest tracks available, making them particularly discreet. The track design can be aesthetically pleasing while ensuring durability and reliability. Modern stairlifts are engineered to integrate smoothly into your living environment without looking clinical or institutional. They’re designed to complement your home rather than dominate it.

No, stairlifts are designed to be installed without damaging your home. They’re engineered to fit perfectly without requiring structural alterations. Stairlifts are secured to the stairs themselves, not the walls. This means installation doesn’t damage your walls or require significant modifications to your home’s structure. If you have handrails on both sides of your staircase, one may need to be temporarily removed during installation to allow the chair to move freely. However, this doesn’t cause permanent damage. The installation process is designed to be minimally invasive. Our engineers place the rail along your stairs and secure it without significantly disrupting your home’s structure. When a stairlift is eventually removed, it’s as if nothing was ever there. The removal process is straightforward and has minimal lasting impact on your home.

No, stairlifts are designed to be safe and straightforward to use. They feature user-friendly controls that most people can master quickly, regardless of age or technical ability. Most stairlifts use an easy-to-use rocker switch or ergonomic joystick mounted on the armrest. The controls are intuitive, requiring only constant pressure to operate. When you release the control, the stairlift stops immediately. Many models include remote controls, allowing you to call the stairlift from either end of the staircase. You don’t need to walk up or down to retrieve it. Stairlifts have multiple safety features, including seatbelts, obstruction sensors and emergency stop buttons. These features work automatically, so you shouldn’t worry about operating them. Our engineer will demonstrate how to use your stairlift safely and ensure you’re comfortable with all the controls. We provide comprehensive training so you feel confident using your new mobility solution.