The Benefits of a Wheelchair Ramp For Home
It can be a challenge for those who use mobility aids to get up the stairs. Getting over puddles of water can also be a major problem for wheelchair users.
The addition of a ramp provides a wide range of advantages. The ideal ramp for your needs will depend on the lifestyle and requirements that you have.
Easy Access
The ability to get in and out of the house is a vital aspect of living for those who use mobility aids. It isn't always easy to walk across thresholds or stairs without ramps. It is also difficult to get around outside of the home when you are unable to get over uneven flooring or the puddles of water that can occur during rainy weather. These barriers can stop those with mobility issues from leaving the house, which can be isolating and make them feel as if they are trapped in their house. A ramp allows them to leave their home and become socially active in the community.
There are many kinds of ramps for wheelchairs that you can install at your home. They include permanent and portable options. The type that best fits your needs depends on the kind of house you live in and its location as well as the way you want to utilize the ramp. For instance, if your house has more than two steps and is situated on a slope or an elevated, you'll need a permanent ramp that can handle the higher rise.
If you are looking for a portable ramp for wheelchairs, choose styles that fold up or divided into sections. This makes it easy to store and transport when not in use. There are ramps that can be adjusted to different distances. This allows you to use the same ramp for different heights. For safety, you should look for ramps that feature a non-slip surface, and are made from lightweight materials.
It is crucial to consult an approved contractor to determine the best type of ramp for your requirements. For instance the slope of your ramp is crucial and must conform to ADA guidelines. The slope is the ratio of ramp length versus rise and is typically written on the ramp itself 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 will allow wheelchair users to take a rest from pushing their wheelchair.
Increased Property Value
A poorly designed ramp for wheelchairs could devalue your home. It is possible that the necessity of building a wheelchair ramp quickly can overshadow any considerations regarding how it will fit into your property's landscape. A ramp that is well-designed and blends in with your yard can actually enhance the value of your home.
You can also make accessibility changes to your home to preserve its resale price. Modifications like widened doors levered door handles, levered doors and faucets, lower light switches and accessible bathrooms can attract buyers looking for a property that can accommodate disabled people.
In addition an exterior ramp that is modular will not require you dig and build foundations, which will be less expensive than a concrete ramp. If you purchase a high-quality product from a reputable dealer such as Lifeway Mobility, your ramp will be professionally installed and covered by a warranty. While online vendors offer ramps at a lower cost however, their prices don't include delivery and installation or warranty coverage.
A poorly designed ramp can not only reduce the value of reselling your house and can be a danger to those who use it. Consult a professional to examine your ramp if you're worried about its safety. A ramp expert can inform you the best slope for your home, as well as what best type of surface is suitable for the ramp design.
If you put in a wheelchair ramp to allow your parents to stay in their home, it will be an advantage if the ramp is attractive and blends with the rest of your home. If it doesn't, you may not get a decent price for your home when it's time to sell. It's much easier to sell your home if you have a gorgeous ramp compared to an unintentionally designed ramp that looks like an eyesore.
Reduced Risk of Falls
If you have mobility issues the climb up stairs can be very difficult. Uneven surfaces can be dangerous for anyone and can cause falls, which are particularly dangerous for wheelchair users. Fortunately, ramps remove these barriers and lower the chances of injury for those who depend on mobility aids, such as 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 ones.
A quality ramp is designed to blend into your home's architectural style and will not affect the value of your property. It is an excellent option for reselling because many people are willing to pay more for a home that is accessible to those in their family who need wheelchairs and other mobility assistance.
The best ramps are designed with a low slope to make them safer and easier to navigate. wheelchair ramp incline recommends a slope ratio of 1:12, meaning that every inch of rise has to be followed by 12 inches of run. Also, ramps should be wide enough to fit a wheelchair and someone in it. They should also have an even surface at the top and bottom of the ramp, to provide an area for resting.
In addition to improving mobility for those with mobility issues ramps can also foster the unity of families by eliminating the feeling of loneliness that may arise when it's hard for everyone in a family to get into and out of the house without assistance. Ramps can make family outings more enjoyable for people who use wheelchairs. They allow them to take part in activities they would not be able to participate in otherwise.
For more information on the ways a ramp for wheelchairs can help your family, speak with a local mobility expert. Many non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, also run volunteer programs that assist with the costs associated with the installation of a ramp. The Department of Veterans Affairs also offers a variety of counseling and financial services for veterans who are able to assist those who need home modifications including ramps.
Increased Independence
For people who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids climbing stairs can be a huge obstacle. Even if family members and friends are willing to assist with the stairs, it can be physically exhausting and put the person at risk of serious injuries. A ramp for wheelchairs removes these obstacles, giving individuals an increased sense of independence.
Wheelchair ramps make it much easier for people to visit their friends and neighbors. This helps improve socialization and strengthens community connections. Individuals with mobility issues who are unable navigate their homes without assistance from family members or friends family members may feel lonely and feel like they have no other choice than to stay home. Ramps enable these individuals to get out and about, whether they are visiting friends or shop, or go to an event.
Additionally, a ramp for wheelchairs offers a safer and more comfortable method of entering the home especially in rainy weather conditions. Many people who use a wheelchair or other mobility device struggle to navigate water puddles, as they are prone to get stuck and be unable to move around freely. Ramps are a safe and efficient way to enter areas of your home, such as the front entrance.
A wheelchair ramp is a fantastic option for homeowners due to the benefits mentioned above. Additionally, the installation of a ramp could aid in increasing the value of your home's resales and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers looking for accessibility features.
Contact All American Mobility if you're interested in learning more about the benefits and financial assistance for wheelchair ramps. The company can also help you through the procedure of applying for Medicare supplemental coverage, TRICARE for Life, and CHAMPVA to help pay for modifications to your home like this. The organization also maintains a comprehensive directory of programs that can assist with the costs of a wheelchair ramp. The directory is accessible through their website and is an excellent source for those in need.