Making your home accessible and convenient for people with mobility issues can seem challenging if you have never done it before. Yet with the right tools and know-how, it doesn’t have to be!
Modular wheelchair ramps are an affordable and simple solution that can help make your home more accessible and comfortable for everyone. Let’s take a quick look at what modular wheelchair ramps are and how you can use them in your home.
Benefits of Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Modular wheelchair ramps are manufactured in multiple sections for easy assembly and installation. Modular wheelchair ramps offer a variety of benefits for homeowners looking to increase accessibility in their homes, including the following:
• Easy to assemble and install
• Cost effective
• Durable
• Adjustable
• Portable
These kinds of advantages make modular wheelchair ramps an ideal option for homeowners looking for a versatile solution for their mobility needs.
Types of Modular Wheelchair Ramps
You can choose from three main types of modular wheelchair ramps: permanent, semi-permanent, and portable.
Permanent Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Permanent modular wheelchair ramps are designed to be installed in one unchanging location and are best used in places with high traffic such as main doorways or stairs with a low number of steps. These ramps offer the most durability and stability but require the most time and money to install.
Semi-Permanent Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Semi-permanent modular wheelchair ramps are designed to be installed temporarily and can easily be adjusted or moved as needed. These ramps are a great option for homeowners who need to make their space accessible but don’t want the commitment of installing a permanent ramp.
Portable Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Portable modular wheelchair ramps are designed to be lightweight and easily transported from one location to another. These ramps are perfect for people who need the flexibility of using a ramp in different locations.
Where to Buy Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Modular wheelchair ramps can be purchased from local accessibility stores or online retailers. Many specialty stores have modular wheelchair ramps in stock, allowing you to shop around for the best prices and selection.
When searching for a ramp online, look for DME (durable medical equipment) providers in your area. These types of suppliers typically carry many types of equipment for accessibility needs.
Learn more about buying modular wheelchair ramps here.
How to Install Modular Wheelchair Ramps
The installation process for modular wheelchair ramps depends on the type of ramp you have chosen.
Installing Permanent Modular Wheelchair Ramps
1. Measure the area where the ramp will be installed and make any necessary adjustments.
2. Assemble the ramp sections according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually involves securing the ramp sections in place with screws, bolts, or other fasteners.
3. Check for proper installation by leveling the ramp with a leveler tool.
4. For outdoor ramps, be sure to secure the ramp to the ground with anchors or stakes.
Installing Semi-Permanent Modular Wheelchair Ramps
The installation process for semi-permanent modular wheelchair ramps is similar but does not include the step of securing the ramp to the ground with anchors or stakes since these ramps are designed to be moved or adjusted as needed.
Installing Portable Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Portable ramps do not require any fasteners since they are designed to be lightweight and easily transported from one location to another. Instead, the ramp should be placed on a flat surface such as a driveway or sidewalk for easy access by wheelchairs or scooters. We recommend safely testing the stability of the ramp before allowing others to use it.
Maintenance of Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Please keep the following maintenance and safety tips in mind if you decide to install modular wheelchair ramps in your home:
• Inspect your ramp regularly for any signs of wear or damage and make necessary repairs as soon as possible.
• Keep your ramp clean and free from debris that could cause slipping or tripping hazards.
• In winter months, inspect your ramp for signs of ice accumulation that could cause slipping hazards and use deicer or sand as needed for traction control.
• In summer months, inspect your ramp for signs of warping or buckling due to excessive heat and humidity.
• Always make any necessary repairs or adjustments as soon as possible.
Omicelo Health
Modular wheelchair ramps are an affordable and easy solution for homeowners looking to increase accessibility and safety in their homes. If you have any questions or are uncertain about the stability of any ramp in your home, be sure to consult with a professional installer or contractor who is familiar with accessible home modifications.
You can also contact the team at Omicelo Health. We are happy to provide answers or guidance for finding and choosing a ramp, hiring someone to install it, or finding financing options for your home improvements.
