Do you rent an apartment, condo, or home and are in need of a wheelchair ramp? Wheelchair ramps can dramatically increase everyday accessibility for mobility device users.
If you would like to install a wheelchair ramp as a renter, you may have a handful of questions, such as:
How do I ask my landlord to approve a wheelchair ramp installation?
Who pays for a new wheelchair ramp?
What wheelchair ramps are best for renters?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about adding a wheelchair ramp to your rented home, so that you can create more accessible, safe pathways for you or loved ones.
The Fair Housing Act
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are required to provide “reasonable accommodations” for tenants with disabilities, so that they ensure all tenants have equal access to housing. This definition of “reasonable” accommodations can vary depending on the situation.
In some cases, reasonable modifications can include allowing the installation of a wheelchair
For many power wheelchair users, this mobility device can be the single most important tool to lead an independent, active, and fulfilling life. However, just like any other device or car, a power wheelchair can occasionally break down, require maintenance, or need to be replaced altogether.
The best time to start planning to purchase a new power wheelchair is before you need one. In this guide, we'll go over the average lifespan of an electric wheelchair, as well as signs to look out for when your mobility device may be reaching the end of its life. Planning ahead gives you the time to research and make an informed decision, rather than rushing into a quick purchase because of a sudden emergency.
How Long Do Power Wheelchairs Last?
The average lifespan of a power wheelchair is around five years. However, this can vary depending on factors like the frequency of use, terrain it’s used on, and how well you take care of it. This lifespan estimate is for the general frame of the chair: other
As we grow older or experience illness, accessibility can play a critical role in visiting new destinations.
If you regularly use a manual or powered wheelchair, power scooter, or rollator, you're all too familiar with the importance of accessibility. There's nothing worse than being excited to visit a bucket list destination or new restaurant, only to find uneven ground that makes it inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Don't let accessibility limitations negatively affect your travel experience. For those unexpected travel situations, you need portable ramps. In this guide, we'll go over how these access ramps can transform your independence while on-the-go.
What is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp?
A portable wheelchair ramp is what it sounds like: a wheelchair ramp designed to fold or disassemble with ease. These ramps are lightweight, offer easy installation, and provide a proactive and flexible solution for overcoming accessibility challenges when traveling.
For customers, loved ones, or anyone with a mobility device, a wheelchair ramp can make a world of difference in everyday life. These ramps let users safely and independently access buildings and places that would otherwise not be possible for them.
If you’re a business owner, installing a wheelchair ramp at your business may be mandatory in order to comply with ADA requirements. But these ramps aren’t just for businesses– consider installing a ramp at your home for greater day-to-day accessibility.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the differences between a temporary vs permanent wheelchair ramp so that you can make the best purchase decision for your unique needs.
What are Wheelchair Ramps?
Wheelchair ramps are platforms that make it easy for people with mobility restrictions to navigate inclines and declines. They can be essential for those who use wheelchairs, power scooters, rollators, and even busy parents with strollers.
An accessible alternative to stairs (and far more affordable
Invested in a ramp? Here is a guide on how to prolong the life of a ramp.
For individuals and loved ones with limited mobility, wheelchair ramps are critical tools to access the world around them. Whether installed in a home setting, or public building, or folded and taken on trips, a wheelchair ramp can provide safety and increased independence for many.
Like any other piece of equipment, it’s important to consider periodic maintenance for your wheelchair ramp. This makes sure it remains safe and functional, as well as can significantly prolong its product lifespan.
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about maintaining your wheelchair ramp– cleaning, proper maintenance, and storage– all to keep it in pristine condition for years to come.
Understanding Your Wheelchair Ramp
Types of Wheelchair Ramps
Wheelchair ramps are constructed from various materials, each with its own unique properties. For example: an aluminum wheelchair ramp is lightweight, while wooden
Business owners and ADA requirements- a guide to navigating ADA compliance.
If you’re a business owner with a physical storefront or office space, it’s important that you understand and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This civil rights law, which was launched in 1990, is a cornerstone of accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities. Under Title III of the ADA, all businesses that are classified as “public accommodations”— a term that refers to businesses that are open to and serve the public— must comply with the ADA.
For business owners with physical spaces, ADA compliance includes ensuring that visitors with a mobility device or mobility limitations can safely navigate your building. In practice, this can mean things like offering accessible parking spaces, installing wheelchair ramps to create accessible routes adding handrail extensions to stairs, and more (also see Med Mart's portable ramps).
For loved ones who struggle with getting in and out of an upright position, something as simple as sitting in a chair can become a daily challenge. Home lift chairs can dramatically improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, offering a way to safely transfer to and from a sitting position without external assistance (just press a button to activate the lift chair motor!).
Whether you're looking for affordable lift recliners or the best comfort chairs on the market, we've got you covered. Read on for a round-up of our top lift chairs, from least to most expensive in order to accommodate any budget.
The Aura Luxe by RizeUp offers a luxurious power lift chair experience at a more affordable price point. Equipped with all of the lift chair features you’ve come to love: zero-gravity mode, a USB charging port, hand controller, and a powerful chair lift mechanism, this chair can support
Do you know what the most dangerous room in your home is?
You may be surprised. Even considering the hot stove and sharp knives in the kitchen, bathrooms are statistically the most accident-prone room in your home.
One report by the CDC in 2008 found that an estimated 234,094 accidents occurred in residential bathrooms every year. These accidents can range from broken bones to serious head injuries.
For elderly individuals or those who struggle with mobility, bathrooms can be particularly tricky to navigate safely due to slippery floors, hard tile, and frequent transfers.
Don’t let you or a loved one become a statistic. Here are some of our top tips to improve the safety and mobility of your home bathroom.
Consider a shower wheelchair
Shower chairs can take the headache out of tricky transfers from a wheelchair to shower or tub. These non-corrosive waterproof chairs are designed to be wheeled directly into and used in the shower– no transfer required.
Have you heard of a geri chair? Designed for individuals with mobility challenges, geri chairs (also known as geriatric chairs or jerry chairs) offer a comfortable and supportive wheeled seating solution beyond typical wheelchairs and recliners. Depending on you or a loved one's needs, they can offer the perfect balance of mobility and relaxation.
Here, we'll explore what a geriatric chair is, different types of geri chairs, and what features to consider when shopping for the perfect chair for your lifestyle.
What is a Geri Chair?
A geri chair, often referred to as a medical recliner, blends the advantages of recliners and wheelchairs. These chairs prioritize comfort and support, featuring adjustable backrests, footrests, armrests, and head supports. Integrated wheels make it a breeze to move users between rooms or through hallways, without transferring to a lift or wheelchair.
While a conventional wheelchair is primarily designed for mobility (getting you from point A to B), a
Medicare Part B typically covers DME that is medically necessary for individuals at home. This includes mobility equipment like manual/power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, rollators, and more.
In all cases, the mobility equipment must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, approved via prior authorization, and the patient must be able to use the device at home. The exact coverage and out-of-pocket costs can vary widely, so it's important to confirm specifics with Medicare or a range for a wheelchair or mobility scooter healthcare provider.
Will Medicare pay for my wheelchair?
Medicare Part B often covers a manual wheelchair or power wheelchair if you have a health condition that limits mobility, and if other aids like canes or walkers are insufficient. You must be able to safely operate the wheelchair or have someone who can.
How do I receive a wheelchair through Medicare?
To get Medicare to pay for a wheelchair, your healthcare
