It's The Ugly Truth About Wheelchair Ramp For Home
Wiki Article
The Benefits of a Wheelchair Ramp For Home
The climb up and down stairs can be a hassle for people who use mobility aids. Getting over puddles of water could be a major issue for wheelchair users.
Modifying your home by adding ramps can have many advantages. Choosing the right ramp is dependent on your personal requirements and your lifestyle.
Easy Access
Getting in and out of the house is an essential aspect of life for those who use mobility aids. Without a ramp, it is often challenging to maneuver over steps or step-over thresholds. It can be difficult to get around outside of the home when you are unable to traverse uneven flooring or puddles of water that may occur in rainy weather. These barriers could prevent people with limited mobility from leaving the home, which can be isolating and make them feel like they are confined to their home. With a ramp, they have an opportunity to leave their home freely and allows them to be active in the community.
There are a variety of ramps for wheelchairs you can get for your home including permanent and portable alternatives. The type of ramp that is best for you is determined by the size of your house, its location, and how you plan to use it. For example when your home has two or more steps and is located on a hill or an elevated, you will need a permanent ramp capable of handling the higher elevation.
If you are looking for ramps that are portable choose ones that fold or separate into sections to keep it small and easy to transport when not in use. There are ramps which can be adjusted to different distances, allowing users to use the same ramp for multiple heights. Look for ramps with non-slip materials and a nonslip surface.
If you decide to install an unremovable ramp, you need to speak with an approved contractor about the kind of ramp that will best meet your requirements. For example the slope of your ramp is vital and must be in line with ADA guidelines. The slope is the ratio between the rise and the length of the ramp. It is usually written on the ramp in inches per foot. You will need to add landings at each end of the ramp as well as rest platforms every 30 feet along the length of the ramp. This will allow wheelchair users to break from pushing their wheelchair.
Increased Value of Property
If a ramp for wheelchairs is not properly designed it could detract from the value of your home. It is possible that the need to construct a wheelchair ramp quickly can outweigh any considerations about how it will integrate into the landscape of your property. A ramp that is well-designed and blends in with your yard can actually increase the value of your home.
You can also make accessibility changes to your home, which will help preserve its resale price. Modifications such as widened doors levered handles for doors, levered door faucets, lower light switches and accessible bathrooms will attract buyers who want a house with the ability to accommodate people with disabilities.
A modular ramp for exterior use is cheaper than a concrete one since you won't have to dig foundations or pour concrete. If you choose a quality ramp from a reputable dealer such as Lifeway Mobility, your ramp will be professionally installed and backed by a warranty. Online sellers may offer ramps for cheaper prices however, their prices do not typically include delivery, installation or warranty coverage.
A poorly designed ramp could not only lower the value of your home, but also create a safety risk for anyone who uses it. If you're worried about the safety of your ramp, ask an expert to come out and assess it. A ramp expert can inform you what slope is right for your home, and which kind of surface is ideal for the design of your ramp.
The ramp you build to help your mom or dad remain in their home will be an asset if it is attractive and reflects well on the rest of your home. If it doesn't look attractive, it could be difficult to negotiate an appropriate price for your home when it's time to sell. If you have a nice ramp it will be much easier to sell your house than if it's poorly designed and looks like a mess.
Reduced Risk of Falls
If you have mobility issues the climb up stairs can be a challenge. The uneven surfaces pose a risk for everyone, and could result in falls that can be especially harmful for wheelchair users. However, ramps eliminate these barriers and lower the chances of injury for those who depend on mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. Ramps are generally designed to be safe and simple to use by anyone for children, even those who push babies on carriages or parents with injured loved ones.
A professional will build ramps that blend with the architecture of your house and doesn't reduce its value. It's also a viable option for reselling as many people are willing to pay more for a house that is accessible to family members who require wheelchairs or website other mobility assistance.
The best ramps have a low slope, which makes them more user-friendly and safer. The ADA recommends a ratio of 1:12 for ramp slope, meaning that for every inch of rise, the ramp must contain 12 inches of length or run. Furthermore, ramps must be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and people who use it. The ramps should have flat surfaces on both the top and the bottom to allow sitting.
In addition to improving independence for individuals with mobility issues ramps can also foster family unity by removing the feeling of isolation that can occur when it is difficult for everyone in a family to get into and out of the house without assistance. Ramps can also make family trips more accessible to those who use wheelchairs, and can help them engage in activities that they might otherwise have been unable to take part in.
Speak to a mobility specialist in your area for more information about how a ramp could benefit you and your family. Many non-profit organizations, including 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 improvements like ramps.
Increased Independence
For people who use walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids getting up and down stairs can be a major obstacle. Even if family members and friends are willing to assist, it can be physically exhausting and put the person at risk for serious injuries. A ramp for wheelchairs removes these challenges and gives people the confidence to be independent.
Wheelchair ramps can also help people visit friends and neighbors which enhances socialization and helps strengthen connections within the community. Individuals with mobility issues who are unable navigate their homes without assistance from their loved ones may feel isolated and feel like they have no other choice but to stay at home. Ramps let these individuals go out whether to shop or visit friends or go to an event.
Additionally the ramp for wheelchairs provides a safer and more comfortable way to get into the house, especially during wet weather conditions. Many people who use a wheelchair or other mobility device struggle to navigate water puddles because they can easily get stuck and be unable to move around freely. Ramps provide a convenient and safe strategy to access areas of the home such as the front door, making it easy to access.
As a result of the advantages mentioned above, a wheelchair ramp offers an excellent return on investment for homeowners. The installation of a ramp for wheelchairs can also help to boost the value of resales and make your home more appealing to potential buyers looking for accessibility features.
If you're interested in buying a ramp for your wheelchair and ramp, call All American Mobility to learn more about the benefits of these products and the financial assistance options that are available to help you pay for 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 the home modifications like this. Additionally, the organization maintains a comprehensive directory of programs that could help with the cost of a wheelchair ramp. The directory is available on their website and serves as a useful resource for people needing assistance.