The Benefits of a Wheelchair Ramp For Home
It can be challenging for people who use mobility aids to climb steps. Wheelchair users can also have a difficult time getting over puddles.
Making your home more accessible with ramps can provide a wide array of advantages. Choosing the right ramp is dependent on your personal needs and lifestyle.
Easy Access
For those who use mobility devices, getting to and from their home is an important aspect of everyday life. It can be difficult to navigate through stairs or thresholds without ramps. It can also be difficult to move around your home in the event that you can’t navigate uneven flooring or puddles which develop during rainy days. These obstacles can make it difficult for someone with limited mobility to leave the house. This can be isolating and make them feel trapped in their home. Having a ramp gives them the ability to leave their home freely and allows them to be active in the community.
There are many kinds of wheelchair ramps for your home. They include permanent and portable options. The type of ramp that’s right for you is determined by the size of your home, its location and how you plan to use it. For instance the case where your home has two or more steps and is located on a hill or an elevated surface, you will require a ramp that can handle the higher elevation.
If you are looking for a portable wheelchair ramp, choose styles that fold or can be divided into sections. This will make it easy to move and store when not in use. There are van ramps for wheelchairs that can be adjusted for various distances, allowing you to use a single ramp for multiple levels. For safety, you should look for ramps with a non-slip surface and are made from lightweight material.
It is crucial to consult an authorized contractor to determine the right kind of ramp for your needs. For instance the slope of your ramp is crucial and must be in line with 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 will need to add landings at either end of the ramp as well as rest platforms every 30 feet along the length of the ramp. This will allow users with mobility aids to stop and take a break from propelling their wheelchair.
Property Value Increasing
A poorly designed wheelchair ramp can devalue your house. The need for fast funding to build a ramp can be a distraction from the way it fits into the landscape of your property. A ramp that is well-designed and blends with your yard can actually boost the value of your home.
There are other accessibility improvements that will increase the value of your home. Modifications like widened doors, levered faucets and handles for doors, lower lighting switches, and accessible bathrooms will attract buyers who require a house that can accommodate disabilities.
Additionally, a modular exterior ramp 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. Some online vendors offer ramps for less however, their prices do not usually include delivery, installation or warranty coverage.
A ramp that is poorly designed could not only lower the value of your home, but could also create a safety risk for anyone who uses it. Get a professional to assess your ramp if you’re worried about its safety. A ramp specialist can tell you the slope that is suitable for your home, and what best type of surface is suitable for the ramp design.
The ramp for wheelchairs that you build to assist your dad or mom remain in their home is an enormous asset if it is attractive and reflects well on the rest of your house. If it isn’t, you may not get a decent price on your house when it’s time to sell. If you have a nice ramp, it will be more easy to sell your home than if it’s poorly designed and looks like a mess.
Reduced Risk of Falls
It can be difficult to climb the stairs if you have mobility problems. Uneven surfaces are dangerous for anyone, and can lead to falls that are especially harmful for wheelchair users. Fortunately, ramps remove these obstacles and decrease the chance of injury for people who depend on mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. Ramps are designed to be easy to use and safe for all including infants pushing carriages, and parents who have an injured loved one.
A high-quality ramp is professionally built to blend in with the architecture of your home, and won’t detract from your property value. It’s also a good option for resale as many people are willing to pay more for a house that is accessible to family members who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance.
The best ramps are designed with a low slope to make them safer and easier to use. The ADA recommends a slope ratio of 1:12, which means that every inch of rise has to be accompanied by 12 inches of run. Ramps should also be wide enough to accommodate both a power wheelchair ramp and the person using 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 enhancing independence for individuals with mobility issues Ramps also promote unity within families by eliminating the feeling of isolation that can arise when it’s hard for all members of a household to enter and exit the house without assistance. Ramps can help make family outings less difficult for those who use wheelchairs. They allow people to participate in activities they wouldn’t be able to take part in otherwise.
Talk to a mobility professional in your area for more information on how a ramp can help you and your family. Many non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity run volunteer programs to help with the cost of installing a wheelchair ramp. In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a number of counseling and financial services to assist veterans in completing home modifications, such as ramps.
Increased Independence
It can be a challenge to climb stairs for people who use wheelchairs or other aids to mobility. Even if family members and friends are willing to lift them, this can be a physically demanding task, and often puts the person at risk of losing their balance and could result in serious injuries. A wheelchair ramp eliminates these challenges and gives people a greater sense of independence.
Wheelchair ramps make it easier for people to visit their friends and neighbors. This increases socialization and improves connections between communities. People with mobility problems who are unable to move around their homes without the assistance of their loved ones may feel feeling isolated and feel that they are forced to stay at home. Ramps enable these individuals to be out and about, whether they are visiting friends, shop, or attend an activity.
A wheelchair ramp is also more comfortable and a safer way to get into your home, especially during rainy weather. Many people who are using wheelchairs or any other mobility device struggle to navigate water puddles, as they can easily get stuck and be unable to move freely. Ramps are a safe and secure method of entering areas of your home, like the front door.
Because of the benefits mentioned above, a wheelchair ramp offers an excellent return on investment for homeowners. The installation of a wheelchair ramps for home ramp can also increase the value of your home’s resales and increase the appeal of your home to buyers who are seeking accessibility features.
Contact All American Mobility if you’re interested in learning more about the advantages and financial assistance that are available for ramps for wheelchairs. The company can guide you through the application process for Medicare Supplemental coverage (TRICARE for life), CHAMPVA, and TRICARE for life to help pay for this home renovation. In addition, the company maintains a comprehensive directory of programs that could help with wheelchair ramp expenses. The directory is available on their website and serves as a useful resource for those needing assistance.