When a life-changing injury happens, it often comes unexpectedly. But for instances when you know the mobility of a loved one is going to be affected on a long- or short-term basis, making sure your home is ready for their return is critical.
At Whole Home, we know that dealing with such changes, especially when they happen quickly, can be an overwhelming process. That’s why we’ve compiled a checklist of the most important things to consider prior to installing a ramp in your home so that you and your loved ones can remain safe, healthy, and happy.
Make sure you’re securing the right ramp for your home by utilizing this simple checklist:
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK A RAMP?
If navigating your home has become difficult, it may be time to seek out a safety expert like the ones at Whole Home to see if a ramp installation may be beneficial.
In many instances, such as when a loved one is rehabilitating an injury, a ramp rental may be a more cost-efficient solution than the installation of a permanent fixture. At Whole Home, we are able to address both needs, with ramps available for both rental and permanent installation. Consulting with our experts can help you figure out which option is best for both the safety of those in your home and your budget.
EACH STEP COUNTS
How high off the ground will the ramp need to be and what is the door threshold? These are two of the most critical questions that need to be answered when considering the installation of a ramp at your home.
At Whole Home, we assess the slope of the entry point into your home to make sure the ramp provides ample room to enter and exit safely. We follow standard measures of rise vs. run to make sure that the slope of a ramp isn’t too steep for someone to safely maneuver up and down it.
This is also why our team makes sure to consult with prospective clients, as the use of a manual wheelchair (and who is propelling it) versus a power model makes a significant difference in our designs. We may also look to create a sloped sidewalk alongside your home (typically building off of or next to a driveway to a porch) to improve mobility.
WHAT IS YOUR POINT OF ENTRY?
Something that can be easily overlooked is the actual entry into your front door. While it’s easy to visualize needing a ramp to overcome steps, many homes have an additional step up through the door itself; if that step up is 4 inches high or more, it is inaccessible for someone in a wheelchair. In instances like these, we can either extend the ramp platform up to the door threshold or install a threshold ramp to address that step.
Another important question to consider is where the best point of entry for your home is, as it may not always be the front door. Like narrow passageways and slopes, houses on hills come with their own unique challenges, as do yards and other landscaping features. This is why Whole Home will look to find the best entry/exit point into your home to help determine where a ramp will work best.
WHAT MATERIAL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
At Whole Home, we utilize two materials – aluminum and wood – for all of our ramp projects. Each material has its pros and cons, which are worth considering when selecting a ramp for your home.
Aluminum is available for both short-term and long-term usage, and can be installed quickly in emergency situations. In contrast, wood ramps tend to be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but are not available for rental use given the labor involved in their construction. As a natural material, wood also requires more care and maintenance than an aluminum ramp.
UTILIZE TWO WEEKS NOTICE WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Last but not least, if you know that either yourself or a loved one is going to need a ramp, providing advanced notice will always ensure the best service possible. We recommend contacting us about two weeks prior to when a ramp will be needed, as it will allow our professionals to assess your home, conduct proper measurements, and discuss your options.
HELP IS JUST A CLICK OR CALL AWAY
Interested in learning how Whole Home can help you or a loved one safely navigate your home? Call our experts today at (513) 482-5100 to learn about how our ramp rentals and other services can help your family stay safe, healthy and happy at home.
