Top 5 things to consider in selecting a wheelchair ramp

1. Slope – one foot of ramp for each inch of height drop.  An example would be if you had a 12″ drop in height then the ramp should be 12 feet long.  This is especially important to adhere to this rule if they wheelchair user is self propelling the chair.  If you have a 36″ drop in height then usually a porch lift would be a better alternative than a wheelchair ramp.  In addition, a ramp that is more that 15 ft. long should be followed by a 5 ft landing.  The purpose of this landing is permit the wheelchair user or the person pushing the wheelchair a chance to rest before pushing the wheelchair up the balance of the ramp.

2. Transition to Ramp – Many wheelchair ramp builders do not pay attention to the need for a smooth transition as the  wheelchair meets the beginning of the ramp.  It is absolutely critical to have NO bump whatsoever.  If you ever want to prove the importance of this fact get in a wheelchair and try and drive it over any bump.  It is extremely difficult to do.  The reason many ramp builders do not pay attention to this detail is usually because it is difficult for them to build a wheelchair ramp with absolutely no bump. There are basically two ways to do this. One is to submerge the first 2″x6″ into the ground which could take an extra hour or two of work.  If the base of the ramp is concrete then this task could take more time.  The other way to eliminate any bump is cut the 2″x6″ on a “cant” angle which is an angle cut that will result in no bump in the ramp transition.

3. Ramp  Edge – It is important to border the edge each side of the ramp with a 2″x4″ so as to prevent the front casters of the wheelchair from being falling over the ramp side.  This is simple to do yet many ramp builders do not follow this step in the ramp construction.

4. Threshold Height – If you have an existing porch at the upper level, it is critical to increase the porch deck level to be the same height as the door threshold.  Many home owners eliminate this step and do not include their deck as part of the ramp project.  Using a short aluminum ramp to gain entrance to the house is not good solution and defeats the purpose of the entire ramp goal.

5. Non Slip Surface – A ramp must have a non slip surface so that both the wheelchair user and the caregiver can safely propel the wheelchair under rain or snow weather conditions.

Another solution to a ramp may be an exterior stair lift.

Freedom Of Mobility With A Wheelchair Lift

Freedom Of Mobility With A Wheelchair Lift

Many people today have been looking to the purchase of a wheelchair lift instead of the installation of a bulky wheelchair ramp. Having to travel in and out of your home if you use a wheelchair is difficult enough. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you are going to get in and out of your house in a safe manner. This is why a wheelchair lift is a great option for so many people today with limited mobility.

When you find that it is time that you purchase a handicap product such as a wheelchair lift, you need to be sure that you look through all of the types of wheelchair lifts that are available to you today. If you have a hard time leaving your home very often, then you may want to look into the different ways that you can buy wheelchair lifts online. Inclined wheelchair lifts and all sorts of easy to use products can all be found online, and then can be delivered to your door for installation with a simple click of your mouse. This is a fabulous alternative for a person who is unable to travel to a retail location to find the perfect wheelchair lift for their home.

Whether you are looking for a wheelchair lift to use with your vehicle, one to use to get in and out of your home, or both, there are a number of great models with lots of options for you to choose from. Depending on the type of health insurance you have, you might even find that all or at least a portion of the cost of a handicap product such as an inclined wheelchair lift may be taken care of for you. If not, then you will be pleased to know that there are also many great used wheelchair lift retailers and makers out there today that you can work with to get the product that is just right for your needs as well as your budget.

The great thing is, when it comes to all of the home healthcare products on the market today, there are always advances being made in the style and ease of use. Wheelchair lifts are definitely no exception. Many people are finding that the installation of one of the many types of wheelchair lifts on the market is the best decision that they have ever made. If you find that yourself or a loved one could benefit from such a handicap product, then it is something that you should think of looking into!

After you have done all of the proper research on the various models and you end up purchasing your wheelchair lift, it is equally important that you know exactly how the model works. Even if you go through used wheelchair lift retailers and makers or buy wheelchair lifts online, you should still be sure that you can arm yourself with the proper knowledge to run the product smoothly. After all, the proper use and understanding of your handicap product will ensure your safety as well as the safety of others around you.