A1 Stairlifts Latest News and Info

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30th August 2017

Elderly People Shouldn’t Have To Suffer In Silence

21st August 2017

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has reported that vulnerable older people are ‘suffering in silence’ when their NHS care goes wrong.

It reported that as many elderly people rely on relatives for care, they often wait for family members to raise their concerns. But a recent survey found that many people find it difficult to complain. The Ombudsman and Gransnet surveyed 600 people whose elderly relatives had been in hospital in the past year. It found some distressing incidents including nurses laughing at patients, indecent assault and compromising patient’s dignity. It highlighted that one in three families had concerns about family members in hospital.

The NHS should be a trusted organisation however, too many people are suffering in silence. Elderly people feel powerless or too scared to voice their concerns or complain following a series of failings by NHS hospitals.

Rob Behrens, the Ombudsman, said: “The NHS needs to convince patients that their care will not be compromised if a concern was lodged.”

A spokesman for NHS Improvement said: “Feedback from patients and their families on their care and experience is and will remain to be critical in helping the NHS provide the high standards of care that the service strives to deliver every day.”

 

 

Stairlift Engineers Wanted

17th July 2017

A1 Stairlift Services is expanding and we’re in need of stairlift engineers at all levels

Experience preferred but we offer in-house training.

If you are hard-working, have an eye for detail, ambitious, have good customer service skills and want to be part of a growing, successful team, then this is the place for you. The role involves travelling the UK. The ideal candidate needs to be highly motivated and use own initiative.  Full clean UK driving license preferred.

Send in your CVs to simon.harrison@a1stairlift.co.uk

Happy customers – stairlift reviews

17th July 2017

Excellent customer service is something we pride ourselves on and so it is great to receive good feedback from customers. Not only is it a testament to what we do but it gives our employees a well-deserved boost and reinforces that what they do is so important to us and to the customer.

We recently received feedback regarding our engineers Ryan and Paul who installed a stairlift in Yeadon, Leeds:

“We received first class service and both of us find our stairlift so easy to use – we couldn’t do without it. Your engineers were excellent when fitting the stairlift, so thank you for all your help.”

Receiving reviews – whether positive or constructive – are always welcome as it gives us a client perspective and allows us to learn and grow. So, if you have something to tell us, please get in touch.

If you’re looking for a stairlift or mobility products and want to see what others have said about us, then we have a review page and we’re also on Check-a-Trade. Have a read here:

https://www.a1stairlifts.co.uk/reviews/

http://www.checkatrade.com/A1StairliftServices/

If you want to contact us regarding ordering your stairlift, then either fill in the enquiry form on the homepage or call us on freephone: 0800 6785261.

We’d like to say a BIG well done to the team. Keep it up!

A Snap Election And Social Care

5th June 2017

So in April, PM Theresa May called a snap general election which takes place on June 8, 2017. With Conservatives in favour, it seemed certain they would remain in power. That was until Labour’s campaign under Jeremy Corbyn caught momentum and, as it stood, on Saturday 3 June, Conservative was at 43% and labour at 37%. However, there is a lot of disagreement on polls with some even suggesting that  Labour has gone ahead.

So what does this mean for the elderly?

One of the reasons Corbyn has closed the gap is thanks to his campaign to create a government ‘for the many, not the few’. He has campaigned hard to save and improve the NHS, social care and disability care. This is a U-turn on what the conservatives are proposing and what they’ve already set in motion. I.e cuts to allowances, major NHS cuts and privatising the NHS. The Tories have also said they will be reducing the winter fuel payments for many elderly people.

Labour’s manifesto commits to a lifetime of contributions to care costs, however, it doesn’t go into detail on how this will yet be costed. The Conservatives will introduce, for the first time ever, a consideration into the value of someone’s home when means-testing for support in the home. Although people will be able to remain in their home, they will be forced to release equity or defer payment until after their death where payments will be made through the sale of their home.

So the results on Thursday could go either way and it’s crucial you vote and have your say. What’s your opinion on the election so far?

 

Spotting Signs of Alzheimers in Your Loved Ones

10th April 2017

Family Time and Keeping Your Eye Out

Are you getting the family together over Easter? The various annual holiday seasons are often a time for family gatherings and an opportunity to spend quality time with those you might not often see. Particularly older relatives.

These get-togethers are the perfect time to pick up on certain things and to ensure nothing is amiss, especially if it’s been a while since you last saw them – this can make it easier to notice anything unusual. Alzheimer’s is very common and impacts millions every year – it can be hard to spot, or it can seem quite sudden. The earlier you are in spotting these signs and getting help, the better, as it makes it easier to handle and be more prepared for the changes that are going to happen.

Warning Signs

According to Alzheimer’s Society (Alzheimers.org.uk), these are some warning signs that you might notice:

  • Memory loss – this is a very common early sign of dementia
  • Behaviour changes – are they acting out of character?
  • Communication and language
  • Do they seem slightly aggressive? This is due to frustration of some communication issues
  • Are they commenting on their sleeping habits? Does it seem they’re not sleeping much?
  • Perceptions and hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Do they seem withdrawn or avoiding social/work activities
  • Getting confused easily with times and places
  • Challenges in completing familiar or normal tasks
  • Walking about aimlessly
  • Sight and hearing loss is a sign of old age but sometimes dementia as well

If you notice any of the above, it is always worth advising your relative to get checked out. Their symptom(s) might not be anything to do with Alzheimer’s but ruling it out will give you piece of mind that they’re not struggling with this disease.

If they are, then there is lots of support and their GP will be able to properly diagnose them and prepare everyone involved. Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk to read more on the above symptoms and to find more resources and information. It will also be worth getting in touch with their local health care provider or community centre to find out what support and groups are offered within their region.

So while the Easter holidays will be filled with lovely family memories, it’s always a good time to look out for loved ones and make sure they’re ok.

 

Sales person required

27th March 2017

We have a unique and exciting position available for an enthusiastic and experienced sales person. A1 Stairlift Services is launching its very own mobility van which will be rolled out to shows, markets and other relevant locations allowing A1 to take its equipment to its target market.

Working with elderly and disabled, the candidate must be caring, compassionate and trustworthy.

A1 needs someone to manage this exciting challenge and act as the face of A1 Stairlift Service. Applicants must:

  • Have experience in direct sales (preferably in the mobility market but not essential)
  • Keep accurate records for insurance/log book/ warranties etc
  • Be responsible for van stock level
  • Part time – three days including Saturdays. This role can be developed up to full time. Candidate is responsible for building up appointments and event bookings
  • Have basic computer skills: Microsoft word, office, access advantage
  • Have good telephone manner
  • Be well organised and able to multi-task
  • Basic wage plus commission
  • Immediate start

To apply, contact linda.moorby@a1stairlift.co.uk or call 01535 608627

Sales Person/ Receptionist Required

13th March 2017

We are looking for a Sales person to manage our showroom and to operate the reception area. You will ideally have mobility healthcare products selling experience. You will act as the ‘face’ of our company and ensure visitors receive a heart warming welcome. You will also coordinate all front desk activities, including calls, enquiries, services, repairs, sales. Ultimately, you should be able to ensure our front desk provides professional and friendly service to our customers and work well with the other members of staff.

  • Arrange open/training/show days and functions for reps and OTs
  • Arrange and operate our show van at game fairs and garden centres
  • Have proven sales experience within the mobility healthcare market or similar
  • Driving mobility scooters training given
  • Responsible for insurance/log book/ warranties logging
  • Be available occasionally for Sat work shows and exhibitions/game fairs
  • Responsible for customer database and service/sales/ round
  • Responsible for stock levels.
  • Responsible phone calls and correspondence (e-mail, letters, etc.)
  • Responsible for parcel and packing items to be posted
  • Follow sales/account customers through to payments
  • Filing and sorting records
  • Proficiency in English (oral and written)
  • Hands on experience with office machines (e.g. fax machines and printers)
  • Support budgeting and bookkeeping procedures
  • Create and update records and databases with personnel, financial and other data
  • Contacting customers to update data and customer service records
  • Assist shop manager in all new development
  • Assist colleagues whenever necessary
  • Must be flexible, prepared to help in other areas
  • Must not be above tea making

Full time 8.30-5.00 (occasional Sats-Sun weekday off in lieu)

Computer skills- Microsoft office, word, access,

Sage an advantage (training given)

Pleasant telephone manner

  • Good organisational and multitasking abilities
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Wage negotiable immediate start

To apply, please send your cv and covering note to gary@a1stairlifts.co.uk

Employee Spotlight: Alex Upton

6th March 2017

Meet the newest member of our head office, Alex.

She has joined our ever-growing administration team. With a background in the stairlift industry, Alex brings eight years of experience of managing engineers and ensuring everything in the office runs smoothly. She will be joining Nicci and Fiona at A1’s second site in Keighley.

We’re constantly looking to improve our services and as we expand, Alex will help plan the engineer diaries to make sure our customers get the most efficient service with their new stairlifts. She’ll be on the other end of the phone for customers that have any enquiries, and she’ll be keeping the stock room in check so that all manufacturing of the lifts happens quickly and smoothly.  My team have been very welcoming and enjoy working with them.

She said: “The team has been very welcoming and I’m already enjoying working with them.”

Out of work, Alex spends most of my time with her two young boys aged 1 and 5 and she has taken up a course at college studying massage and beauty.

Throwback….Stairlift Company Gives Back To The Community With Free Stairlift

8th February 2017

Bob with Dawn on her new stairlift.

This week we’ve been reminiscing on our 2015 campaign that saw us give away a free stairlift to deserving candidates. Here is one of our case studies:

“Gloucestershire-based Dawn Chappell, an ex-dancer who is now wheelchair bound, has received a free fully fitted stairlift from national stairlift company, A1 Stairlift Services.

Dawn was nominated by her friend for Yorkshire-based A1 Stairlift’s 12 month ‘Give Something Back to the Community’ campaign. The company is giving away one free fully fitted straight stairlift a month to deserving cases and is calling for nominations.

Dawn, 37, from Lydney was the chosen nominee in May. She was a professional dancer but due to the debilitating disease, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, she is now wheelchair-bound and struggles to get around her house.

Following a fall down her stairs recently, she was admitted back to hospital, where she was diagnosed with MS. She said: “I’m so grateful to A1 Stairlifts for fitting a stairlift for me completely free of charge. It’s been a difficult time and knowing I can now easily get up and down stairs in my own home has made things that bit easier – especially following a recent fall, it has given me peace of mind.”

A1 Stairlift’s director, Bob Dunne, who fitted the stairlift, said: “Dawn was definitively a deserving case as at the young age of 37, her independence has been taken away from her. We’re pleased that we could do something to help and make it easier for her to fully use her home. We’re calling for more people to come forward and nominate deserving cases as part of our mission to give something back to our community.”