If you’re having a tough time getting in and out of your home, on a temporary or permanent basis, using a ramp could make your life a lot easier. Of course, that’s easier said than paid for, especially since you may have already been hit with substantial medical bills after an amputation.
If you just need a temporary solution, you might be able to save money by renting or purchasing a portable ramp. Several companies, including Patterson Medical (www.pattersonmedical.com), Great Medical Savings (www.greatmedicalsavings.com), and Amramp (www.amramp.com), offer these products.
If you need to install a permanent ramp at your home, you may be able to get one partially or fully donated. Sometimes, family and friends, support groups, charitable organizations, or businesses will help pay for or build one.
In 2014, for example, 10News in San Diego reported that volunteers with Home Depot built a wheelchair-accessible ramp for Wally Champlin, an elderly veteran with disabilites, and surprised him with the donation.
This story shows that many people believe that a person’s home should be a refuge, not a barrier—and that they are ready to help others make that belief a reality.
For More Information
Habitat for Humanity — www.habitat.org
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence — www.homemods.org
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification — http://gero.usc.edu/nrcshhm
