The Benefits of a Wheelchair Ramp For Home
It can be difficult for those using mobility aids to navigate steps. Wheelchair users also have a difficult time clearing puddles.
The addition of ramps offers a broad variety of benefits. The right ramp to choose is dependent on your personal requirements and your lifestyle.
Easy Access
The ability to get in and out of the house is an essential aspect of life for those who require mobility aids. Without ramps, it's often difficult to get over stairs or step-over thresholds. It is also difficult to move about outside the home in the event that you cannot get over uneven flooring or puddles of water that may occur during rainy weather. These barriers can stop someone with limited mobility from leaving the house and could be a source of isolation and make them feel like they are confined to their house. A ramp lets them leave their home and be active in the community.
There are a variety of wheelchair ramps for your home. They include permanent and portable options. The one that best suits your needs will depend on the type of house you have and the location, as well as how you want to utilize the ramp. If your house is on a hill with two or more steps, and you're looking to install ramps that is able to handle this, you'll need one that can handle this higher rise.
If you're looking for a wheelchair ramp that is portable look for ones that fold or can be divided into sections. This makes it easy to transport and store when not needed. You can also find ramps that can be adjusted to different distances. This lets you use the same ramp for different levels. For safety, you should look for ramps with an anti-slip surface and are made of lightweight materials.
It is crucial to consult a licensed contractor to determine the right kind of ramp for your requirements. The slope of your ramp, for instance, is very important and must meet ADA guidelines. The slope is the ratio of ramp length versus rise and is typically written on the ramp itself in inches per foot. You'll also have to include landings at the ramp's ends and a rest platform at every 30 feet of the length of your ramp. This allows wheelchair users to break from pushing their wheelchair.
Increased Property Value
A poorly designed ramp for wheelchairs could devalue your house. It is possible that the need to construct an accessible ramp in a short timeframe could be more important than any considerations regarding how it will integrate in with the landscaping of your property. A ramp that is well-designed and blends with your yard can actually enhance the value of your house.
There are other accessibility modifications that will preserve the value of your home. Modifications like widened doors levered faucets, levered door handles, lowered light switches and accessible bathrooms will attract buyers who need a home that is able to accommodate people with disabilities.
Additionally the modular exterior ramp will not require you dig and lay foundations, and will be less expensive than concrete ramps. If you purchase a quality ramp from a reputable store such as Lifeway Mobility your ramp will be professionally installed and covered by an insurance. Some online vendors offer ramps for a lower price however, their prices do not typically include installation, delivery or warranty coverage.
A poorly-designed ramp can not only lower the value of your home, but also present a risk to anyone who uses it. Ask a professional to evaluate your ramp if you're worried about its safety. A qualified ramp specialist will be able to inform you the correct slope for your property and what type of surface is best suited for the ramp's design.
If you install a wheelchair ramp to help your parents stay at home, it's an benefit if the ramp you install is attractive and blends with the rest of your home. If it isn't make a statement, you could find it difficult to get a fair price for your home when it is time to sell. If you have a nice ramp it will be much easier to sell your house than if it is poorly designed and looks messy.
Reduced Risk of Falls
If you're disabled and have difficulty navigating stairs, it can be extremely difficult. Uneven surfaces can be dangerous for anyone, and can lead to accidents, which are especially dangerous for wheelchair users. However, ramps remove these barriers and decrease the risk of injuries for those who depend on mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. Ramps are designed to be easy to use and safe for everyone, including children pushing baby carriages and parents with injured loved one.
A professional can construct a ramp that blends in with the design of your home and doesn't affect its value. It's an excellent option for reselling, since many people will be willing to pay more for a home that is accessible to those in their family members who require wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
The best ramps are designed with a low slope to make them easier and safer to use. The ADA recommends a ratio of 1:12 for slope of ramps, meaning that for every inch of rise, the ramp must comprise 12 inches of run or length. Ramps must also be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and the person in it. They should also have a smooth surface at the top and bottom of the ramp, to provide space for resting.
In addition to enhancing independence for individuals who have mobility issues ramps can also foster the unity of families by eliminating the feeling of isolation that can occur when it is difficult for all members of a household to get into and out of the home without assistance. Ramps can also make family outings more accessible for those who use wheelchairs, and they can assist them in engaging in activities they would otherwise have been unable to participate in.
For more information on how a ramp for wheelchairs could help your family, consult with a local mobility professional. Many non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity run volunteer programs to help with the cost of constructing ramps for wheelchairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a range of counseling and financial resources for qualified veterans to help them with home modifications like ramps.
Increased Independence
It can be a challenge to climb stairs for people who use wheelchairs or other aids to mobility. Even if family and friends are willing to lift them, this can be a physically exhausting task, and often puts the person at risk of falling off balance and sustaining serious injuries. A wheelchair ramp eliminates these challenges and gives people an increased sense of independence.
Wheelchair ramps can also make it easier to visit neighbors and friends, which improves socialization and strengthens connections within the community. People with mobility issues who aren't able to navigate their homes without the assistance of loved ones can be isolated and feel like they are forced to stay at home. Ramps enable these people to go out, whether it's to shop, visit friends, or attend activities.
A ramp for wheelchairs is an easier and safer way to enter your home, especially in wet weather. Many people who are using wheelchairs or other mobility device have trouble navigating water puddles as they could easily become stuck and be unable to move freely. Ramps are a safe and convenient way to gain access to areas of your home, like the front door.
A wheelchair ramp is an excellent investment for homeowners because of the benefits mentioned above. Additionally, the installation of a ramp may increase the value of your home's resale and makes your home attractive to potential buyers who are looking for accessibility features.
If you are interested in purchasing a wheelchair ramp then contact All American Mobility to learn more about the advantages of these products as well as the financial assistance options that are available to assist with the cost. The company can also guide you through the procedure of applying for Medicare Supplemental coverage, TRICARE for Life and CHAMPVA to help pay for a home modification such as this. portable ramps for wheelchairs has an extensive list of programs that could aid in the cost of wheelchair ramps. The directory is available on their website and operates as a valuable resource for people in need of help.