As we grow older, we start to need more support when getting around the home, from using a walking aid to putting a stairlift in to help you to get from floor to floor.
However, we all have budgets that we need to work within to make the most of our money, whether we’re still in work or receiving a pension.
That’s where budgeting becomes useful in your stairlift purchasing journey. Find out more about how to get a stairlift on a budget and what to look for when trying to get a mobility system installed in your home with ease.
Tips for getting a stairlift on a budget
Some tips to be aware of when looking for a stairlift on a budget include:
1. Consider a grant
Depending on where you live, the government might offer a grant for people that don’t have a full range of mobility. These are to help you with getting the facilities you need in your home, and are very carefully vetted and audited. One example of this is the Disabled Facilities Grant, which some councils offer to their residents. Each council has its own unique ways of approaching these grant schemes, so get in touch with your local authorities to find out more about whether this is an option for you. The majority of these grants are means-tested, which means that you might not be able to access the grant if you earn more than a certain threshold or have a certain level of savings. Local disability and elderly support charities are also beneficial in these instances, and can provide you with either a stairlift or the funds necessary, depending on what’s available at the time.
2. Look at all models
There are plenty of models of stairlifts available from a variety of manufacturers, with Brooks and Acorn both offering some of the highest quality equipment on the market. Whilst you might be naturally drawn to one specific brand or product, spend your time looking at all the options available to you. With different makes and products all available to you, there are bound to be options that are just as good for your home whilst being a little bit more affordable than the first stairlift that grabs your attention. Think about your stairlift of choice and compare it to the competition to make sure that you get the best possible value for money. Just make sure that you don’t compromise on quality, as you can still secure a quality stairlift rather than settling for one that works to a lesser standard.
3. Think about a reconditioned stairlift
Brand new products can be perfect, with people pouncing on a new Acord or Brooks stairlift thanks to their widely regarded quality and reliability. However, this quality can provide people on a budget with significant benefits too. Reconditioned stairlifts are stairlifts which were previously installed somewhere else but the owner didn’t need them anymore, so the team at Stairlift Solutions have refurbished and repaired any issues. These stairlifts are as good as new, working as you’d expect with a high level of reliability. Even better, a reconditioned stairlift costs you less than a brand-new one, helping you to stay within your budget whilst still getting top quality.
4. Rent a stairlift
Buying a stairlift isn’t your only option. If you have a short-term mobility issue such as a broken leg and know that you won’t need a stairlift for long, you can look after your finances by simply renting the stairlift. Engineers will come and install your stairlift, you’ll pay for as long as you need to use it and they’ll take it away again once your time with the product is over. You have to pay significantly less than if you were to buy the stairlift outright, and it keeps your budget more flexible as you can adjust your time with the stairlift depending on your rate of recovery. It’s the ideal option for the temporary stairlift user trying to save money on the cost of their recovery from an injury or illness.
5. Think about payment schemes
Stairlifts are significant investments, and if you work with a stairlift company that cares about its users, they will work with you to find a solution. For example, it can be better for some people to pay over an extended period if they have an urgent need for a stairlift, whilst others prefer to pay the balance of the product all at once. Take your own financial situation into account and think about paying in instalments, as this can be a great way of extending your budget whilst keeping your stairlift at an affordable price point.
Try Stairlift Solutions
If you’re looking for an affordable stairlift that you can rely on, get in touch with the Stairlift Solutions team today. Our friendly experts offer refurbished and rented stairlifts, which means that you have plenty of options for improving your mobility whilst staying on a budget. We also understand that people can be struggling with money, and are happy to be as flexible as possible to get you the stairlift you deserve. Talk to our team today to find out more and take your first steps to affordable mobility solutions in your home.