Handicap Ramps For Homes
Filed under Handicap Equipment
A ramp can help those who use wheelchairs or walkers to ascend a short set of stairs leading into a home or between rooms. This enables disabled people to be more independent. Ramps also prevent a caregiver from straining his or her back maneuvering the wheelchair and its occupant to the next level.
Home Handicap Ramps
A portable ramp is useful when visiting or traveling. Although most public buildings and sidewalks are wheelchair accessible, private homes usually are not. A portable ramp can avoid the embarrassment of having to be carried into someone’s home or the risk of falling if the chair is leaned backward to mount a step. Portable ramps are usually made of aluminum. This material is lightweight enough that some disabled individuals can lift the ramp from a car.
Permanent ramps are typically made of aluminum or wood. Semi-permanent aluminum ramps with handrails can also be used in the home temporarily while a broken hip or other injury heals.- If someone merely needs help getting over the threshold of a door, threshold ramps can be used either temporarily or permanently. Threshold ramps are usually made of either aluminum or hard rubber.
Handicap Ramp Costs
A threshold ramp is the least expensive to purchase, ranging from approximately $25 to $400. Next in price is the portable ramp, which runs from $65 to as much as $2,000. A permanent or semi-permanent aluminum ramp with rails ranges from approximately $450 to $1,100. To have a professional carpenter build a wooden ramp typically costs $100 to $250 per linear foot, including materials. Homeowners with basic carpentry skills can construct a wooden ramp themselves for the cost of materials, usually $500 to $1,000 for the entire ramp. Some charities have volunteers who will construct a ramp for the cost of materials.
Read more on our recommended selections of handicap ramps for the home.
Simple Maintenance Tips
Disability ramps last for many years with minimal maintenance. A ramp that is used outdoors will require shoveling or salting in snowy weather, and wooden ramps periodically need a new coat of paint or acrylic finish. Bolts and screws should be periodically checked to make sure they are tight.
Tags: Portable Ramps
One Handed Can Openers
Filed under Disability, Handicap Equipment
A one handed can opener is a perfect addition to any kitchen. A one handed can opener operates a little differently than a normal can opener. Typically, a one handed can opener operates by being squeezed with one hand. An individual places the cutting wheel along the inside of the can’s rim, squeezes the can opener’s handle to pierce the lid and then continues squeezing the can opener’s handle until the can opener has gone around the entire top of the can. They can even come equipped with magnets to ensure easy lid removal. This is one of the many helpful kitchen aids available for those with disabilities.
Why You Should Buy One Hand Can Openers
This type of can opener is perfect for individuals who have physical disabilities that limit the use of one of their hands. A one handed can opener is ideal for anyone with arthritis, weakness or any other physical issues that make it difficult to grasp a can opener with both hands. It can be annoying and even a little embarrassing for some people to ask for help opening cans. A one handed can opener can help an individual with physical disabilities remain independent. Even people without physical disabilities might like to try a new way of opening cans that offers an alternative to the typical manual can openers.
Another great product opener for individuals with poor grip issues or grasping difficulties is the jar opener. Jar openers use levers to help individuals pop off metal bottle caps, pop tops, plastic screw-caps and even pull tabs with exerting too much force or grip.
These can openers cost between $16.99 and $26.00. One handed can openers are typically cheaper than high quality electric can openers, the other alternative to regular manual can openers. Electric can openers are great devices, but their motors can die, and they typically require a little maintenance. However, a one handed can opener does not require much maintenance.
To keep a one handed can opener in good shape, be sure to wash it after each use and dry it. It is important to dry a can opener after washing it so that it does not develop rust. A rusty can opener is a pain to use because it is much harder to operate it than when it is free of rust.
Tags: Jar Openers
