When buying a lift chair, as with buying anything else, you want to be sure that you get the best quality, at the lowest possible price. You may wonder about purchasing a used lift chair to save potentially hundreds of dollars off the price of a new one. When choosing your lift chair, however, there are some points to be addressed as far as used versus new.

Although a new lift chair may seem like an expensive purchase, buying a used one may ultimately be just as expensive, if not more. For instance, if the motor stops working, you will pay over $300 to purchase a new one. That is without the hand lift control, if you need both, then your price will be closer to $400. Keep in mind, this is only for the part, you may also need to pay a repair man to install the new motor, which may set you back another $100 or so.

Considering that you may have saved a couple hundred dollars off the price of a new chair, this does not seem like such a bargain after all. You also need to consider that you can not be certain of the true condition of a used lift chair. You may be told that it is in pristine condition, however, you will not fully be able to judge the condition until you have used it. There will also likely not be a guarantee with a used lift chair, as you will receive with a new one. If something goes wrong with a new lift chair, you can rest assured that it will be repaired, or replaced if necessary, at no cost to you. With a used chair, you do not get a guarantee of functionality.

You should also consider the cosmetic condition of the chair. A used lift chair may have worn places and/or holes that will reduce the attractiveness of the chair. Of course, appearance is not the reason that most people use in their decision to purchase a lift chair, however, if you are spending hundreds of dollars on this chair, then you obviously want it to look as good as possible. Speaking of appearance, most people who purchase lift chairs choose colors that will accent their current home décor. When buying a new lift chair, you can be assured of many choices in colors and styles in which to match your new chair to your current furnishings. If you choose to purchase a used chair, your choices of colors and styles are decreased considerably.

Saving money is never a bad thing, however, saving money on something that you truly need, only to be disappointed with the result can be very frustrating. Before you decide to purchase a used lift chair, keep in mind the overall problems a used chair may possess, as well as the fact that, in the long run, you may just end up spending more to repair a used chair than you would have spent purchasing a new one.

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There are several bathtubs on the market today specially designed for handicapped bathers.  Many have special features that allow those with special needs to use the tubs without assistance.  Purchasing one of these handicapped bathtubs can allow your loved one to regain their independence and dignity.

One of the more popular types of tubs is the “walk-in” bathtub.  This tub is usually designed to fit in about the same space as a traditional bathtub, but allows the user with mobility issues to step into the tub through a gate-like door.  Allowing the user to step into the tub reduces injuries caused by climbing over the wall of a traditional tub.  Additionally, the walk in bathtub is designed with a seat and handheld shower head for convenient and safe use. The user does not need to lower themselves to the floor, only onto a seat. After sealing the door with a knob or button, the bather can relax comfortably and safely and take advantage of optional features like hydrotherapy, temperature control and self-drying features.

Those with more severe mobility limitations and wheelchair users may appreciate another popular handicapped bathtub model.  On these models, the doors open outward to make them even easier to use, and the “sit and pivot” style allows wheelchair users to transfer themselves to the tub with ease.  Popular features can be installed, and these units also offer temperature control, optional whirlpool or hydrotherapy features and safety bars.

There are companies that will convert your existing bathtub for handicapped use as well.  These conversions often involve cutting a door into an existing bathtub or reducing the outer wall and installing steps.  The reviews of these conversions have been mixed, and if safety is your primary concern, a bathtub designed for handicapped use is most likely your best choice.

Providing your handicapped loved one with a bathtub designed for their use can help them live a more independent life, while ensuring their safety and dignity.