10 replies to this topic

[wheels]

Hello all, I have this swivel bath seat because I can not stand in the shower because of fatigue ( weakness) in my legs, so I found this web site that makes
them it adjust too any standard tub, you do not need any tools to put it on the tub
just adjust it . It's great, just set down in it and turn into the tub,I love it.
www.wheelchairusers.com
gm4uk@yahoo.com

[Joed]

Hi Missy D....

Here are just a couple of links I found when entering the search words 'portable ramp':

3 ft. ramp

Portable ramp

I used to know the recommended slope for a ramp...I want to say it's one inch slope per foot, but I'm not sure if I'm remembering that right.

If you're in the US, Vocational Rehabilitation might be able to help with ramps among other things.

[Bob Clark]

Hi Missy D,


Here's an innovative, very portable ramp design called "Roll-A-Ramp". Comes in many different lengths up to 13 feet and varying widths.

http://members.aol.c...trols/ramps.htm

They aren't cheap. But you can find free Do It Yourself instructions/blueprints online. Just Google for "wheelchair ramps" without the quotes.

Most of us have a "jack of all trades" brother or brother-in law with a toolbelt and access to cheap lumber!

Here's one website with lots of info (and links) for the DIYer.

http://www.wheelchairramp.org/

Joed is correct with the 1 to 12 ratio. Although building codes may be different in different areas.

From the manual at http://www.wheelchairramp.org/#manual :

"There may be a temptation to build a ramp that is steeper than the recommended 1 to 12 minimum in order to conserve space or reduce costs. Before deciding to build such a ramp, remember that the steeper the ramp is, the more dangerous it becomes to anyone using it."

[AHolland]

Two solutions I use.

For ramps, I have taken two pieces of U-channel aluminum and welded a hing in the middle. This means that a 12' ramp can be folded into a 6' section. The aluminum..or aluminium ad the English like to say is light enough that any smaller person can easily carry them and even fit them into a car.

Reminds me that we should consider having a picture file for people to peruse to see what adaptations people use...Simon, add that to the list of things we can add here.

As for the shower, I use a commode chair. It takes a few minutes, but I jump into bed, undress and jump back onto my commode chair. From there I either roll over tothe toilet, or into my wheel in shower. As you probably don't have a wheel in shower, you may have to improvise with a shower bench in your bathtub anda transfer board to go from the wheelchair to the bench.

[Missy D]

Hi All, Busy, busy, here...got first part of ramp done..framed and deck boards on...from door out. I've been painting house exterior in between and helping with ramp in evening. My guy, has second ramp slope ready for framing tomorrow. It involves an odd right turn onto a cement path. I will be able to help him finish it up. He's been able to pull his van lift up to the first level at least for now instead of me, putting down a plank by hand each leaving/going from house.

We were laughing LAAAAATER about how we were both getting frustrated by the project. The new, circular saw, worked great...but took me awhile to get used to it. He said he is used to resting more at home, but he wanted to complete the ramp even though he knows he is slow at it. I will be recalled to work later next week, and he plans to go home then, too....Told him, things would not be so hectic next time. Good, he has such a sense of humor. He's a riot in the hardware store....lol. Meantime, I tried out one of the new tools; a reciprocating saw; and put it thru a window...omg.....so, he cut all the frame and molding for replacement window!

How is the weather where you are?

[hillarymcarter]

just a little tip- If you can get your guy's doctor to write a prescription for the ramp you can write the cost off on your taxes.

[Missy D]

Was trying to post a pic of the new ramp..? Not sure how to do this? Pic is in an email..

I made him feel bad during the ramp project somehow? Still discussing.... Hard to know how I did this? Felt inferior; when I was simply offering suggestions...in 90* weather..

[mere5]

 Missy D, on 27 June 2005 - 05:29 AM, said:

Hi, I am new to this forum. I am dating a guy who is a paraplegic. When he came to visit recently, I enjoyed helping him shower, but he had difficulty tranferring from his chair to shower chair. The shower chair you mentioned in your post, sounds great. I will definitely check it out.

We have been dating for about 6 months, and such a great guy...I can see a future with him..but access to thibut ngs in my home is still difficult. I took a plank wide enough for the doorway to create a ramp....do you know where I could get info into portable ramps or similiar???? Or must I remodel somehow?
I do not know where to direct all my questions...for someone starting out with these concerns. I never knew the man of my dreams would come to me this way...but I'd do whatever it takes to make him comfortable...thanks.

WOW..great reading your situation.I too have met someone in a wheelchair,well actually i met him through a dating site.i saw his photo and was attracted straight away.when we finally exchanged numbers,he informed me of his situation.but we had spoken via txts,my initial thought was blank..all i could think was i like someone in a wheelchair!.. but him being disabled didnt bother me.i want to get to know this man,and like u,never thought the man of my dreams would come to me this way..and i to would do whatever it takes to make him comfortable..kia ora