When a Wheel Chair Lift Ramp is Needed

By A. M. Kelly

When a wheel chair becomes part of a family – a permanent disability is discovered, an accident occurs or an elderly relative comes to live – many changes must be made. You have to look at your home and lifestyle with new eyes. The few stairs that lead to a raised porch once meant a good view or separation from snow and rain.

Now they act like a moat, keeping even those who belong in the home from accessing without a heroic battle. A doorway enhanced by woodwork was once an architectural asset and is now a narrow portal sure to make life miserable. The entry way table that was so convenient for dropping keys and mail is now a blockade. Area rugs, high counters and light switches out of reach have all turned from “home, sweet home” to an unfriendly obstacle course. A few adjustments can help.

Ramps and Lifts

Riding through life may seem like a dream come true, unless you live in a land designed for the walking, running and standing. For many, a simple ramp can be added to the porch steps. Porches with stairs were obviously not intended for wheelchair use. A ramp is longer than a staircase because it’s not as steep. In many cases, there isn’t enough free space for the traditional ramp.

A wheel chair lift ramp might be added since the lift part works vertically instead of on the basis of an incline so it needs less distance to accomplish its job. Usually, the wheel chair lift ramp is used for exterior staircases, entrance to a van or bus, or for almost situation in which it is necessary for a wheel chair and its occupant to be lifted or lowered to another level.

When only the occupant needs lifting and lowering, other tools can be used. Handrails next to the bath tub work nicely. If only an extended reach is needed, rods and grabbers can be used. An extendible rod can reach a light switch. A reaching tool can be used to pick things up from the floor or down from a shelf. When the occupant of a wheelchair needs to ascend to the second floor, a chair lift can be used – unless the chair is needed upstairs too. A wheel chair lift ramp can be installed inside, too.

It can automatically carry the wheelchair and the person in it up to a higher floor where the wheelchair can be used. A wheel chair lift ramp is often available for public transportation. A phone call can make sure that one is available. Whether it’s needed to enter a plane, boat or train, a wheel chair lift ramp truly helps the wheelchair bound traveler to “get around.”

Author Details:
A. M. Kelly writes for various web sites including The A-Z of Wheelchairs and other information portals such as information junkie and the A-Z of.com

Source: Site Content by Simply Top

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