Life is uncertain because things change. One of those changes comes in the form of health challenges, some of which affect mobility. Maybe you’re aging, and getting up the stairs into your home isn’t as easy as it used to be. Maybe your parents are aging, and they’re coming to live with you, requiring you to make accessibility modifications to your home. Or maybe an illness or injury has occurred that’s prohibiting access to your home. Regardless of the cause, the solution is a ramp.
Wheelchair ramps are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, ramps are available in varying materials, lengths, slopes, and features to help users achieve a perfect fit. The following is a close look at the criteria used to choose the right wheelchair ramp:
The required length of the ramp is determined by the vertical rise that needs to be overcome. A ramp that is too short will have a slope that is unsafe or too difficult to manage. Longer ramps have easier slopes, but homes often don’t have the space to accommodate a shallow slope. Finding the right length with the right slope is critical.
To determine a target length for your ramp, you need to do the following:
Your ramp should meet the following guidelines:
Residential Unoccupied Use (the patient is not sitting in the chair or scooter while it climbs):
For these ramps, the recommendation is a slope and length of 3:12. This means that for every 3 inches of vertical rise, the ramp needs to be 12 inches long. For example, stairs that are 6 inches high need a 2-foot ramp.
Residential Occupied Use (The patient is sitting on the wheelchair or scooter as it climbs):
When the ramp is used by a patient riding on the mobility device, the slope needs to be shallower. A 2:12 slope is recommended. For every 2 inches of rise, 12 inches of the ramp is required. For the same 6 inch step described above, an occupied use ramp would need to be 3 feet long.
Commercial Use:
Ramps on a commercial property must comply with Americans with Disabilities requirements of a 1:12 slope. Important Note: While this requirement doesn’t apply to residential properties, many homeowners choose to follow them.
Regardless of your circumstances, never install a ramp that has a slope steeper than 3:12.
Wheelchair ramps come in a variety of different types, each suitable for a different set of circumstances.
Free-standing ramps may be temporary or permanent. They are a sturdy and long-lasting solution to accessibility challenges.
Wood:
Wooden ramps are permanent as they are custom constructed to fit a specific location. Wooden ramps have concrete footings to hold them in place. They require work to build, but they can be constructed to match the design aesthetics of the structure. Wooden ramps require maintenance to prevent rot and need anti-slip devices to provide traction in wet conditions.
Aluminum:
Free-standing aluminum ramps often come in modular designs, making them a highly versatile solution. Users can purchase variable numbers of sections that can be used to configure a ramp that fits the site. Aluminum ramps can be set up and taken down quickly and easily reconfigured if necessary. They’re not as attractive as wooden ramps, but they’re easier to maintain.
Portable wheelchair ramps are built to be lightweight and, well, portable. You can take these anywhere to assist with loading in vehicles, navigating stairs, or negotiating entryways. Portable ramps such as wheelchair ramps for vans feature handles for easy carrying and foldout designs that facilitate easy transporting in vehicles.
Full-width: Full-width ramps are able to support the heaviest mobility devices without a problem. They come in single or multi-fold models, and feature raised side rails for extra safety.
Track ramps: These folding or telescoping ramps feature dual runner ramps that can be placed any width apart to accommodate a variety of chairs or scooters. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport and store.
Threshold ramps are built to bridge very small vertical changes such as those found at thresholds. They can be used in homes to assist with height changes between rooms as well as outdoors at curbs or single steps.
Contact Southern Mobility Solutions today to talk about the many ramps we have available. Regardless of your circumstances, we have a solution that will help you or your loved one live at home comfortably and with ease.
