Creating a more accessible world is a goal we all share, especially for those with mobility challenges. Surprisingly, home accessibility is still quite uncommon in the U.S., with only 9% of homes equipped for the 1.7 million wheelchair or scooter users. But there’s a silver lining—many homes can be adapted for better access. One effective way to overcome barriers like stairs is through vertical platform lifts (VPLs). These devices are a game-changer, offering a practical solution to enhance home accessibility. Opting to install vertical platform lifts can transform living spaces into more inclusive environments, making daily life easier for those who need it most. Let’s look into the 6 ways these platform lifts can make a difference in this blog.
1. Elevating Accessibility with Residential Vertical Platform Lifts
Known also as porch lifts, these lifts are a straightforward solution, enabling vertical movement with just a button press. Whether inside or outside, they can connect you to various levels of your home—from porches to upper stories. Our residential vertical platform lifts are not only safe in all weather conditions and ideal for tight spaces, but they also come with:
- ADA compliance
- Optional accessories
- Customizable sizes and features
- A robust 750-pound capacity
- Reliable warranty coverage
2. Maximizing Space with Vertical Platform Lifts
When space is at a premium, the typical ramp solutions might not be feasible. According to the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act, a safe ramp slope is 1:12, meaning a rise of one foot requires a twelve-foot-long ramp. This can quickly become unworkable, especially in smaller yards or when dealing with multiple stories.
Vertical platform lifts, however, occupy much less space. Imagine gaining up to 14 feet of vertical access with a platform measuring just 32 inches by 42 inches! This compact footprint makes vertical platform lifts an attractive option over ramps, preserving your home’s existing landscaping, pathways, and parking areas.
3. Cost-Effectiveness of Vertical Platform Lifts
VPLs offer a more affordable solution compared to extensive ramps, home elevators, and costly home modifications. Here’s a breakdown of how VPLs stack up against other options:
- Ramp Systems: Although ramps can be economical for minor elevation changes like a single step, their costs escalate when dealing with hills or multiple steps. Ramps following the ADA-recommended 1:12 slope ratio quickly become complex and expensive for rises over 30 inches, requiring multiple segments and turns.
- Home Elevators: While home elevators provide similar vertical access as VPLs, they come with a higher price tag. The cost of an elevator can be double or triple that of a VPL, not including the extensive construction required for installation. Elevators need significant alterations to your home’s structure, which adds to their overall cost.
- Exterior Modifications: In the U.S., 68% of homes have entry steps, prompting some homeowners to consider creating accessible external entryways. Although sometimes more economical, these modifications can become very pricey, involving excavation, foundation work, and additional structural changes.
- Interior Modifications: Making a home interior wheelchair-accessible often entails substantial modifications, which can be prohibitively expensive. This includes widening doorways, altering layouts, and sometimes even extensive remodeling to ensure mobility throughout the house.
By contrast, installing a VPL involves minimal disruption. It utilizes existing entrances and requires less structural modification, preserving the integrity and aesthetics of your home while providing reliable access. This makes VPLs a practical and economically wise choice, particularly when considering the long-term benefits and reduced impact on your property.
4. Reducing Stress with Residential Vertical Platform Lifts
Continuing our discussion on the benefits of vertical platform lifts, let’s talk about how they significantly reduce stress for wheelchair and scooter users. Surprisingly, access within one’s own home is a leading source of stress for those with mobility disabilities, as noted by the Physical Disability Stress Scale. Over one-third of wheelchair users report feeling stressed by features like stairs that make spaces hard to access.
Shockingly, the American Housing Survey reveals that 87% of wheelchair users don’t consider their homes fully accessible or even livable. This high level of inaccessibility contributes to daily stress. You might wonder why these individuals don’t simply move to more accessible homes.
Well, moving ranks as one of life’s most stressful events, right up there with significant life changes like divorce or job loss. Beyond the stress of moving, many people choose to stay in their homes to preserve their independence, community ties, and financial stability.
Addressing common barriers such as steps or elevation changes, residential vertical platform lifts offer a practical solution. They restore essential access and transform homes into stable, sustainable, and stress-free environments.
5. Expand Home Accessibility with Vertical Platform Lifts
VPLs are particularly beneficial for wheelchair and scooter users, offering a seamless way to move vertically without transferring between chairs. This feature is crucial because it supports the total weight of the user & their mobility device, making everyday tasks more manageable.
VPLs are not just for mobility devices; they provide a secure space to transport various items. Imagine easily moving groceries, luggage, or even delivery packages from one floor to another—VPLs make this possible, offering more flexibility than stair lifts. Operating a VPL is simple and inclusive. They come equipped with user-friendly controls such as:
- Continuous Pressure: This method involves holding down controls like rocker switches or up/down buttons to move the lift, accommodating a wide range of abilities.
- Remote Control: For ease of use, some models include a remote control. This allows either the user or an assistant to operate the lift from a distance.
- Call/Send Controls: These are installed off the platform, enabling users to call or send the lift to different floors with the press of a button.
6. Support & Increase Safety with Vertical Platform Lifts
VPLs are vital for ensuring safety in various conditions, whether it’s bad weather, physical barriers, or even power outages.
- Weather Resistance: VPLs are built to perform well in different weather conditions with minimal upkeep. Features like weatherproof controls, protective coatings, and optional heating kits help maintain functionality in extreme cold.
- Injury Prevention: Safety is paramount with VPLs. They come equipped with automatic gates and barriers that close during use. Additionally, obstruction sensors detect any items beneath the platform, prompting the lift to stop. For added security, emergency stop switches allow users to immediately halt the lift if needed, enhancing overall safety at home.
Conclusion
Vertical platform lifts are transforming homes into safer, more accessible environments for people with mobility issues. They offer independence, ease daily tasks, and maintain the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. With VPLs, homes become havens of accessibility and comfort, alleviating stress and expanding mobility options without the need for extensive modifications.
Choosing the right VPL is crucial for ensuring safety and functionality. It’s essential to select a trusted product and installation team. At HomePRO, our experts are well-trained and experienced, ready to provide you with the best solutions tailored to your home’s specific layout and needs. We’re committed to helping you understand the maintenance and operation of your new VPL, ensuring you can use it confidently and safely.
