3 Top Wheelchair Ramp Alternatives
Wheelchair ramp alternatives may be necessary in some homes when installing a permanent ramp is unfeasible for any reason. The layout of your home, a lack of space, the temporary nature of a residence, or conditions leading to a very steep ramp could make a permanent ramp impractical.
The top wheelchair ramp alternatives include platform lifts, stairlifts, and portable wheelchair ramps. These options can be both cost-effective and practical for many wheelchair and mobility device users.
1. Platform Lifts
Vertical platform lifts consist of a platform that rises and descends to transport a person from one level to another. Platform lifts can be installed outside the home to get up onto the deck or porch or inside the home to get a wheelchair upstairs and downstairs safely.
Platform lifts offer a great solution for wheelchair users, people who use mobility devices, and elderly or disabled people who may wish to avoid going up and down the stairs on foot.
Platform lifts come in many different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. Some prefer an open lift while others opt for a fully enclosed model. Porch lifts work in much the same way as platform lifts but are exclusively designed for outdoor use.
Advantages of a Platform Lift
Platform lifts offer several benefits:
A platform lift needs much less space than a wheelchair ramp. For homes without enough room to install a ramp or too steep of an incline, this is a big plus.
Lifts may be preferable for heavier people whose carers find it challenging to push them up a ramp.
Lifts can be safer than ramps as they move at the push of a button. In contrast, ramps require effort to traverse.
Factors that Influence the Model of Platform Lift Chosen
There are several factors that are used to determine which lift is most appropriate for you. Take the following into account:
Whether you would prefer an enclosed or unenclosed lift.
The lift must be able to reach the height of the stairs.
The weight capacity is an important factor. The lift must be able to raise the user, any mobility devices they use, and potentially a carer as well.
The platform must be big enough for the user's wheelchair and the caregiver.
Consider the safety features. Some models include features like a handrail, lighting, an emergency telephone, and/or safety gates.
Things to Consider When Installing a Vertical Platform Lift
When installing a vertical platform lift in your home:
Have the lift installed by a professional.
Make sure you have a spare battery.
Take weather into consideration when installing an outside lift. People in cities with cold winters like Denver, Colorado may benefit from a roof to cover the platform.
2. Stairlifts
12.1% of Americans have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. For these people, stairlifts can be a great solution.
Stairlifts are often installed in the house but can work well outside too. Whereas in a platform lift people are raised in their wheelchairs or holding onto their mobility aid, a stairlift user sits in the chair independent of their mobility device.
Stairlifts are safe because the rider is secured in the seat. They can be a good option in many homes as they come in straight and curved options, meaning that most stairways can be fitted with a stairlift (curved stairlifts usually need to be custom-made).
Because stairlifts require the rider to sit in the chair, they aren't suitable for people who aren't able to move or hold themselves up independently. They may therefore be more appropriate for elderly or disabled people who can transfer into and out of the chair unaided.
Important Considerations
Stairlifts can be a solution for some but not all. Bear the following in mind when considering a stairlift:
Wheelchair users should think carefully about their ability to transfer themselves onto and off the seat of the stairlift.
Wheelchair users would need a wheelchair at the top and bottom of the lift to transfer into and out of.
A stairwell width of 36 inches is generally needed to install a stairlift.
Always keep a battery backup. The stairlifts we stock in our Denver showroom are fitted with a backup battery that will take the chair up and down the staircase around 40 times before it needs to be recharged.
3. Portable Wheelchair Ramps
A portable wheelchair ramp may be a good alternative to larger ramps that take up space on your property. Portable wheelchair ramps offer slightly different benefits than traditional wheelchair ramps and are appealing to people who don’t have room for a large ramp.
Portable Wheelchair Ramps vs. Traditional Ramps
There are several reasons some households favor portable ramps over traditional wheelchair ramps:
Easy installation. Installing a full-length ramp can require extensive construction work. Portable ramps don't require any assembly and are installed quickly and easily.
Budget-friendly. Portable ramps have a lower upfront cost.
Multi-use. For homes with more than one entry or exit, portable ramps could be a better option because they can be moved from door to door. They can also be a more logical solution for getting up small obstacles like one or two steps.
Safe. The best portable wheelchair ramps provide safety features that can make your experience of using it as safe as a traditional ramp.
Consult an Expert to Find the Best Wheelchair Ramp Alternative
The best alternative to a traditional wheelchair ramp will depend on your specific situation. That's why it's best to ask for help from experts who will advise you on your options, taking your personal circumstances and budget into account.
Maintaining independence and mobility is a priority for most people, so the choice you make is an important one. Research each of the options carefully and enlist the help of professionals who can help you select the best solution, install it in your home (if required), and train you in its proper use.