There are many factors that affect the cost of specialist seating. The range of functions, features and technologies a chair has will affect the overall price, but these are not essential for every user. It is much more valuable to make sure you have the right type of specialist seating to suit the needs of the user as this will outweigh the costs of the initial investment in the long-run. In this blog, we’ll look at the factors that affect how much specialist seating costs and what options there are to make specialist seating more affordable.
Factors that affect the cost of specialist seating
Type of chair
The range of specialist seating on the market is huge, with chairs that cater for individuals with a wide variety of needs. Individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions such as motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease need chairs with specialised functions that offer enhanced comfort and support, such as the Cura Legacy chair. These chairs will tend to sit at the pricier end of the market (around £3000). At the other end of the scale, you will find more basic seating options, such as orthopaedic chairs like the Primacare Pembroke High Back Chair. These chairs still offer good support but without any additional motorised features and will typically cost around the £1000 mark.
Features and functionality
Technical features on specialist chairs, such as Tilt-in-Space, are important for many users. These functions serve a purpose, helping to relieve pressure sores and provide additional comfort and support. The Tilt-in-Space function is manually adjusted on most chairs, however, there is an option to have a motorised Tilt-in-Space function on chairs such as the Kirton Duo, CareFlex HydroTilt, CareFlex HydroFlex and CareFlex SmartSeat Pro 2. This allows the user to have independent control over the Tilt-in-Space function. There is also an automatic setting which regulates the chair so it tilts itself very slowly over a period of time. Because of the advanced technology involved, choosing the motorised option will add to the cost of your seating. You can find out more about the different options in our blog on the importance of the Tilt-in-Space function.
Bespoke customisation
Many individuals require customised seating solutions to address their unique needs. This could involve adjustments in dimensions, materials or additional features such as pressure relief cushions or postural supports. The level of customisation required will impact the overall cost, as bespoke solutions often come with a higher price tag due to the tailored nature of the product.
Add-on accessories
Most specialist seating options come with an optional range of accessories that are designed to give greater usability and independence for the user. These include items such as lap trays to aid activities and leisure, as well as fittings for communication aids, ipad mounts and side pockets for storage. Accessories that aid postural support, such as pommels, chest harnesses, footplates and backrest options, are also available. Adding accessories will add to the cost of your specialist seating but will also add to the user’s overall enjoyment of their equipment.
How to make specialist seating more affordable
Choose free installation and ongoing support
Specialist seating is a long-term investment so it is important you have exactly the right equipment from the outset. At Premiere Healthcare we take extra care to make sure you have the specialist seating model that works best for you and your environment, whether that’s for a care home, a hospital or a private customer.
Our service begins with a free specialist seating assessment where we assess your needs and the environment where the chair will be used. This allows us to highlight a number of different specialist seating models from a range of manufacturers that we believe will suit your long-term needs. Once a model has been chosen, our specialist seating team will arrange delivery and installation.
Our aftercare service is equally customer-focussed. We have a dedicated support team available should there be any issues, our chairs come with a two-year manufacturers’ guarantee during which time any faulty parts can be replaced free of charge, and we offer ongoing servicing contracts to help keep your equipment in top condition.
Rental options can offer good value
Specialist seating can range from around £1000 (for the Primacare Monza Contract Express) to around £5000 (for the Cura Contour) if you buy the item outright. Renting provides a solution that is more affordable for customers in the short-term. Many of the chairs at Premiere Healthcare are available for rent, some from as little as £12 a day (plus VAT). Renting also comes with additional benefits, such as flexible payment options for long-term rentals or for multiple rentals. Rental chairs can also be easily upgraded if a user’s needs change, and there is no need to worry about repair costs – if the chair needs servicing or develops a fault, we will provide a replacement model free of charge.
Look for discounted prices in our clearance brochure
We publish a list of discounted specialist seating options in our clearance brochure. These might be discontinued items or models that have been updated. We update the brochure every few months so you can often find models from top specialist seating brands at great value.
Contact us to discuss your specialist seating budget
We don’t believe that cost should be a barrier to accessing the right specialist seating for your client. That’s why we offer different options depending on your circumstances. If you are in need of specialist seating and would like to discuss more, please call our team.
