Blog

With summertime approaching, everyone wants to get outside their homes and enjoy the beautiful warm weather. For someone with a mobility issue, that may be easier said than done. Now is a great time to start thinking about what changes you can make to your home so you can get in and out of it safely. There are two recommended solutions to make getting in and out of your home easier: porch lifts and ramps. Keep reading to find out which solution is better fitted for you and your home! 

Porch Lifts 

Porch lifts, also known as deck lifts, wheelchair lifts, inclined platform lifts, and vertical platform lifts, are mechanical platforms that ascend a few feet off the ground. They enable wheelchair users to enter and exit the platform mechanically or vertically rather than using a ramp.  

Porch lifts take up less space and can be easily installed near a preferred entrance to the home. If a deck or porch is not already built, a porch lift could also be placed in the garage. Porch lifts also come with a long list of safety features. They include safety gates that can be added to auto-lock when they are not at either the top or bottom of the travel. These gates ensure that wheelchairs stay on the platforms while they are in motion. The platforms are designed to be slip-resistant as well. Users also have full control over the up and down control buttons. If the user or his/her caregiver releases the button, the VPL stops. 

Inclined platform lifts, like the Atlas AC-105, are a great lift option when you want a smooth, stable ride that takes up minimal space. These lifts are easy and fast to install and are extremely durable offering a lift up to 550lbs. Learn more about this product here.  

Wheelchair Ramp 

Wheelchair ramps are meant for people with a lot of space or for those that do not have a very high entrance to their home. Building codes require 1 foot of ramp for each inch of rise. So, if you have a 24″ rise, you will have to build your wheelchair ramp at least 24′ long. That does not include an interim landing if needed. The longer the ramp, the more expensive it becomes. Another thing to consider with a ramp is the weather. If you are in an area with extreme weather, such as lots of snow and rain, a ramp may not be the best solution. Extreme weather will result in more maintenance to make sure that the ramp is cleared. Ramps may be a great solution for someone who needs a ramp for a brief period. Here at Eco Medical Equipment, we can rent ramps to individuals for as long as they need. 

A great option for a wheelchair ramp is the QRamp. QRamp is a simple access ramp system that is designed for quick assembly while providing exceptional safety and also looking nice on your home. If you require a wheelchair, walker or scooter ramp or simply something to make getting into the house easier, QRamp is the safest option out there. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind product here.  

With summertime approaching, more people are thinking about how they can get outside more often. Beat the rush and contact Eco Medical Equipment now to find the best solution. If you have any other questions about what solution is the best for you, please feel free to contact us today.