Wednesday, January 20, 2021

6 Types of Body Supports to Reduce Pain

 If you are suffering from back pain, osteoarthritis, or pain in other body parts, body supports can help you relieve the pain. From shoulder to foot, there are various types of braces to do so.

Many people have an idea about back supports and wrist supports as back and wrist issues are common ones. But you can select many types of braces to improve your condition. Let’s have an overview of body supports and their types.

What are Body Braces?

Body braces are specially designed to offer support to an area of the body having pain like the back or elbow. Such supportive aids can also be used as a preventive measure for a specific joint condition.

They are also meant to offer support in injury for the regular movement within a small area like work or home. If the activity or action is done without its help, then the pain can worsen and become more severe. Now we have an overview of body braces, let’s discuss their types.

Types of Body Braces

1) Elbow Brace

Do you perform activities that require heavy lifting? How about tennis? Elbow supports can be apt to heal acute elbow injuries. They are mainly used with firm compression and the added padding to ensure stability and proper support. If used properly, this supportive measure can reduce the risk of injury or re-injury.

Some of the common reasons to use it are chronic pain, post-operative support, having general elbow pain, or injuries related to strain or sprain.

2) Back Support Brace

Imagine you are just going about your day and bent slightly to pick up something, arghh!! You just experienced sore pain in your back, which can ruin your whole day. Thankfully there are back supports; to offer support to the core muscles and spine to relax.

Back braces are not only used with the pre-existing injury; you can use them as a preventive measure to avoid unnecessary injuries.

Benefits of Back Support

  • Offers Support and Improves Body posture.
  • It is a low-cost device.
  • It decreases the load on your spine.
  • It has adjustable straps and sizes.
  • It helps in stabilizing your muscles.

3) Wrist Supports

Wrist supports are usually worn around the wrist for protection so that it can heal. It is one of the standard braces in the injury improvement process. They are generally made of soft and rugged material. You will need it as it offers stability after injury.

When your daily activities involve heavyweight activities, it offers support to your wrist and helps prevent pain. They are lightweight to use and provide maximum comfort to the user.

Benefits of Wrist Supports

  • It helps in faster recovery of tissues.
  • It Relieves pain from the wrist.
  • It Prevents repetitive strain.
  • Restricts the movement of the wrist and allows the free movement of fingers.

4) Knee Supports

Growing age or injury makes walking and running painful and can bring down your comfort. The knee support will hold up the areas surrounding your knee joint and allow you free movement.

They also offer you many benefits. The biggest one can be support to perform daily activities. They also help in healing your ligaments, muscles, and joints fast.

5) Shoulder Brace

Do you have an injury or surgery on your shoulder? Are sports-related activities the cause of your shoulder pain? The shoulder brace can stabilize your shoulder joints and offers relief during movement.

Benefits of Shoulder Brace

  • It can improve your physical appearance by correcting posture.
  • It will protect your shoulder from a further wound.
  • They are affordable in price and offer optimum comfort.

6) Ankle or Foot Brace

Have a sprain, injury in the foot or ankle? Then ankle or foot aid is best for you. On applying they offer compression and stabilization at the joint, which will help in speedy recovery. It provides you with benefits like speedy recovery and preventing your foot from re-injury. It also helps in reducing your swelling.

End Words

Above we discuss body braces and their types. Whether you have an injury on your shoulder or foot, there are various braces to help you out. They might restrict your movement, but don’t worry; this ensures your healing and relieves pain.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/640898077977444352/6-types-of-body-supports-to-reduce-pain

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

7 Types of Wheelchair Ramps And Their Uses

Imagine perfect movability through the curbs and obstacles! It would be so convenient for a wheelchair user!

Wheelchair ramps (inclined plane/slope) do just that by offering a smooth surface to tackle obstacles. Be it a doorstep, stairs, or rough surface; inclined planes are there to make the movement easier for a wheelchair user.

But when there is a discussion about inclined planes, wheelchair threshold ramp and folding ramps are the common ones that come to mind. However, there are a bunch of other inclined planes as well for various needs. So let's discuss them.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps

1) Threshold Ramps

Wheelchair Threshold Ramp is made of either metal or rubber. Their design is such that it lets the wheelchair user go safely over the small thresholds in the house. Generally, these inclined planes come between one to six inches in height and have a weight capacity of 600lbs.

They are easy to use and offer excellent movability solutions to wheelchair users.

2) Folding Ramps

Folding Ramps are ideal for wheelchairs, scooters, and powerchair users. This ramp comes with either bi-fold or tri-fold with hooks between each panel. These bi-folds or tri-folds slopes can fold over once or twice, respectively. This inclined slope is not ADA-compliant. So one must utilize it for personal use.

It is perfect to use for accessing a car or passing over the stairs in your home. The slope has raised edges for safety and a centralized handle for easy carrying. This feature makes it a favourite among users.

3) Modular Ramps

Modular slopes are big and a kind of permanent fixture than other inclined planes. Though they are big, you do not need to worry about the building permit. They are easy to take down and reassemble at another place.

The section of the ramp is built offsite and then brought to the site for assembling quickly. This ramp is apt for household purposes like passing a lot of stairs or higher thresholds. The only limitation is they are heavy to move.

4) Suitcase Ramps

Suitcase slopes are well known for their ease in transportation due to the handles. Typically, they are 2 to 6 feet long and have a weight capacity of 800 pounds. It can directly lay on a small set of stairs, so it is perfect for the home. This kind of slope is not ADA compliant, so one must use it for personal use only.

5) Custom and Permanent Ramps

As the name itself says, these inclined planes are custom made for permanent installation. They are very sturdy and are suitable for outdoor use. They have a high weight capacity and handrails at one side for support. Unlike modular slopes, their construction takes place entirely on-site. As for material, concrete is the perfect option for such slopes, but steel and wood are also acceptable.

Permanent slopes are the most expensive as compared to others. So we recommend you to make sure the design is perfect before its construction.

6) Telescoping Ramps

The telescoping ramp comes up with two narrow and separate channels. These channels are typically no wider than 12 inches. The inclined plane can retract or expand to meet the required length. The channels are generally kept side by side to line up with the wheels of the wheelchair. Such a slope is useful for entering a non-wheelchair accessible van.

Remember, they aren't compatible with the mobility scooters as the wheels do not correctly line up.

7) Rollable Ramps

Rollable slopes are one of the easiest slopes to take with you on the move. These inclined planes are foldable, which makes them easy to carry. They are usually made of aluminium, which makes them durable and lightweight.

They come up with a non-slippery surface so that one can move smoothly. Rollable ramps also come in different sizes.

Up to You

As you can see from the above list, there are many types of ramp. Be it stairs, getting in or out of a van, or for home use, the above slopes will help all users.

While purchasing, keep in mind your purpose, budget, and required size for the ramp. You will have clarity as to which type of ramp is apt for you by considering such points.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/640740955799093248/7-types-of-wheelchair-ramps-and-their-uses

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

6 Mobility Aids For The Shower - All You Need to Know

 Walking into the bathroom for having a relaxing bath might be a usual activity for many. But this is not the case for people with mobility difficulties. Even a primary task like taking a shower can be rigid or hazardous for physically impaired persons.

Thankfully there is an array of mobility aids like a shower seat that makes bathing safe for them. This is not it. Here is a complete list of such aids to create a safe environment in a bathroom:

Mobility Aids for Shower

  • Shower Seat
  • Bath Lifts
  • Walk-In Showers
  • Tap Turners
  • Bathroom Safety Rails
  • Toilet Booster Seats

1. Shower Seat

Are you struggling to stand in the shower? Then the shower seat is the tool to end your struggles while having a bath. It is specially designed to use in the bathroom. Some seats are self-constrained, some are attachable to the wall and can fold down, while some shower seats have a unique design to fit across the bath.

All the seats are easy to clean with a simple wipe, and above all, it creates a safe environment for a bath.

2. Bath Lifts

Physically impaired people might find it challenging to get in and out of a bathtub. Bath lifts are the solution to overcome such difficulties. They come in various designs, which can easily fit into several bathtubs. It is a power-operated lift usually attached to the wall. The user can lift and lower themselves into the bath by pressing a button on the hand-held remote.

Bath lifts are easy to use and help a person get in and out of the bath without help.

3. Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers are entirely free of doors and offer a brilliant showering experience. These are very stylish enclosures. The walk-in showers include a foldable seat for the user to sit on, which reduces the risk of falling. They come in a wide range of variety, from rain showerheads to the steam bath, and look beautiful in any bathroom.

The tile tends to clean quickly and doesn't hold sludge-like others. Also, you do not have to deal with the shower curtains that need to be changed often.

4. Tap Turners

With the increasing age or reducing mobility, your agility to perform tasks or the grip tends to decrease. The tap turner can be a useful solution for turning the tap on and off effortlessly. They come in a variety of sizes to fit all kinds of faucets. Also, many turners come in colour-coded handles to quickly identify it.

5. Bathroom Safety Rails

Do you have a fear of falling while having a bath or you struggle to stand up after using the toilet? Having safety rails in your bathroom is an excellent choice in such situations. Such a rail attaches securely to the wall to grab it quickly to get up or use it for support.

Seniors can use the rail for support without any assistance from a family member or caregiver. Such grab rails are foldable or fit permanently to your bathroom walls.

6. Toilet Booster Seats

Are you facing difficulty in standing after using the toilet due to its low height? Use specialised seats to raise the height of the toilet seat for extra comfort. Such seats make it easier for the user to stand.

This aid is also a cost-effective way to fulfil the requirement. Replacing your toilet can be an expensive task that includes the cost of plumbing, flooring, or labour. This is why it is a great solution.

End Words

The above aids create a safe environment in the bathroom for people with mobility issues. A bit of research and advice can make life easier for such people. Also, check out various options and take action to make your life or loved-ones easier.

Source :

https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/640178607529082880/6-mobility-aids-for-the-shower-all-you-need-to

Monday, January 4, 2021

5 Products that help with Bathroom Safety for Elderly People

 For people living with balance or coordination problems, the bathroom is an area of the house in which it is important to remain safe.

Tiling and other wet surfaces can be hazardous, especially when wet, so for people who might be unsteady on their feet, it's worth taking precautions.

Here we'll run down five of the top bathroom safety products for elderly people or others with mobility issues.

1. Grab rails

One logical safety feature is to fit rails around the bathroom. Positioning them in strategically sensible spots makes sense, so think carefully before deciding where they should go.

Most people opt for rails near the toilet, the bath, in the shower cubicle and sometimes next to the sink.

In all these areas, it's possible that the person concerned might need a bit of extra support.

Using the washbasin for example, it's usually necessary to stand up while you wash your face, brush your teeth or use the mirror. If you have a condition which affects your balance, this may become challenging.

The addition of a rail next to the sink provides a leaning point which you can hold on to as you use your other hand for washing etc. Essential Aids has a wide range of bathroom grab rails which do exactly this job.

There are lots of models to choose from, some of which have a textured grip, making them easier to hold securely even with wet hands.

These ones are particularly useful next to the bathtub or in the shower cubicle.

A support rail for getting in and out of the bath is something many elderly people find useful.

If your mobility is restricted, getting your leg over the side of the bath, lowering yourself and raising yourself in and out is often an awkward process. Having a support rail to help, may make a big difference.

Essential Aids supplies rails that fit to the wall next to the bath, but also have a selection which attach to the side of the bath, protruding upwards.

These types have an upside down U-shape design, providing a curved rail right in the middle of the bath, just where it is most needed as you get in and out. They fix by means of clamps, which securely grip the bath side, creating a stable leaning point.

The U-shaped rail may also be useful when you are out of the bath as you get dressed.

Most grab rails have either a white or chrome finish so tend to be easy to blend-in with your bathroom's appearance.

If you have poor eyesight, it might be worth considering high visibility red rails.

The Essential Aids range has a variety of lengths, so you can find one for the space you have available.

While straight grab rails remain the most common, angled versions are also available. These allow you to hold them with your wrist in a neutral position, a shape which some people find more comfortable.

Remember that it's important to have bathroom rails fitted by a qualified tradesman. They will use non-corrosive fixings and be aware of the type of wall the rail is being fitted to.

2. Non-slip mats

Slipping on wet floors is the number one cause of accidents in the bathroom, so taking every step possible to guard against it makes perfect sense.

As mentioned above, fitting support rails provides a useful safety feature, but using non-slip matting on the floor can also make a big difference.

Essential Aids does a range of non-slip mats which are perfect for this setting, creating high friction surfaces to tread on. Some of the mats we supply are conventional bath and shower matts, with either suckers or other tacky 'feet' which adhere to the floor of the bath or shower.

A high-friction mat is a classic bath aid for elderly people or others who might be prone to slipping.

Available in numerous dimensions, you're bound to find one which fits your requirements.

If you want matting to cover larger areas in say a wetroom, you may want to consider our popular Stayput matting.

Stayput creates a very high friction surface in wet environments, ideal for those who are at greater risk of falls, like the disabled or elderly.

It works even on floors which traditional suction mats can not be used, because the existing flooring is uneven or textured in some way.

Made with a special PVC foam, it uses 'Silver' technology which makes it both anti-bacterial and anti-microbial.

This type of matting does not contain either rubber or latex and is easy to cut to the size required. It can even be machine washed.

3. Perching stools

If you are unfamiliar with perching stools, think of them as high stools which have a seat which slightly slopes from back to front.

The user then 'semi-sits' on the front edge of the seat while keeping their feet on the ground.

This therefore removes much of the weight burden from the feet and legs, making it easier to maintain an upright posture.

This posture is suitable in the kitchen at worktops or the sink, but also in the bathroom.

Perching stools are excellent bathroom safety products for people who find it a challenge to stand up for any length of time. This may be because of fatigue, strength, balance or coordination issues.

Using a perching stool at the bathroom sink to brush one's teeth, wash or use the mirror can make a big difference to someone's daily routine.

Essential Aids supplies a range of these stools, most of which are designed without corrosive parts, making them ideal for use in wet environments.

Perching stools can be easily adjusted for height via the pin-clip mechanisms found in each of the legs.

They are typically white or chrome, so they blend into standard bathrooms.

If there is enough space, you can also use certain perching stools in the shower cubicle for people who have difficulty standing for the duration of a shower.

It's important to check the amount of floor space and the footprint dimensions of the stool before purchasing it. Make sure too that the shower tray's base is flat enough to create a stable surface.

4. Bath seats and shower boards

Bath seats are an effective way of raising the floor of the bath, reducing the distance of travel from standing up to sitting down.

Many people with mobility issues find this process difficult, so a bath seat may well be helpful.

While using a bath seat means it's hard to submerge yourself in water, it does give you the opportunity to get in and out of the bath with less strain.

Most seats fit to the base of the by means of high friction feet or suction cups. As with shower stools for cubicles, it's important to measure the space available and compare it to the footprint dimensions of the seat concerned before buying.

Seats like this provide an excellent bath aid for elderly people and others with reduced mobility.

5. Gripping aids

Arthritis in the hands and fingers is a common problem for many elderly people across the UK. For those in this situation, items which reduce the pressure required to hold narrow objects like toothbrushes, or to grip and create extra leverage on taps, may be useful.

Tap turners fit to existing taps and assist the twisting process by effectively increasing the amount of leverage force the user can apply. They do this by means of extended prongs.

They are great for classically designed taps which need a fair amount of force to turn on and off.

It's worth remembering that 'ceramic disc' taps do not usually require such force, making them a better option if you are making changes in the bathroom and have arthritis in your hands.

Another aid which may be of interest to those with hand arthritis, are those which build-up the handles of toothbrushes.

Gripping narrow objects may cause pain in the hands and fingers, so increasing the diameter of the brush may help comfort.

It can be done by either wrapping the handle in tape, but also by using purpose made foam tubes into which the toothbrush is inserted.

These products were originally designed for use with cutlery, but they are excellent for toothbrushes and other narrow bathroom tools.

Other items

The bathroom safety products mentioned are not the only ones available, but they are some of the most commonly used. Essential Aids supplies a wide range of other items which improve not just safety, but also comfort in the bathroom.

Bath cushion for example, is a product which many people find enhances their comfort as they lay in the bath. If you have fragile or sensitive parts of your body, using a bath cushion to pad these areas can make a big difference.

Stretching up to reach the body's extremities is another task which those with mobility issues may find hard. Using long-handles brushes, combs, scrubbers and other reaching aids may help.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/639367915936907264/5-products-that-help-with-bathroom-safety-for

Thursday, December 31, 2020

3 Types of Disability Aids for Elderly

As a person grows older, it can get challenging to move around or perform certain tasks with limited mobility. Disability aids are the devices carved out to aid the people facing challenges in doing typical activities. These devices offer myriad benefits to the users, together with reduced pain, increased confidence, and self-esteem.

A range of such devices is available to meet individual needs - from walkers and wheelchairs to canes and crutches. Let's have a look.

Types of Disability Aids

1. Walkers

Walkers come with a metal framework and four legs that offer stability and support to the user. Some walkers also have wheels on the base for easy movability, so they can just slide it rather than lifting it. This is very useful for someone who finds it challenging to move around for any reason, like an accident or age.

Common Walkers Include:

  • Rollators

Rollators come with the four-wheeled frame, handlebars, and a seat to rest if needed. A rollator is an excellent choice if the user requires additional support or a place to sit while walking. Some rollators consist of brakes for safety.

  • Knee Walkers

Such devices offer the user a padded seat to rest their knees while moving forward with their sturdy legs.

  • Standard Walkers

Standard walkers, framed for those people (generally elder) who require additional support while walking.

2. Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are mostly used by people who cannot walk or don't have to put their weight on limbs. Such aid is better than the walker when the person has a greater distance to travel.

Such chairs can be manually propelled or by someone else. On the other hand, electric wheelchairs are powered and driven by batteries, which are comparatively more expensive than normal ones.

There are around 1.2 million people using wheelchairs in the UK, and the number is still increasing. This indicates the wheelchair is offering them the optimum support which they require.

3. Safety Equipment

With the advancement of technology, modern equipment is making a comfortable environment for the elders in their houses than ever before. Let's have a look at some of the equipment to ensure the safety of seniors.

  • Ramps

Ramps are designed for those people who use wheelchairs or some kind of walking aid. The ramp offers a stable and flat surface to walk through the stairs or access the home or building.

  • Panic Alarm

The panic alarm system is the absolute solution for the elders to summon help in emergencies

Such alarms are easy to use, and let them get help with just the push of a button. There are multiple panic alarms known by different names like panic buttons, panic button alarms, but they all come with the same goal of alerting people and getting their attention.

  • Handrails

Specially designed handrails that fit into any room or at the entrance to offer additional support. Other items like handrails involve bathroom handrails to prevent the slippery fall and grab bars.

4. Canes

Canes are assistive devices that offer stability and help in improving posture. It is generally prescribed for those who require minimal support. It is also known as a walking stick assembled from wood or lightweight aluminum. Some canes come up with the adjustable or foldable feature for convenience.

Canes are also light in weight compared to crutches, making it effortless to use them for the elders.

5. Crutches

Crutches are a kind of disability aid that offers increased base support to the individual. It shifts the weight from the legs to the upper body and is commonly used by people who can't use their legs.

Some Common Types of Crutches

  • Axillary/Underarm crutches: Typically used by people suffering from short-term injuries are generally designed to place the crutches under the armpits against the ribcage.

  • Forearm Crutches: Such crutches let people place their arm on the metal or plastic cuff and are commonly used by people with long term disabilities.

In Conclusion

Anyone who requires mobility aids can benefit from the disability aids device or equipment either for the short term or long term. The users report that such assistance helps them reduce pain and get greater engagement in daily activities.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/639091299021193216/3-types-of-disability-aids-for-elderly

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Choosing the Right Bathing Equipments

 We do not understand the meaning of the right bathroom equipment unless an unsuitable aid or expensive mistakes put us at some kind of risk. We usually think bathroom accessories such as bath boards, shower stools, or a simple soap dish do not need much of our time and attention. In that process, we sometimes forget some accessories elders may require.

The right equipment not only adds charm to the bathroom but also sees to all the needs. Choosing one is not an arduous task. With some skills, expertise, and inside tricks, you can choose a whole set of the right bathroom accessories.

Below we have mentioned a few tips for you to choose the right accessories.

1. Budget

It is an essential factor in determining bathroom accessories. If you are on a shoestring budget, you can go for low-cost accessories that would have one or two advantages. Alternatively, you can go for branded accessories that are sure to provide you with better durability, functionality, and quality. The type of accessories depends on the funds you keep aside for the bathroom. If you have a reasonable budget, you can go for quality or else choose a cost-effective option.

2. Size and Shape

The layout of your bathroom determines its spaciousness. There might be equipment like shower stools or walk-in tubs that can take up a lot of space. So make sure to measure your bathroom footage for better installation.

Also, check that you do not equip your bathroom with unnecessary equipment. It may fill up the space causing you problems.

Cool Tip: Cabinets and Drawers can help you save a substantial amount of space.

3. Quality

Choosing quality products would be best, especially if it is for the elderly. They usually need durable accessories. If you install the fixtures or accessories of low quality, you may have to replace them often. Like a plastic bath board with a handle, the right quality accessories ensure that you do not feel sorry later.

While choosing the quality equipment, make sure to read about different brands, their reviews, functional specifications, etc.

4. Functionality

Take into consideration the preference of the user. If the bathroom is for the elderly, you may have to determine which features are essential. A simple bath board or one with a handle, grab rails, shower stools, or chairs, whether the equipment needs to be foldable or not. Along with it, you need to consider the age bracket. For example, a kid would need easy-to-use accessories, whereas adults are more likely to prefer sophisticated equipment.

While planning to equip the bathroom with equipment like bath boards and shower stools, consult a doctor or an occupational therapist. They would help you determine what features are best for your elderly family member.

5. Installation Requirements

Some fixtures require little to no installation procedure. Other equipment might require the help of a professional or an experienced technician. Some equipment companies provide installation as a free service, while others may ask you to arrange it yourself or charge an installation fee. Learn about the installation and maintenance procedures before taking a final step.

All these are the general tips to choose the right equipment for your bathroom. They may vary from person to person. For instance, if the tips are to look for bathroom equipment, it may include a suggestion for types of bath fixtures. If it were for a younger family, the bathroom suggestion would be to look at the floor, theme, etc.

The Bottom Line

If you choose the right equipment, you are set and shall be free. If you do not, you may end up replacing them sooner than later. So, before you make a decision, weigh the facts. Check the product, installation requirements, warranties, and other simulations. Do not forget to check the customer reviews while purchasing bathroom aids.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/638839807052840963/choosing-the-right-bathing-equipments

Friday, December 25, 2020

How to Choose The Right Wheelchair Ramp

 For wheelchair users, the primary need is to be as independent as possible. Wheelchairs and rollators also allow them to do so while undertaking regular activity without any support.

The only trouble-causing things are steps, curbs, stairs, and uneven surfaces which can hamper movement and impact safety.

A wheelchair ramp (inclined plane/Slope) is a great solution to overcome such issues.

But there is a wide range of inclined planes available to satisfy the needs of various users. If you are struggling to find the right one, then you are in the right place. Below we are going to take you through the ramps based on the particular needs and types.

Where do you need to use the ramp?

Most of the inclined planes are capable of providing support indoors and outdoors, so the location is more about the environment and surfaces.

Threshold: If you want the ramp at a doorway or a bit raised then the threshold ramp must be the right choice for you.

Vehicle: If you need easy transportation from the wheelchair, you can use the inclined plane that folds half or quarterly. As such equipment tends to fit in most vehicles.

For raised landing: For a raised landing the finest solution must be a 36-inch wide ramp for comfortable entry and exit of your home.

For a few steps: If you require the inclined plane for a few steps leading into your home or in your house, the single-fold ramp that you can carry like a suitcase also known as suitcase ramps are suitable.

Types of Wheelchair ramps

Inclined plane for Wheelchair comes in different styles to support the multiple needs and types of environments. Below are some of the common.

Threshold Ramps

This aid let the wheelchair user to safely go through the low rises door frames or other types of small thresholds that are usually faced in the house.

They generally come up in the height range from ½ inch up to 6 inches to meet the multiple types of thresholds and have a weight capacity of 600 lbs.

Suitcase Ramps

Suitcase ramps on the other hand, are more suitable for passage over larger thresholds like a set of stairs or to get in or out of vehicles such as an SUV.

They are foldable and lightweight, which makes them more convenient to use, carry, and store. These incline planes come up with a higher weight capacity of up to 800 lbs and the length can vary from 2 feet up to 12 feet.

Track Ramps

This aid comes in the length up to 12 feet and most of them can carry up to 600 lbs maximum. The design of the aid is such that one can access the curbs, and steps easily.

The biggest issue people find with this aid is the setup. They must be at the same distance as the width of the wheelchair parallelly.

Modular Ramps

This equipment is suitable for the higher thresholds for e.g., where there are a lot of stairs. The only drawback of them is they are not portable like other inclined planes and are heavy to move.

How much width do you require for the ramp?

The width of the wheelchair slope depends upon the size of the wheelchair and the additional room you need to travel on the slope.

Generally, the minimum width of 36 inches is enough, but one can go for more than that if it is comfortable for you.

What material is best for the ramp?

The inclined planes come in various styles as discussed above. Consider the below points to figure out the material for them:

Aluminum

Aluminum slopes are strong, durable, and lightweight. There are often aluminium ramps for sale due to its qualities and more demand.

They can withstand harsh winters and are perfect for temporary and permanent installations.

Rubber

The rubber ramps are perfect for navigating on uneven household surfaces like small steps and doorway thresholds. They are safe and offer a non-skid surface.

Wood

Such aid require maintenance and you must prevent it from warping. Though they are visually appealing but come with several drawbacks.

Weight capacity of the ramp

While choosing the right inclined plane, it is to find the one which is safe and supports the weight of the user. Most of the inclined planes have the capacity to accommodate 300 to 600 pounds and is a preferable capacity.

Conclusion

Choosing the wheelchair ramp is hardly a straightforward process. You have to combine the weight capacity, material type, width, and for what purpose you need it.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/638461849266978817/mobility-aids-for-everyday-life

Best Mobility Aid Devices For People With Leg Injury

  A broken ankle and foot break might hurt a lot. It can make performing certain activities difficult and devastating at the same time. One ...