The notion of bringing a medical lift chair into your home may seem intimidating to some. After all, they are niche devices meant to help out with the users’ mobility. Good news is, lift chairs have come a long way since they were invented in the 1980s. Not only do they feature new technological advancements, but in terms of style, lift recliners can seamlessly blend into your existing home décor. But are lift chairs worth it?
So, is buying lift chairs worth it?
The decision to purchase this device is a personal choice. However, if you or a loved one are finding it increasingly challenging to sit down or get up from your sofa, then purchasing a lift recliner might be absolutely worth it. It can even change your life.
These handy devices help you find a comfortable spot on which to read, watch TV or socialize in your living room. In addition, their smooth motors safely push you up or lower you into your seat. A lift chair can return much of your independence – making the decision to purchase one well worth it.
This leads us to questions about how to best access a Lift Chair. Since they are medical devices, do customers get any financial brakes? Here are the answers to your most asked questions:
Are Lift Chairs Covered by OHIP?
The short answer is no – lift chairs are not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). The Province of Ontario does not offer funding for Lift Recliners. This does not mean, however, that there are no ways to save when you purchase these medical devices. Read ahead to find out how…
Are Lift Chairs Tax Deductible?
Lift Chairs are Medical Devices, which means that in Canada they ARE tax deductible. However, you need to meet certain conditions outlined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for you not to pay tax when you place your order.
The most important condition for saving your tax is that the lift chair must be “supplied on the written order of a specified professional for use by a consumer named in the order”. This written order by a Doctor, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist must contain the following information:
- The individual’s name
- The specified professional’s signature and date
- Confirmation by the professional that the individual has a disability that the features in the lift chair can address.
- The written order should be separate from any order form or invoice against which the chair is supplied.
Once the customer obtains this information, there are two different ways to receive a tax break on the purchase of your lift chair recliner:
How to Get a Tax Break on the Purchase of a Lift Chair
a) Tax Exemption at the Time of Purchase:
If you have obtained the above official written note and make it available to store staff, the device will be considered a medical expense. This means that you will not be charged tax on the chair when you purchase it.
b) Apply for An HST Rebate:
If by the time you need to purchase your device you have not secured a professional’s note, you will be charged HST. However, once you receive the professional’s note, you must attach it to your purchase invoice and a filled out form for the General Application for GST/HST Rebates (GST189 E 20). You will send this documentation over to the indicated Tax Centre in the form to receive a direct tax rebate.
What is the warranty on Lift Chairs like?
Warranty terms of lift chairs from Pride Mobility and Golden Technologies are 7-years. That means that once you decide to purchase a medical lift chair, you can have the peace of mind that these devices are built to last. Unlike regular furniture recliners, our lift recliners are meant to be used daily and for extended periods of time. They feature beautiful and durable medical-grade fabrics and sturdy frames to ensure your peace of mind.
Bringing a lift chair into your home is now easier than ever. With a wide range of available, in-stock options, money-saving tips and excellent, worry free warranty terms, purchasing a lift chair for yourself or a loved one is a great decision. Have questions? Email us at info@vitalmobility.ca to learn more.
