The Benefits of a Wheelchair Ramp For Home
It can be challenging for people who use mobility aids to climb the stairs. Wheelchair users also have a difficult time getting over the puddles.
Modifying your home by adding a ramp has many benefits. The right ramp for you will be based on your lifestyle and the needs that you have.
Easy Access
Getting in and out of the house is an essential aspect of life for those who use mobility aids. It isn't easy to get over thresholds or stairs without a ramp. You might also find it difficult to move around the house in the event that you can't traverse uneven flooring or puddles that develop during rainy days. These barriers can make it difficult for people who is unable to move around the home. It can be a lonely experience and make them feel trapped in their house. A ramp allows them to leave their home and become socially active in the community.
There are a variety of ramps for wheelchairs you can get for your home that include permanent and portable alternatives. wheelchairramps that best fits your needs will depend on the kind of home you have and the location, as well as how you want to utilize the ramp. For example when your home has two or more steps and is located on a slope or an elevated, you will need a permanent ramp that can withstand the higher rise.
When looking for a portable wheelchair ramp, choose styles that fold or can be separated into sections. This makes it easy to move 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. Look for ramps with non-slip materials and a non-slip surface.
If you decide to go with a permanent ramp, it is crucial to speak with an approved contractor about the kind of ramp that best suits your needs. The slope of your ramp, for instance is vital and must comply with ADA guidelines. The slope is the ratio of ramp length to rise and is usually printed on the ramp in inches per foot. It is necessary to include landings at each end of the ramp, as well as rest platforms every 30 feet along the ramp's length. This allows wheelchair users to break from pushing their wheelchair.
Increased Property Value
A poorly-designed wheelchair ramp could devalue your home. It is possible that the necessity of building a ramp for wheelchairs quickly could be more important than any considerations regarding how it will fit into the landscape of your property. A ramp that is well-designed and blends with your yard can actually increase the value of your house.
You can also make accessibility changes to your home to ensure that it is sold at a reasonable price. Changes like wider doors, levered door handles and faucets, lower light switches and accessible bathrooms can attract buyers who require a home with the ability to accommodate disabled people.
In addition the modular exterior ramp will not require you dig and pour foundations, which is cheaper than a concrete ramp. If you purchase a high-quality product from a reputable retailer such as Lifeway Mobility, your ramp will be professionally installed and covered by a warranty. Some online vendors offer ramps at less however, their prices don't usually include installation, delivery or warranty coverage.
A ramp that is poorly designed can not only reduce the resale value of your home and can create a safety risk for anyone who uses it. Get a professional to assess your ramp if you're concerned about its safety. A ramp expert can inform you the best slope for your home, as well as what kind of surface is ideal for the design of the ramp.
If you install a wheelchair ramp to allow your parents to stay in their home, it will be an benefit if the ramp you install is attractive and looks good with the rest of your home. If it doesn't make a statement, you might not get a decent price on your house when it comes time to sell it. It will be much more easy to sell your home if you have a gorgeous ramp rather than an unintentionally designed ramp that looks like a shambles.
Reduced Risk of Falls
It can be difficult to walk up the stairs if you have mobility problems. Uneven surfaces pose danger for anyone and can cause falls, which are particularly hazardous for wheelchair users. Fortunately, ramps eliminate these barriers and reduce the chance of injury for those who depend on mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. Ramps are generally designed to be safe and easy to use by anyone, including young children who are pushing baby carriages or parents who have injured loved ones.
A top-quality ramp is built to blend in with your home's architecture and will not affect your property value. It is an excellent option for resale, as many buyers are willing to pay a premium for a house that is accessible to those in their family who require wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
The best ramps have a low slope, which makes them easier to navigate and safer. The ADA recommends the ratio 1:12 for ramp slope which means that for every inch of rise, the ramp should include 12 inches of run or length. Additionally, ramps should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs as well as people in it. The ramps must have flat surfaces on both the top and bottom to allow sitting.
Alongside enhancing independence for individuals with mobility issues ramps can also foster unity within families by eliminating the feeling of loneliness that may arise when it's difficult for all members of a household to leave and enter the home without assistance. Ramps can also make family outings easier for those who use wheelchairs. They can allow people to participate in activities that they might not be able to take part in otherwise.
Contact a mobility expert in your area for more information on how a ramp can help you and your family. Many non-profit organizations, like Habitat for Humanity run volunteer programs to help with the cost of installing ramps for wheelchairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a variety of counseling and financial resources for qualified veterans to help them with home improvements like ramps.
Increased Independence
The climb up stairs can be challenging for those who use wheelchairs or other aids to mobility. Even if family members and friends are willing to help, it can be a physically exhausting job, and it can put the person at risk of losing their balance and could result in serious injuries. A wheelchair ramp eliminates these obstacles and gives individuals a greater sense of independence.
Wheelchair ramps can also make it easier to visit friends and neighbors which boosts social interaction and strengthens connections within the community. People with mobility issues who aren't able to move about their homes without the assistance of loved ones can be isolated and feel like they are forced to remain at home. Ramps enable these individuals to get out and about, whether they are going to visit their friends, shop, or attend an activity.
In addition, a ramp for wheelchairs offers an easier and safer method of entering the home particularly in wet weather conditions. Many people who use a wheelchair or other mobility device have trouble navigating water puddles because they could easily become stuck and be unable to move around freely. Ramps are a safe and efficient way to enter areas of your home, for instance the front entrance.
A wheelchair ramp is an excellent investment for homeowners due to the above benefits. Additionally, the installation of a ramp may increase the value of your home's resale and makes your home more appealing to buyers looking for accessibility features.
If you are interested in buying a ramp for your wheelchair, contact All American Mobility to learn more about the advantages of these products as well as the financial assistance options available to assist with the cost. The company can guide you through the process of applying for Medicare supplemental coverage (TRICARE for life), CHAMPVA, and TRICARE for life to cover this home improvement. The company also has a comprehensive list of programs that could aid in the cost of wheelchair ramps. The directory is accessible through their website and serves as a useful resource for those in need of help.