Acorn Stairlifts - Stair Travel by Chair for Seniors, Got One?

SeaBreeze

SeaBreeze

Endlessly Groovin'
Location
USA
First time I saw one of these was years back on the TV show (Katie) The Farmer's Daughter, and I thought they were so neat! Now I see them advertised on TV, and think how nice it would be to have one on the stairs to my basement, expecially if I'm carrying laundry or groceries. Anybody lucky enough to have one of these at home? If so, are they worth the expense?
http://usa.acornstairlifts.com/stai...2=stairlifts&gclid=CNPUzcT217gCFalcMgodf2QAGg



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It can be expensive to install. More so if your stairs is curved (Straight up and down will be the cheapest option)

However if it helps you and you have the funds available I would say just go for it.

(The resale value is next to nothing as they are individually made for each installation and if no longer required they will probably charge to remove the unit from the house.

To keep it in tip top condition you will have to factor in an annual safety check/maintenance visit.

There might be regulations regarding the amount of space left over for normal journeys up and down the stairs on foot?


On a stairs leading to a basement the Fire Department may need to be consulted (Health & Safety Regulations)


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Good points Michael. My house is very small, and my staircase from wall to wall is less than 3 feet wide, so it would realistically never be an option for me.
 

Yes, we have a chair lift in our house.. We have an "A" Frame house which means the bedrooms are upstairs..
It is a Bruno model and we had it installed about 3 years ago..
It is the most wonderful thing.. We use it every day at least 4 to 6 times..
I have had 2 hip replacements (and a shoulder) and my wife has sciatica.. Without the chairlift, I don't know what we would have done..

The cost??? We got a grant from the government (cost nothing) but if we had to pay, it would of cost about $3250 installed (with the fold-down rail) which isn't bad.. The maintinance is nothing.. Annual check-ups are free including greasing and cleaning the track.. The batteries should last for years and they are $35.00 to replace.. The unit has a 3 year warranty.. The motor has a 5 year warranty.. These units should last for about 10 years or more depending on how many trips are made up and down..

Our staircase is wide enough for someone to walk up with the lift there.. The unit folds up to give extra space anyway.. We have a fold-down rail at the bottom to allow for the front door entrance to have extra room.. That is an extra option.. Again, it is an "A" Frame which is a bit different to the average house..

I did shop around and ask questions about the different companies and found the Bruno to be the best machine.. Yes the instillation is always custom made.. We have NO intentions of selling the house, but should we sell, we will just include it with the house..
 
Steve said:
... The batteries should last for years and they are $35.00 to replace.. The unit has a 3 year warranty.. The motor has a 5 year warranty ...
Click to expand...

Steve, it sounds like a great set-up, but I'm in the dark as to why it uses batteries. Isn't it powered solely by household AC, or are they an emergency back-up feature?
 

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