Handicap ramp

But things like this ramp, do they consider elderly people when building houses these days?

Not generally for cookie cutter tract homes and related. Better to have one built to your needs, if you can find a contractor that's willing to build a custom - not all are. That's what I did when we retired to rural MS.

It's far more complicated than just ramps and grab bars. Some of the major issues are kitchen and bathroom layouts and appliances, interior door widths, and so on. Even lighting is something to consider. It would be worth your time to consult with a architect about it.
 
Last edited:
Same position. Same stubborn old woman. Mine is one step onto porch and one step into house, straight line.

It's all measured and designed. I 'll use wood and screws.

When she either falls or gains common sense (as married guys know, not common at all in old women) it will get built.
 
Same position. Same stubborn old woman. Mine is one step onto porch and one step into house, straight line.

It's all measured and designed. I 'll use wood and screws.

When she either falls or gains common sense (as married guys know, not common at all in old women) it will get built.
I 100% understand. We have the same step style to back porch. If you get a minute look at Amazon (Or I guess a bunch of other places) for some ramp styles. Many are made out of rubber or with non-slip patterns.
Good luck with your wife. Mine slipped tripped over a throw rug and fell in the house a while back. Not hurt badly but it was a wakeup call
 
I'm actually on a raised foundation. But because of the slope, I backup to a canyon, the front is more like a slab entrance. But at the rear you can easily stand up.

And why buy it when I can make better one? I did the Ramos for my mom's and two aunts condos. I cheated as they were all in the same complex.
 
My wife has been having a hard time navigating steps. I have more than once suggested a ramp.
She was very resistant to the idea saying ramps are for old people. (We ARE old)
I decided to just go for it and ordered a ramp for our main entrance.
Winner winner. She can manage the ramp much easier than steps.
You married guys may not believe me but my wife said I was right to order it. WOW.
View attachment 76802
I went through that with my wife when it came to getting a stair glide to get from the 2nd to ground floor of our house. She said we should move. I said that I'm not going through a move at our ages (85 & 79). We got one and although she doesn't love it she admits it serves its purpose.
 
I went through that with my wife when it came to getting a stair glide to get from the 2nd to ground floor of our house. She said we should move. I said that I'm not going through a move at our ages (85 & 79). We got one and although she doesn't love it she admits it serves its purpose.
My mom bought a two story condo. Much against my advice. A few years later her physical health prevented her climbing stairs. It also took some convincing. But once in allowed her to move up and down with ease.
Having seen other elderly folks loose access to large portions of their homes, my wife bight a one story. We only made one mistake. Our property is sloped so the driveway and lawn are not the easiest to traverse.
I don't think you can get less than two short steps to enter a house.
 
Darn good question. I will have to research what is possible to keep it free of snow and ice.
Luckily most of the time we do not have to leave the house every day if the weather is scary.
So far I am the able bodied supply gopher, my wife can stay snuggled inside.
Some sort of cover that's light enough to be easily removed. Something like the roof material used up North the snow slides off an doesn't stick. I'd McGiver something.
 
These transitions can be hard to make. I'm 80 and wife is 81. Neither are using wheel chairs right now but stairs are becoming very difficult for my wife. We only have two steps up into our house and once in everything is on one floor, bedrooms, laundry and all. No need for her to go to the basement. We have installed grap bars at the entry to make those 2 steps easier. She was an extremely strong person in her younger years and adapting has been difficult for her.
 
My home is of two levels, with entry on the upper level. The lower level is down a 16 step stairway which I have no trouble managing, but my wife avoids going downstairs. In truth we spend 98% of our time on the main level, and mostly go downstairs to the exposed lower level just to access the utilty room or the second refrigerator. Years ago we used that level, fully finished, to house the extended family (up to 20 something people) during family gatherings, but that type of celebration seems to no longer happen now that the grandchildren are grown. My wife, facing the reality that we hardly use half of our home, thinks we should consider moving to a one level ranch style home, one that would have no basement at all. I'm 82 and do not want to even think about going through the hassle of a move anymore.

I imagine that adding a stair lift is a much better solution than moving, even if it still means we are still heating and cooling about twice the footage of a house that we actually use. For those here who have gone this route, what was the cost to you of getting the stair lift installed? I've hesitated to contact any of the companies that advertise this product because I know it will result in me being innundated with solicitations just because I asked for into.
 
im quickly approaching this time in my life.........
 

Attachments

  • up-stairlift-upmovie-stairs.gif
    up-stairlift-upmovie-stairs.gif
    899.9 KB
My home is of two levels, with entry on the upper level. The lower level is down a 16 step stairway which I have no trouble managing, but my wife avoids going downstairs. In truth we spend 98% of our time on the main level, and mostly go downstairs to the exposed lower level just to access the utilty room or the second refrigerator. Years ago we used that level, fully finished, to house the extended family (up to 20 something people) during family gatherings, but that type of celebration seems to no longer happen now that the grandchildren are grown. My wife, facing the reality that we hardly use half of our home, thinks we should consider moving to a one level ranch style home, one that would have no basement at all. I'm 82 and do not want to even think about going through the hassle of a move anymore.

I imagine that adding a stair lift is a much better solution than moving, even if it still means we are still heating and cooling about twice the footage of a house that we actually use. For those here who have gone this route, what was the cost to you of getting the stair lift installed? I've hesitated to contact any of the companies that advertise this product because I know it will result in me being innundated with solicitations just because I asked for into.

My Mother-in-Law purchased one years ago. I will check what brand she chose. She is very happy with it. The above link may be useful to you.
 
No idea what brand my mom's was. Or the cost, it been quite a few years. The only thing that stood out was there was no power near the stairwell.
The installers put it in and to power it ran an extension cord across the upstairs hallway from a bedroom. So they created a tripping hazard for an elderly woman. The installers did the work while I was working. They were gone before I got home.
I ended up installing an outlet where it was needed.
 
Pup
im quickly approaching this time in my life.........
I hear you. I'm nearly 75 & wife's 71 and we live in a Cape Cod style house with lots of stairs. Considering moving to a one story house as reality is starting to set in. Just tore a hamstring and going to PT now and my wife had foot surgery recently. Old age sneaks up on you.
 
Old age sneaks up on you

and it sucks but it's better than the other ----------
Yep. (y) I just mentioned that to my wife. We are in our 70's and just read an actor we liked passed away at 56. 56???? That is terrible.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top