The house that my parents live in has 4 steps. They are quite old, age 77 and above and my mum uses a wheelchair. I’m not too sure if I should get a wheelchair lift or ramp as the lift will definitely be more costly. Any help will be great, thank you!
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I think there is many aspects to this decision. First would be what you mentioned - finances. Second would be your requirements in terms of height, etc and third would be your restrictions in terms of space to install the device, etc.
1. Finances – a lift would definitely be more expensive that a ramp
2. Requirements
· Consider the height of your stairs. Ramps are best for low rises (up to 182cm) and lifts fits most rises.
· Consider user ability. Lifts are easy to use for most users while ramps may not be as user friendly to manual wheelchairs.
· Consider duration of need – do you only require the ramp/lift for a short period only? If so, a ramp may be a better option than lifts.
3. Restrictions
· Do you have a limited space to install the ramp/lift? If there is a limited space, perhaps a lift is a better option since it generally occupies less space than ramps.
· Are there laws or restrictions in your neighbourhood that restricts certain modifications? Some neighbourhoods prohibit the installation of ramps as it requires more space and may affect the aesthetics of the area. Be sure to find out if there are any restrictions to installation of such devices before proceeding.
Bottom line is, there is many aspects to consider and only you would know your situation and requirements best. Perhaps it is also wise to contact providers who sell such installations to find out more. There’s also a useful article from this provider: https://www.thegoldenconcepts.com/blogs/choosing-the-right-products/frequently-asked-questions-about-ramps.
Hope this helps cheers!