by admin | Nov 15, 2022 | Blogs
A wheelchair ramp system is a great solution to increase the accessibility of your house or place of business for wheelchairs or scooters. There are a number of things to think about when assessing your home for wheelchair access through a ramp, such as the installation site and material choice. Ramp systems can be made from a variety of materials, but the most popular ones are aluminium or wood. Here are some things to consider when making a decision between a wood ramp and an aluminium one.
Aluminium Ramps
A metal ramp is dismissed by some homeowners because they believe it would look too industrial and clash with the design of their house. Aluminium ramps, however, have a number of qualities that make them a favorable option. You can now get powder-coated ramps that better complement the appearance of your house or place of work.
Factors to be considered when choosing aluminium ramps:
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Ramps made of aluminium are quick and simple to install. An aluminium ramp may be erected in a day and normally costs $50 per square foot.
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Aluminium ramps are incredibly sturdy and durable and don’t require much maintenance. Plus, aluminium ramps are easy to remove, and they can then be moved or sold.
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Aluminium ramps are frequently available for rental if your requirements are temporary. They also don’t require permits to install.
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Since aluminium ramps are normally deemed temporary, permits are typically not needed. They are therefore put in place over already-existing porches, steps, walkways, and yards.
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They feature built-in feet that rest on the ground. To further distribute the stress on soft surfaces, concrete patio blocks or bricks are placed beneath the pads.
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They also provide outstanding water and snow shedding. Metal ramps, especially aluminium, can withstand the usage of some forms of snowmelt and are less prone to ice formation.
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Aluminium often costs more than steel, making metal ramps more expensive than wood. However, you can get used aluminium wheelchair ramps for sale, making them an affordable option.
Wood Ramps
Some homeowners believe that a wooden wheelchair ramp is the best option since they believe it to be less expensive and more attractive than a metal ramp. Undoubtedly, a properly constructed and maintained wooden ramp may be both attractive and useful.
However, property owners need to consider the following:
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Building wooden ramps takes a lot of effort, time, and resources. A wooden ramp can frequently take up to a week to construct, adding to the hefty labor costs.
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A wooden ramp must be maintained similarly to a wooden deck to keep users safe and keep its beautiful looks. A wooden ramp is more likely to splinter, crack, warp, and fade without it.
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Wooden ramps can become slippery in rainy weather, so safety measures like non-slip treads should be taken into account.
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A wooden ramp cannot be moved and must be removed, which takes a lot of time and labor and often costs money.
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Wood ramps, which are typically regarded as permanent structures, might need survey plats, building permits, and concrete piers positioned below the frost line.
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Wood ramps will decay and need regular repair, even when made of pressure-treated lumber. Ramps in full sunlight suffer from this in particular. Another problem with wood ramps in humid and shaded places is the growth of mold and algae, which is ugly and slick. On these ramps, snow and ice buildup can occur.
Considering the benefits of aluminium over wood ramps, if you decide to buy used aluminium wheelchair ramps for sale, visit our website.
by admin | Nov 12, 2022 | Blogs
Many people with disabilities need to rely on their family members or caretakers for essential help. Going to the bathroom & getting out of bed can be challenging to manage independently. Whereas visiting the top floors or up the stairs is a different story. But with modern times, modern solutions have been discovered. Buying a curved stair lift for sale is one of them.
No matter the shape of the stairs, a curved stair lift allows people to reach the top floors easily. Thus, you won’t have to rely on others to take you around the home. Now, no need to avoid setting foot on the top floors due to your disability. A curved stair lift will make it possible for you.
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Park Stations
If the walls at your home are curved, you would need this feature in the curved stair lift. A 90 or 180-degree park station would make it easier to stop and start your journey from stair landings.
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Safety Measures
If the curved stair lift is not sturdy enough, it can result in a huge hazard. Features like safety sensors, seat belts, power footrests, etc., are critical. In case of any obstructions in the stair lift path, the sensor will stop the ascend. At the same time, a seat belt and power footrest would keep the stance of the person sitting steady. The curved stair lift for sale also comes with a power seat swivel, so the lift can be maneuvered easily.
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Custom Made
There are few curved stair lifts for sale available in the market for those accustomed to curved stairs. The ones from Independent Living Solutions are designed according to the customer’s house layouts. This allows the lifts to be well-acquainted with the stair’s design, making the ride up and down smooth. Through their design, customers won’t need any assistance from others to navigate their way through the house. Customizing the curved stair lift also makes it much safer and more comfortable.
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Added Batteries
In case of a power outage in your area, nobody wishes to get stuck in the middle of their stair ride. Thus, make sure to buy a curved stair lift for sale with internal batteries. In case of no power, charge it through the batteries delivering you to safety in one of the landings. This is a handy feature that can save your life, along with helping you save precious time.
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Lots Of Space
It is one of the most significant issues a family has to live with. The stair lifts give less space for other family members to roam the house easily. Many families have pets who can also find it difficult with the equipment. But buying the curved stair lift for sale online solves this issue perfectly. As these stair lifts are attached closely to the stair’s railing, there is enough space for others.
by admin | Nov 9, 2022 | Blogs
Seniors with limited mobility can move between floors of their homes safely and affordably with the help of a stair lift. If you want a handicap chair lift for stairs fitted in your home, you might be interested in learning how it operates because using it isn’t as simple as you initially thought. There is no need to worry, though. We’ve created a straightforward guide to help you learn how to operate them safely and efficiently after you buy a handicap chair lift for stairs. But first, how to get into the chair?
How to safely get on a handicap chair lift for stairs?
While boarding a handicap chair lift for stairs is similar to boarding any other chair, there are a few things you should watch out for at the bottom and top landings to ensure your safety.
When landing on the bottom of the stairs
Ensure the seat is locked and the armrests are folded down. When you’re prepared to sit down, make sure your knees are touching the front of the seat and that your hands can reach the armrests. Fold the footrest manually with your foot or hand while seated. Using a power folding footrest is advised if the user’s limited mobility prevents them from manually folding the footrest down.
Landing at the top of the stairs
It would be best if you folded down the seat, footrest, and armrests. You can securely sit on the chair by pushing the seat lever to swivel it 90 degrees away from the stairway and lock it into the spot. For a secure descent, buckle up your seatbelt and then reposition the seat.
How to operate a handicap chair lift for stairs
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Take a seat on the stairlift. Never be embarrassed to ask for assistance if you need it.
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Securely fasten the seatbelt on your stair lift. If you lose your balance or the stairlift runs into a barrier, this will keep you safe.
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Get the stairlift ready for the journey. The chair can be locked and turned to face the opposite side of the staircase. Put your feet on the footrest by flipping it downward. Flip down the armrests as well.
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Turn on the stairlift. Usually, one of the armrests will have a rocker switch. The stair lift goes one way when the button is flipped on one side; in the opposite direction when the switch is flipped the other way.
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When you get to the top of the stairs, wait. A handicap chair lift for stairs has an emergency cutoff switch, which will cause it to stop and take you to the opposite end of the stairs if it encounters any obstacles.
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To exit the stair lift, turn the stair lift away from the stairs, unbuckle your seatbelt, and raise the footrest and both armrests.
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After that, get off the stairlift and continue with your day.
Now, you can easily buy a handicap chair lift for stairs and use it efficiently without any problems!
by admin | Aug 25, 2022 | Blogs
Have you stopped climbing stairs without someone’s assistance, fearing you might trip or fall? Perhaps you no longer enjoy moving around the house because of dizziness and loss of balance. If so, it is time to make some changes in your living space and age in place safely and independently. We have accessibility/medical equipment and products you must invest in to decrease the chances of tripping, falling, and injuring yourself and make your place safe enough to move about.
Light up the stairs
Most fall accidents happen on stairs due to poor visibility. Since our vision can get worse as we age, installing stairwell lights is advisable to prevent accidents due to shadows and dark spots and improve safety, particularly at night.
Install a stair lift
Walking up and down stairs is not recommended for aging people because the activity puts pressure on their joints. However, it doesn’t mean they are not allowed to access multiple stories of their house. Investing in a stair lift is wise to avoid climbing stairs and access different levels of the home without effort.
Use a walking aid
Walking aids, like canes and walkers, are easy-to-use mobility products for elderly and physically impaired people. With these accessibility or mobility products, they can comfortably move around without fearing falling or asking someone to give them a helping hand while walking.
Use a wheelchair or mobility scooter
Investing in a new or pre-owned wheelchair is an excellent decision for someone who has recently met with an accident and cannot walk without assistance. Depending on your health condition or injury, you can choose from a wide selection of wheelchairs, from manual wheelchairs to power wheelchairs.
Mobility scooters, on the other hand, are like wheelchairs but are considered vehicles. They are designed for people with decreased mobility due to age or illness. Most elderly prefer mobility scooters over manual wheelchairs to run errands, go shopping, get to their appointments, or meet up with friends without hassles.
Install ramps
Installing ramps is necessary if your property has stairs—at the front door or between rooms— and you use a walker, wheelchair, or mobility scooter, to move around your home. Many people with limited mobility install permanent ramps; others prefer collapsible and portable ramps to transform stairs into a ramp quickly.
Add grab bars and handrails
Adding grab bars and handrails in crucial locations, such as toilets and showers, provides stability and maintains the privacy of aging people with mobility issues. The elderly who always fear tripping due to loss of balance can also consider installing grab bars for improved stability at strategic points in bedrooms, hallways, and other areas they access daily.
Install automatic dorm openers
Switching to automatic doors from standard doors or replacing doorknobs with press lever handles is advisable to improve accessibility in your living space. With these products, you don’t have to put strain to reach out for doorknobs, maintain a grip, or apply effort to open the door, which may cause fatigue or injury.
Add a walk-in bathtub
Aging adults with mobility difficulties can gain a sense of independence and reduce the risk of falling by installing a walk-in bathtub in their bathroom. It’s also an incredible decision to upgrade the shower by adding slip-resistant tiles and additional lights for safety in the shower.
A few changes in the house allow you to age in place independently and give your loved one peace of mind. At Independent Living Solutions, you will find the best accessibility/medical equipment at affordable prices. If you are interested in modifying your living space, call us at 303-463-8200 today.
by admin | Aug 22, 2022 | Blogs
Residential elevators are an excellent way to enhance movements, especially for people with mobility issues. They can use the elevator to access different levels in the house to meet their needs. You can also use the elevator to transport equipment and supplies, including the weekend grocery, luggage, and more. Look for the best residential elevators in Denver and install one in your home or building. It is also advisable to keep a few things in mind when installing a residential elevator, and we will discuss them in the following. Continue reading:
Choose the perfect location to install the elevator.
When installing an elevator inside your home, you will undoubtedly worry about the design of your home. You might not want to ruin the beautiful structure, encouraging you to place an elevator in an inconvenient area. But note that this is about eliminating mobility issues, improving movements, and enhancing independence. It is advisable to look for the perfect spot to install an elevator. Determine where you want to reach through the elevator- whether you wish to go to a specific room or the garage or go outside- and install the elevator accordingly.
Consider the type of elevator you want to install.
Most residential elevators are available in two types- one that requires a hoistway and the other that does not. Consider what kind of elevator you want to install and choose wisely, so it will help serve the purpose. If you’re indecisive about what to choose between the two, pay attention to the following.
An elevator that needs a hoistway: This type of elevator appears as if it is a closet, except that there is an elevator when you open the door. It occupies about 5 x 5 feet of space. The hoistway needs to be load-bearing to hold the weight of the elevator and its occupants or contents.
An elevator without a hoistway: This is one of the most cost-effective elevator solutions and does not require a hoistway. But it needs load-bearing walls and can access a maximum of 2 levels. Unlike the elevator with a hoistway that conceals the elevator cab, this type of elevator is exposed on the level where it was parked.
Look for residential elevators in Denver and discuss your needs with them to help you install the best elevator for your needs.
Prepare your home.
It is advisable to prepare your home before installing the residential elevator. Clear the area where the elevator will be installed. Remove any furniture pieces, structure, or anything to make space for the elevator. Consider organizing your room before the installation process to avoid the chaos that could arise.
Hire the best contractor.
Last but not least, look for the best contractor when installing an elevator to obtain the desired result. Consider looking for someone with experience, skills, and knowledge to ensure safety and a better result.
Elevators are a great way to improve movements and enhance independence. Consider these few tips for installing a residential elevator in your home.
Also, check our website if you’re looking for the best residential elevators to install in your home.
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