Handicap Ramps

How to Choose a Wheelchair Ramp for Stairs

July 31, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

When shopping for a wheelchair ramp for stairs, you’ll quickly realize there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are many options— so many, in fact, that it may be overwhelming for a first-time buyer. This article will help you decide which is the best option for you.

Choosing the Right Size

The first thing to consider when choosing a wheelchair ramp for stairs is the amount of space you have available. The length of the ramp is usually calculated using a 1 inch to 1 foot (1”:1’) ratio. For example, if the entry point is 10 inches above the ground, then the minimum recommended ramp length is 10 feet. If the entry point needed for a wheelchair ramp for stairs is higher than a few feet, using turns will help to conserve space while keeping the incline at a safe and manageable level.

Choosing the Right Material

The two primary choices for wheelchair ramp material are wood and aluminum. Williams Lifts only carries aluminum ramps and you’ll understand why after I describe the differences between the two types.

Wooden wheelchair ramps are arguably the more aesthetically pleasing between the two because they can be designed to match the exterior of a home. That’s where the benefits end, however, and when personal safety is on the line you don’t want to choose form over function.

The problem with wooden ramps is they’re more difficult to build, more difficult to install, and require more frequent maintenance to prevent the wood from rotting. Not to mention the maximum weight capacity is less compared to aluminum.

Aluminum wheelchair ramps, on the other hand, are easier to install and require less maintenance. Unlike wooden ramps, aluminum ramps can be easily modified and adjusted. They’re also easier to remove, if needed, which is helpful if the user eventually plans to move or sell their house.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair Ramp for Stairs Specifications

In order to ensure safety, it’s important that a wheelchair ramp meets these minimum specifications recommended by the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.

A 5 by 5 foot landing at the top and bottom of the ramp.
A maximum run of 30 feet before a turn or platform.
A minimum width of 36 inches.
Handrails that are at least 34 inches high.

Williams Lifts offers a wide variety of wheelchair ramps for indoor stairs and outdoor stairs, as well as wheelchair ramp installation services. We also offer a portable wheelchair ramp for stairs which require no installation at all.

One of the best ways to ensure you’re making the right choice is to take advantage of our wheelchair ramp for stairs rental service. For an affordable monthly fee and no commitments, you can get a wheelchair ramp in your home today. We rent the same wheelchair ramp models we sell, so if you are satisfied with your selection you can purchase the same model for long-term use.

For more information about wheelchair ramp rentals, please contact us with any questions you may have.

Portable Wheelchair Access Ramps

April 15, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

For the ultimate on-the-go mobility solution, pair a wheelchair with one of our portable wheelchair access ramps. A portable ramp will help ensure you have the equipment needed to overcome thresholds while on the go.

Unfortunately, wheelchair accessibility is not a given everywhere we go. You don’t want to be unprepared in those situations. Arm yourself with one of the best portable wheelchair ramps and reclaim your independence.

Portable wheelchair ramps for homes are an ideal solution for those who have friends or family with accessibility needs. Having a portable ramp on hand means wheelchair accessibility will be available when it’s needed.

Portable wheelchair ramps for steps help an individual to easily navigate thresholds, curbs, and difficult entrances. They’re easy to store, easy to transport, and require absolutely no installation. Portable wheelchair threshold ramps fold up after use and have built-in handles for carrying from one place to another. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, built with safety and traction in mind.

Portable Wheelchair Access Ramps: EZ-Access Suitcase Signature Series

At Williams Lifts we are proud to offer one of the top portable wheelchair access ramps on the market. The Suitcase Signature Series from EZ-Access has several innovative design enhancements, including:

No-pinch, non-protruding, full-length live hinge
Ergonomically designed handles
Extruded tread for superior traction
Aluminum body
800lb weight capacity
Designed for wheelchairs and scooters
Available in 2’-8’ lengths

In addition, you can get a Suitcase Signature portable wheelchair ramp with a platform. These ramps have a self-adjusting bottom transition plate, which allows users to easily move from the ramp onto any surface. On top of these standard features, portable wheelchair access ramps can be outfitted with optional extensions depending on your individual needs. For example, a top lip extension can be added to a suitcase ramp which extends the top lip from 3” to 9”. This allows the ramp to clear the bumper of most SUVs and vans. Please inquire about other optional features if you have a need for something that is not listed here. Unfortunately, we do not carry portable wheelchair ramps with handrails.

With a lifetime warranty and made-in-USA craftsmanship, portable wheelchair ramps from EZ-Access are an investment you only need to make once. However, if you believe you’ll only need a ramp temporarily, we offer plenty of low-cost used portable ramps as well.

Suitcase Signature portable wheelchair ramps from EZ-Access come in three different styles:

Singlefold: A single unit that can be folded over once when not in use.
Singlefold AS: A single unit that can also be separated into two sections. Can be folded over once when not in use.
Trifold AS: Features longer ramp lengths and a unique, three-fold design for greater portability. Can be used as one or two units.

Portable Wheelchair Access Ramps: In Summary

You can depend on Williams Lifts for all your mobility needs. Please inquire about our portable wheelchair ramps. Keep in mind we offer several flexible options for getting you a ramp today, include buying new, buying used, or renting a ramp on a temporary basis. Get the equipment you need to reclaim your independence.

Aging in Place Technology: Aging in Place Home Modifications to Help You Live at Home Longer

January 1, 2018 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Aging in place technology is designed to help seniors stay in their own home as they get older. This is accomplished with a combination of modern day devices as well as aging in place home modifications.

In this article, I will go over several pieces of technology that are key to independent living, as well as the different modifications that can help seniors move through their home without any obstacles.

Aging in Place Technology & Aging in Place Home Modifications

Seniors have greater access to aging in place technology today than ever before. This includes high-tech monitoring systems and personal gadgets that can help seniors live independently. In addition to providing numerous benefits to the individuals using the technology, it also provides peace of mind to family members. Moreover, it’s much more affordable to invest in aging in place technology compared to moving into an assisted living environment.

Here is an overview of some of the key pieces of aging in place technology that every senior should have in their home.

Sensors
Smart sensors can be placed around the home to alert family members and caregivers of a loved one’s activity. So instead of calling dad to check whether he’s been up, had his breakfast, and taken his pills— motion sensors placed in the living room, kitchen, and medicine cabinet can reassure you that everything is ok.

Emergency Pendants
An emergency pendant is a piece of technology, usually worn as a necklace, that can be pressed in case of an emergency. Emergency pendants can be programmed to call either 911 or a family member. With one press of a button, a call is made and either 911 or a family member is alerted that something is wrong.

Electronic Medication Dispensers
An electronic medication dispenser also acts as a medication reminder system. It sets off an alarm when it’s time to take medication, and dispenses exactly what is needed for that time of day. This will help ensure medication is taken as required throughout the day and a dose is never missed.

Video Calls
Internet-connected videos cameras are now as common as telephones. They’re on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even built into some computer monitors. A video call can be a much more effective way to keep in touch with family members without having to leave the home. Doctors are even seeing patients via video calls these days, which can eliminate another need to leave the house.

Home Modifications by Williams Lifts

Aging in place home modifications refers to the type of products and services Williams Lifts specializes in. Modifications can be made to a senior’s home to help him or her overcome various obstacles. This can include tools such as stair lifts to get up and down stairs easier, or modular ramps for entering and exiting the home in a wheelchair.

Here is a list of different kinds of aging in place home modifications, along with links where you can get more information about them.

In Summary

A combination of aging in place home modifications, and technological devices, can help seniors live comfortably in their own homes well into their old age. For more information about the home modifications offered by Williams Lifts, please request a free brochure or contact us directly.

Where to Find Help Paying for an Affordable Wheelchair Ramp

December 1, 2017 By williamsadmin Leave a Comment

Getting the equipment you need to regain your mobility shouldn’t have to be a burden on your wallet.

There are a number of options available for acquiring an affordable wheelchair ramp, and we will go over them for you in this article.

If you need help paying for a wheelchair ramp, we’re confident you’re about to find the help you need.

Options for Getting an Affordable Wheelchair Ramp

Rent a Ramp
Without a doubt, the most affordable option for getting a wheelchair ramp today is to rent one.

For a low monthly fee you can rent a ramp month-to-month with no commitments. Rent it when you need it, and return it when you don’t.

When customers are looking for the most affordable wheelchair ramp because they only need it for a short time, we always recommend renting as the best option.

Such situations may include a temporary injury, or accommodating family and loved ones when they come to visit.

Used Ramps
Another option for getting an affordable wheelchair ramp is to consider buying a used model. Inquire about used equipment when contacting a dealer, because it is usually sold at a considerable discount.

We recommend doing your homework and only buying used equipment from the most reputable dealers. Ideally they should be able to offer some kind of guarantee or warranty on used equipment.

Other than signs of wear, well-built wheelchair ramps are just as good an option to buy used as they are new. When affordability is concerned, there’s nothing wrong with shopping for used equipment.

Funding
Often it’s possible to get help paying for a wheelchair ramp in the form of funding.

Medicaid is known to help with paying for a wheelchair ramp so long as it’s necessary to keep a senior living safely in their home. Please note that Williams Lifts does not accept payments through Medicaid, but it is still an option worth looking into.

What if you need help paying for a wheelchair ramp – but you’re not a senior, and the equipment hasn’t been prescribed? There’s still one more option you may qualify for.

Those who have served time in the military may be able to get funding from the Veterans Administration.

The Veterans Administration has funding options available whether or not your disability is a direct result of military service.

Another option is to seek funding through the Office of Aging. There are offices all around the country, so you’ll have to contact the office nearest you for further details.

For more information about all of the options listed above, please see our page on funding for wheelchair ramps and stair lifts.

Conclusion

At Williams Lifts we are committed to helping individuals get the equipment they need.

Whether it’s helping you get an affordable wheelchair ramp from our fleet of used and rental equipment, or helping you acquire the correct funding, we’re here for all your mobility solutions.

For more information about how we can be of service to you, please request a free brochure.

Choosing the Right Residential Wheelchair Ramp

September 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Careful thought must be put into choosing the right residential wheelchair ramp, because there are many variables to consider. Seeking the assistance of an experienced dealer, like Williams Lifts, can help you make the decision that’s best for your needs.

In this article we will go over the variables you need to take into consideration before purchasing a residential wheelchair ramp, as well as describe the different types of house wheelchair ramps that are available to you. From there, you’ll be on your way to choosing the ramp that’s best for you.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Length

Ramp length is one of the first things you should take into consideration – not only for your own needs, but to stay within compliance of building codes for wheelchair ramp slope. Keep in mind that building codes do not apply to residential wheelchair ramps, but they do apply to all other types.

Building codes state there should be at least one foot of length for every inch of rise, which is a fairly easy calculation to make. For example, a 10 inch rise should have a 10 foot ramp, and so on.

Although there are no building code requirements for portable ramps, most manufacturers recommend one foot of ramp for every 2 inches of rise. That means a 5 foot ramp with a 10 inch rise should be sufficient for most users.

In all instances, whether the ramp is portable or not, the longer it is the easier it will be to use. Shorter ramps can be a challenge because they will invariably have a steeper slope than longer ramps.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Weight Capacity

Another variable that is important to a user’s safety is the ramp’s weight capacity. Needless to say, exceeding weight capacity could lead to the ramp giving out and causing an accident.

You must consider all things that add weight to your person while using your wheelchair, and of course the weight of the wheelchair itself.

There is generally not much to worry about when it comes to manual wheelchairs because they usually weigh no more than 50 lbs. Power wheelchairs are the primary concern here.

When it comes to power wheelchairs, the weight of the machine, its weight once batteries are added, and also the weight of the machine once additional features like power tilt or recline are added.

A power wheelchair that’s advertised as weighing 300lbs could weigh as much as 600lbs by the time it’s delivered.

Lastly, you must also consider the weight of any additional items that may be added to your person. This may include heavy clothing, bags, purses, water bottles, etc.

Weight capacity of different ramp types will vary by manufacturer, so make sure you inquire about the maximum capacity before deciding on a wheelchair ramp.

Residential Wheelchair Ramp Types

Residential wheelchair ramp types include:

Threshold ramps
Portable ramps
Tri-fold ramps
Modular ramps
Pathway ramps

Rather than repeating the differences between them here, we encourage you to visit our full write-up about wheelchair ramp types.

Conclusion

Ramp length, weight capacity, and ramp type are the main variables to consider before purchasing a wheelchair ramp. If you need further assistance please contact us or leave a comment below.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Staying Safe in and Around the Home

August 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

As one ages, it’s necessary to become familiar with fall prevention in the elderly. Whether you need to learn more about this for your own safety, or for the safety of loved ones, knowing more about the causes of falls in seniors can help you prevent them.

That’s exactly what I’m going to cover in this post. I will identify some of the most common causes of falls in seniors, and go over safety considerations for preventing those types of falls. By the end of this article, you will be that much more educated about fall prevention in the elderly.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Common Causes of Falls in Seniors

Most falls are preventable once you know what causes them. Falls often occur in one’s own home, which means you can put necessary measures in place to ensure safety.

Going Up and Down Staircases

One of the top places where major falls occur is staircases. We specialize in preventing falls while going up and down stairs by offering the best stair lifts on the market. If it’s in your budget, a stair lift is the number one way to prevent falls on staircases.

Regularly maintaining stairs is also recommended. That means regular cleaning and vacuuming. It’s even better if you can secure your stairs with a non-slip surface.

A well-lit staircase is important in order to stay safe while going up and down stairs at night. You should be able to turn lights on and off with switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. For added protection you could use portable, motion-activated lights in stairwells without adequate lighting.

Slippery Floors

Any room in the house where water could come into contact with the floor poses a potential risk for falls. This primarily includes the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. Adding a non-slip surface can prevent falls on slippery floors.

Water on floors isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to preventing falls in the elderly. Rugs are a hazard as well. All area rugs should be securely fastened to the floor to ensure they can’t be tripped over.

Reaching Hazards

Overextending one’s reach is another one of the main causes of falls in seniors. Frequently used items should be stored on shelves that are easy to reach.

If absolutely necessary, ensure there’s a step stool with a safety rail in the home for reaching items higher up.

Storing heavier items on the lowest shelves is also recommended. This helps prevent falls that could occur from being overwhelmed by the weight of an item.

Outdoor Falls

Of course, falls can and do occur outdoors as well. Outdoor falls can be prevented with a number of different devices. We recommend reading our guide on mobility aids to learn more about that.

Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Conclusion

Stairs, slippery floors, and trying to grab items out of reach are some of the most common causes of falls in seniors within the home. For more information about how to prevent falls outdoors please refer to our guide on mobility aids linked to above.

Mobility Aids for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know

July 1, 2017 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Mobility aids for seniors can help restore the freedom and independence of moving about on one’s own. They are typically required on a temporary basis if the individual is recovering from an injury, or on a more long-term basis if the individual has permanent mobility challenges.

There’s a variety of mobility aids for seniors on the market, each of which is designed to serve a unique purpose. Some mobility aids for the elderly are designed to improve balance and stability. Others are designed to help an individual walk straight and maintain an upright posture. There are also mobility aids designed to reduce muscle and joint pain by redistributing weight carried by the legs.

One thing every mobility aid has in common is the positive effect they have on seniors’ self-confidence. Knowing you can move about freely without the assistance of others is like opening up a whole new world of possibilities.

This article will discuss the types of mobility aids for seniors that are available. Some of which are available at Williams Lifts, while others will have to be sought out from another vendor. The main point of this article is to educate you on what you may need for a given situation, whether it’s from us or not.

Types of Mobility Aids for Seniors

Stair Lifts
Stair Lifts assist individuals who cannot get up and down stairs on their own. They are powered chairs which are installed on a track opposite the railing. You simply sit in the chair while it safely and securely moves you from one floor to another.

Ramps
Ramps assist individuals with limited mobility when they need help getting from one level to another. Ramps could be as simple as a threshold ramp for getting over door frames, or large modular ramps that wheelchair users can have installed outside their homes.

Power Recliners
If getting in and out of your favorite chair has become more taxing than relaxing, a power recliner may be able to help you. They are ultra comfortable reclining chairs that do all of the work for you. They can get you from a standing position to a seated position, and vice versa, all while exerting little of your own energy.

Canes
Canes are designed for individuals who have difficulty maintaining their balance while walking. They’re available either as walking sticks (one point at the bottom), tripod canes (three points), or quad canes (four points). Which one is right for you will depend on how much added assistance you need while walking.

Walkers
Walkers are designed for individuals who have exceptional difficulty maintaining their balance when standing upright. They distribute more of a person’s weight throughout the frame than any cane is capable of. Walkers are available in models with 4 wheels, 2 wheels, or no wheels at all.

Crutches
Of all the mobility aids for seniors we’ve gone through so far, crutches are unique in that they require the recommendation of a medical professional in order to use them. Crutches are used in pairs and are typically designed for recovering from short-term injuries. They require good coordination in order to use them properly, so they’re not recommended for people with poor balance.

Conclusion

At Williams Lifts we’re happy to offer a selection of stair Lifts, ramps, and power Recliners. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, you’re welcome to contact us or visit our showroom for an in-person demonstration.

ADA Ramp Specifications

June 6, 2016 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

wheelchair-43877_640 (1) ADA ramp specifications are provided by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Most businesses are required to meet these specifications. When it comes to residential ramps, there is no requirement for them to meet ADA ramp specifications. However, it is still highly recommended that residential ramps are constructed with ADA guidelines in mind. For the most part, it’s businesses, churches, schools and other organizations must be in compliance with ADA guidelines for wheelchair ramps.

So, what are ADA ramp specifications? In this post we will translate the technical jargon in ADA’s official guidelines and break down very simply what the ADA says about the way ramps should be constructed.

[Read more…]

Portable Handicap Ramps, Perfect for Spring!

April 26, 2016 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

Spring is in the air, which means the time is just right to start thinking about portable handicap ramps. Chances are, if you are of limited mobility, you have a permanent fixed solution at home of some sort. Portable handicap ramps allow you to take that freedom of mobility you enjoy at home with you wherever you go.

When the weather is beautiful there’s no reason why you should be confined to your home. If you want to go out, but are not sure the place you want to go is going to be accessible, a portable ramp helps take the guesswork out of that by knowing wherever you have to go will be equipped for your needs.

Portable handicap ramps are lightweight and can even be folded up in some cases for easy storage and transportation. They give you the freedom you deserve wherever you need it. Important to note though is that portable ramps are not intended to be a permanent solution. Meaning they should not be used as both your primary ramp at home, and as a ramp you take with you on the go. It’s not built to withstand that amount of use, but it is built for the long haul to be sure, with the ability to support an over 800 pound weight capacity.

Our suitcase ramps, available in 2″– 8″ lengths is a portable handicap ramp which features several innovative design enhancements. From the no-pinch, non-protruding full-length live hinge and durable, ergonomically designed handles to the enhanced extruded tread for superior traction, these ramps were designed from the ground up to be simply the best portable ramps in the industry.

Specifications of our Portable Handicap Ramps

Made of aluminum
Non-skid surface
Built-in carrying handle
Usable size 2′ x 30″, 3′ x 30″, 4′ x 30″, 5′ x 30″, 6′ x 30″, 7′ x 30″, 8′ x30″
Folded size (L x W x H) 24″ x 15″ x 3¾”, 36″ x 15″ x 3¾”, 42″ x 15″ x 3¾”, 48″ x 15″ x 3¾”, 60″ x 15″ x 3¾”, 74″ x 15″ x 3¾”, 86″ x 15″ x 3¾”
Weight (lbs.) *11, 17, 23, 29, 34, 41, 47
Weight capacity (lbs.) 800
For wheelchairs & scooters

*Weights are approximate and may vary. Consult your equipment’s owner guide for proper degree of incline. Never exceed its recommendations.

How do you know if a portable handicap ramp is right for you? If you live for the outdoors and do not want to be held back this spring by your mobility needs, then a portable ramp may be exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re more of a homebody regardless of season, and only need access to ramps once in awhile, maybe our modular ramps are a better option for you.

Residents of NJ can contact Williams Lift today for more information on their portable ramps. Have Williams Lift install your handicapped equipment today by qualified trained professionals who will also teach you how to use the ramp correctly.

Williams Lift Company Offers Affordable Wheelchair Ramps and Ramp Rentals, A Perfect Solution For Spring and Summer

April 20, 2015 By Susan Hackett Leave a Comment

man ramp 222x222 Williams Lifts Company in New Jersey would like to remind customers about its affordable options for wheelchair ramps and ramp rentals, a perfect solution for getting out more often during the spring and summer months.

You can already feel it — the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and you want to get out there and enjoy it with friends and family. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be out there.

If the lack of wheelchair accessibility is preventing you from enjoying everything spring and summer have to offer, then we recommend you look into our wheelchair ramps. If you only need a ramp for a few months out of the year, we are happy to offer ramp rentals as a temporary option for those in need of an accessibility solution.

In fact, Williams Lift Company is among the only companies in the New Jersey area offering a full selection of ramp rentals as an alternative to purchasing a wheelchair ramp.

“If you only need a ramp to assist you for a short period of time, it doesn’t make financial sense to purchase it,” says Susan Williams, Sales Manager of Williams Lift Company.

“We’re happy to be one of the only dealers in New Jersey offering wheelchair ramp rentals while the majority of our competitors only sell them. We’ll do what it takes to accommodate our customers and ensure they have what they need to enjoy the spring and summer months.”

Williams Lifts offers portable ramps, modular ramps, threshold ramps, foldable ramps, and pathway ramps. To see and/or test any of our models for yourself, we welcome you to come in and visit our showroom any time.

Ramp Rentals Installed In 24-48 Hours

Getting started with a wheelchair ramp or ramp rental is as simple as making a call, and then a technician will be sent to your home within 24-48 hours to perform the installation. From there you can make low monthly payments for as long as you require the ramp.

If you’re interested in renting a wheelchair ramp over the spring and summer months, please get in touch with Williams Lift by filling out this contact form.

About Williams Lift Company

Williams Lift Company is a division of Williams Surgical which was opened in 1947 by Thomas E. Williams. It continues to be owned and operated by the Williams Family to this day. Williams Lift Company is among the most trusted companies in New Jersey, servicing the 07023 and 07083 zip codes.