Members in the family having limited mobility may find it difficult to go around the house without using mobility aids. For individuals who are dependent to using a walker, scooter, or wheelchair can move comfortably within the confines of your home if you have either a ramp or a vertical platform lift (VPL) installed. However, not all people are familiar with the VPL and its function. Hence, having it installed would be out of the list.
A ramp is a slope path designed for wheelchairs. Ideally, it should have a slope ratio of 1:12 or 1 foot distance for every inch of rise. Installing a longer ramp that rises up to 4 feet will require extra space, and this means extra cash in your pocket. If you have no allowable space for the ramp, it would be difficult to estimate how long and how stiff the slope should be, making it an impractical choice. Wheelchair ramps can be best installed to limited spaces and for homes with one-level floors. Owners of split type homes, with a short staircase, sometimes prefer ramps designated for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair ramps let people with mobility problems enjoy complete freedom in the home. They have the liberty to move to any point in the house. Though it is a cost-effective solution to access doorways, raised landings, steps, or sliding doors, it still depends on the architectural design of your home. Whether you are willing to install a ramp or not depends on the accessibility of areas in the house.
On the other hand, a vertical platform lift would be a better choice because there are situations that they can work better than wheelchair ramps. An ideal VPL cost goes around $6,000, excluding renovation requisites. VPLs can move at a height of 14 feet but with limited capacity, usually designated for a single wheelchair-bound rider. A VPL has basically two sidewalls and a gate. Similar to a mini-elevator, VPLs have automated controls. Further, they can be installed inside or outside of the house, whichever you think is perfect for its use. VPLs installed outside are usually connected to a deck, porch, or staircase.
If space and aesthetics are of an issue, you can choose VPL. Besides, most users like them to be installed in the garage, perhaps to better protect against the outdoor climate. In case you find VPLs quite pricey, then a wheelchair ramp will solve the problem.
Get help from the experts
To get a better deal and more information on VPLs or residential vertical platform lift and wheelchair ramps, a licensed mobility dealer will provide free assessment and installation services. At Delta Accessibility, a licensed mobility solutions company, will be happy to give visit your property and give you an assessment. Contact us now and start discussing your plans of adding an assistive device in your home.