When looking for different types of adaptations for your home for wheelchair use, you will come across a wide variety of ramps and steps. Wheelchair ramps are an essential addition to your home if you are now using a wheelchair. But, a ramp that leads up to your door may not be the only ramp you need. If your door has a threshold, albeit a small one, you will need a wheelchair threshold ramp. These types of ramps are two-sided, and are commonly found in public buildings where there is a raised step at the entrance.
The best material for a wheelchair threshold ramp is rubber. They are extremely popular, hard wearing, durable and simplistic in design. Metal threshold ramps are noisy, they will not cushion any blows if you fall, and they can rust when left outside for extended periods of time.
Wheelchair Threshold Ramp : Simplicity
A rubber threshold ramp provides you with the simplest of designs. The height at which the ramp is set can be adjusted, depending on the size of the threshold. Even the smallest of thresholds require a ramp. 4mm may not seem much to someone not in a chair, but it presents a physical barrier that stops you entering if you are in a chair. Threshold ramps are designed to be placed at both sides of your door, and they can in strips.
These strips are easy to put together and you won’t battle with complex instructions. All you need to do is line up your threshold ramp. Alternatively, all your experts to do this for you; your ramp can be left in place once installed. Your threshold ramp will also be easy to take up, should you need to. For example, if you are going away on holiday, you may like to take up the side of the ramp that is external to your door and store it inside for safe-keeping.
Versatility
A wheelchair threshold ramp is versatile. It will fit all heights of smaller steps, and it can be easily modified to fit over more difficult thresholds. Even if your door has multiple thresholds or ridges, this type of ramp can still be used. One strip of ramp can be laid over another, providing a safe way to get in and out of your home.
Rubber is an excellent choice of material for your threshold ramp. It is hard wearing, quiet, and strong enough to be used with mobility scooters too. Also, if your threshold is smaller than average, you can simply order smaller strips that will fit in place. Rubber ramps can hold up to impressive weights, approximately 500 kg, and made from recycled rubber, they are also environmentally friendly.
The ridged surface of a rubber threshold ramp will create traction, ensuring that your wheelchair will not slide up or down, even in wet weather. This is extremely important when one portion of your ramp will be left outside.
Other Adjustments
Once you have found the threshold ramp that is perfect for your home, you may like to think about other adjustments for your home. Life in a wheelchair doesn’t have to be complex, and you can easily make your home chair-friendly.
Firstly, take up any loose rugs and make sure you have enough space to get around in your chair. A coffee table in the middle of the room will not be practical, unless you have plenty of room to get around it.
Make sure that everything you will need on a daily basis is easy to reach. Things can be brought down from top shelves for you, and in your kitchen, you may like to have everything left on the top of work surfaces. If you are able to stand up in your kitchen, then a half step with handles or grab rails is an excellent purchase. A step will allow you to reach to the back of counters, and even to cook meals. When cooking however, extra care should be taken, and whilst you are getting used to using a mobility aid you should always have someone with you when using kitchen appliances.
Adapting to life in a wheelchair is easier when you learn to embrace change. If you are trapped in your home because you can’t get over the threshold of your door, you will quickly feel useless. Investing in a threshold ramp is a must if you wish to remain independent, and with the price of a ramp being affordable, no one should ever have to suffer and become a prisoner in their own home.