Are you looking for a new wheelchair ramp to install in your home? While wheelchair ramps can transform everyday accessibility and independence for users, purchasing a ramp can be a financial challenge for many.
In this blog, we’ll answer a common question about wheelchair ramp installation– “Will my medical insurance cover this?”.
Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. While insurance coverage for wheelchair ramps is minimal, plenty of insurance waivers, federal programs, and community resources exist to help reduce the cost of installing a wheelchair ramp in your home.
Read on to learn more about if your specific medical insurance may cover a ramp, as well as additional financial aid options available to you.
Medicare Coverage
Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps? Unfortunately, most of the time the answer is "no". While Medicare plans do classify wheelchair ramps as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), they are not considered to “directly treat a medical condition”, and
Do you or a loved one frequently use a mobility aid but want to live an active and travel-friendly lifestyle? Vehicle wheelchair ramps and vehicle wheelchair lifts make it easy to transfer heavy mobility aids (such as a wheelchair or power scooter) into a vehicle.
In this guide, we'll go over the differences between a wheelchair vehicle ramp vs lift, and which option may be best suited for your needs.
Vehicle Ramp
A sloping surface that allows the mobility device to roll from the ground directly into the vehicle (and vice versa!). Vehicle wheelchair ramps are often used in vans and SUVs, and are best suited for vehicles where the floor is closer to the ground.
Vehicle wheelchair ramps can come in portable, motorized, or manual options.
Vehicle Lift
Vehicle wheelchair lifts effortlessly raise a wheelchair or scooter into the vehicle with the touch of a button. Usually installed in full-sized vans, wheelchair lifts keep the passenger upright throughout the transfer process– no need
Looking for the best alternating pressure mattress or pressure relief mattress for you or a loved one? We’ve got you covered– here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect model of mattress for your needs and budget.
To start, let’s go over exactly what pressure relief and alternating pressure mattresses are and how it can benefit you or a loved one. They are specialized mattresses that are designed to distribute weight and reduce pressure points evenly.
Benefits of these mattresses include:
Improved sleep and help
Prevention of health conditions like bed sores, pressure ulcers, and poor circulation
Spinal support
And more…
While pressure redistribution and alternating pressure can benefit almost everyone, these mattresses are particularly important for users who:
Want to prevent pressure ulcers and bed sores
Experience painful joints
Have problems with circulation
Pressure Relief vs Alternating Pressure Mattresses- What’s the Difference?
Navigating the world of wheelchair ramps can feel daunting at first– what size do you need your ramp to be? What material? How do you know if your ramp meets ADA guidelines?
If you’re unsure of where to start, we highly recommend considering modular wheelchair ramps. These ramps can be highly flexible to your individual, changing needs and offer a balance of cost, durability, and ease of use. They are a great option for both business and residential use.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to buy a modular wheelchair ramp.
Modular Wheelchair Ramp Material
Most modular wheelchair ramps are made from lightweight aluminum. Aluminum ramps are easy to move and install, durable, and rust and weather resistant. They require minimal maintenance and can last for decades, making them an excellent all-around choice.
Benefits of Modular Wheelchair Ramps
Customizable to fit your space: These ramps can adapt to fit your exact space. They can be customized
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).
