An elderly person who has been confined to a wheelchair due to illness or disability has already lost a great deal of mobility and independence. A wheel chair ramp for their home will give them back some independence and confidence. There are literally hundreds of types of wheelchair ramps to choose from that there is one to fit every possible need.
These are some of the choices:
- Fold-away ramps
- Telescoping ramps
- Ramps for houses
- Ramps for vans
- Portable ramps
- Custom-built ramps
- Rubber threshold ramps
- Single-fold ramps
- Modular ramps
- Trifold ramps
- Aluminum threshold ramps
- Pathway ramps
Choosing the right ramp can be a challenge in itself, and using or installing the ramp is another matter. For permanent ramps, a professional should install it to ensure it’s up to safety standards. It must be less than or equal to a maximum rise coefficient to be safe.
Portable ramps may be difficult for the wheel-chair bound senior to negotiate all by herself. She would require the assistance of a helper or caregiver to place the ramp properly and then take it up again after she has safely crossed it.
A feeling of confidence and independence is very important for the aging adult to maintain as much as possible. With the aid of wheelchair ramps, these are conceivable to attain within the bounds of safety to the senior adult.
It is worthwhile to contact several different suppliers of wheel chair ramps and get some advice on the one that will best suit your elderly loved one’s needs. The ramp company should be able to show you all the options which would be applicable, quote you for delivery and installation costs, and ensure that the ramp is installed and working properly. If you are not satisfied with the way they are treating you, or they are not answering your questions in a satisfying way, go with another company.
Your elderly loved one may be hesitant at first to try out the new ramp. Ensure her that it is totally and completely safe. Run it across by yourself first to prove to her it won’t collapse. When she is ready, let her proceed as slowly as she needs to in order to feel comfortable. In no time at all she will be traversing back and forth along the ramp as if she had been doing it all her life. She will grow to love the mobility it brings her.
