You’re ready for a wheelchair ramp. Maybe you or your loved one struggles with the stairs every day, or maybe you’re tired of lifting a wheelchair or scooter up the steps. Whatever your situation, when it’s time for a ramp, you know it. The next question is this: is your home ready for a wheelchair ramp? In order to answer yes, you’ll need to consider the following:
Wheelchair ramps take considerable space. To create an incline that’s safe and comfortable to use, you’ll need one foot of ramp for every one inch of elevation change. So, for a five-inch step, you’ll need to install a ramp that is five feet long. As you can see, ramp length adds up fast, which is why ramps are used primarily for small elevation changes. Take a look at the area near your stairs. Are there landscaping features that would interfere with the ramp? Do you have adequate room to install a ramp at the requisite length?
You can accommodate a longer ramp by configuring it into a u-shape, but this also takes space, and you’ll need to also have a five square foot landing at the curve to make sure the wheelchair user has plenty of room to make the turn. Landings are also a good idea on long, straight ramps. These flat platforms give the user a chance to rest before continuing their climb.
Adequate lighting is perhaps one of the most important safety features you can add to your home. Users will need plenty of light to navigate the ramp. Lighting can be an especially critical consideration if you’re installing the ramp on the side or back of your home where lighting is naturally dimmer. Motion-sensitive lights are a good idea and save energy.
You can’t control the weather, but you do need to take it into account when thinking about a ramp. Because of their size, ramps are typically fully exposed to the weather. This means that users are also exposed while using them. If you live in an area that experiences frequent bad weather, installing a long wheelchair ramp that leaves users out in the wet and cold might not be the ideal mobility accommodation. Additionally, ramps need to be kept clear of ice, snow, leaves, and other debris. A ramp at the side or back of the house that can be covered might be a good option, or maybe a platform lift or other device would be a more practical, comfortable solution.
If you’re considering a wheelchair ramp for home, give Southern Mobility Solutions a call. We carry a variety of ramps in different materials and configurations so you can find what you need. In addition, our team of experts is available to help you assess your home and determine what ramp will best suit your needs. We have all the mobility solutions you need to make life at home easier.
