Handicare Manufacturer Stairlift Box

With many elderly and vulnerable people advised to self-isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak, Handicare has quickly devised a new ‘virtual’ of helping those concerned about having people in their homes still get hold of the equipment they need.

One of the UK largest providers of home adaptations, Handicare works with retailers, local authorities and directly with private individuals to install its range of home adaptations.

After the government implemented its lockdown measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the company moved quickly to implement processes to ensure customer and staff safety when working in individuals’ homes.

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“We have seen demand decline in recent weeks, understandably so, following the guidance for everyone considered to be vulnerable and at-risk to self-isolate and minimise contact with anyone other than the people in their immediate household,” commented Paul Stockdill, UK Sales & Marketing Director of Handicare.

“But we are continuing to provide our installation and emergency breakdown services for customers who feel they have no option but to progress a stairlift installation for the safety of their loved ones. Home adaptations such as stairlifts, homelifts and accessible bathrooms are important to help patients who no longer need urgent hospital treatment to return home, making beds available for seriously ill coronavirus patients.”

Handicare virtual appointmentDespite the stringent safety protocols the company has put in place when its surveyors and engineers visit a home, including wearing PPE, handwashing and thoroughly cleaning any equipment they touch, Paul highlighted that some customers are now wary of letting people in their houses.

“As the measures to combat the spread of coronavirus have become increasingly strict, people have become reluctant to book in-home assessments which are an important part of the process to find the right stairlift solution to meet the needs of the customer,” he explained.

Conscious of the need to come up with an alternative solution to overcome customers’ concerns, Handicare’s direct-selling teams introduced a new “virtual” appointment for people wary of inviting anyone into their home but who urgently need a stairlift.

“Since the first virtual appointment less than two weeks ago, over 20 video calls have been carried out,” continued Paul.

“We’ve sold both straight and curved stairlifts as a result, and had some great feedback from our customers who really need our help at what is already a very difficult time for them.

“Our teams have adapted their process quickly and really got to grips with taking customers through the usual steps over the phone instead of face-to-face. I know many of our dealers have also introduced similar practices.

He finished: “I’m so proud to see our business and partners, in fact, the industry as a whole, adapting to these new restrictive conditions.”

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