Home Accessibility Options

One of the issues typically faced by persons living with ALS or clients is how they are going to get in and out of their homes if they are unable to climb stairs or become wheelchair users. Most clients choose porch lifts or ramps, although some decide on other options such as stair glides.

Porch Lifts

Many clients find that a porch lift is the best accessibility solution. These lifts require limited space and can often be used independently by a People with ALS. The most common lifts are 45 to 52 inches high, although taller lifts are also available.

Porch lifts are very recyclable in that they can easily be moved from one location to another. It may therefore be possible to use a second hand lift as long as the configuration and maximum height of the lift are suitable for its new location.

Before selecting a porch lift, it is advisable to ask an experienced vendor to check out the home first and determine that a porch lift will be suitable. The vendor should be asked the following questions:

• Where would you recommend installing a porch lift? (Although most users install the lift at a pre-existing door, some users end up installing patio doors somewhere else in the house to accomodate a lift.)
• What configuration is needed (e.g. left vs. right tower, straight through vs. 90 degree turn)
• How high a lift do I need?
• What type of prep work will I need to do before installing a porch lift? Typically this will include getting a base ready and having some electrical work done.
• What type of base do I need under the lift? If a concrete pad is required, this may need to be done in the spring or summer.

It is also a good idea to check out various types of lifts to find the one best suited for your needs. The following questions cans help you choose the best lift:

• What safety features are available on your lift?
• What type of drive mechanism is used in your lift (e.g. ACME screw or cable)
• How well does your lift work in cold weather?
• What ongoing preventative maintenance do you recommend for your lift?

Ramps

A ramp can be a viable accessibility option if there are only a few steps going into the home. It is important to note that a wheelchair ramp should have a 12:1 ratio: i.e. for every inch of rise there should be 12 inches of ramp. This means that replacing just a few steps with a ramp can take up a lot of room. Before deciding to build a ramp, you should ensure that your plans will meet the requirements of current building codes.

Stair Glides

Stair glides can be installed to help a client negotiate stairs. The user needs to transfer on and off the chair glide seat, therefore it may not be advisable for someone who is not able to bear weight. Full time wheelchair users will either need a wheelchair for each level of the house, or will need a caregiver to move the wheelchair up and down the stairs.

The cost can be quite reasonable for a straight set of stairs with no landings (approximately $4000). Stair cases with curves, fan-shaped stairs, landings or other unique features will need customized stair-glides which can more than double or triple the cost, plus mean several weeks waiting while the stair glide is manufactured.

If your staircase does not include curves, fans or landings, it might be possible to find a suitable second hand lift. With other types of staircases, you will almost certainly need to purchase a new lift.

Funding

There is some government funding available for home accessibility renovations but these are income based and can involve lengthy waiting periods.

The Home Adaptation Program (HAP) is through the Alberta government. For more information phone: 310-0000 (toll-free rite line outside Edmonton), then 780-427-5760.

The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) is a forgivable loan through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) is another federal program through CMHC.

Here are a few of the many web sites with information on accessibility options:

• http://bruno.com/bruno-stairlifts.html.
• http://www.savaria.com
• http://www.abilitiescouncil.sk.ca/products_ability_lift.html

This information has been prepared for the ALS Society of Alberta by Anne Chapman-Heinemeyer, OT. For more information on the ALS Society of Alberta's Equipment Program, please call Jeremy Wojtkiw at (403) 228-3857 (Extension 104) or e-mail at jeremy@alsab.ca. Phone toll free in Alberta at 1 (888) 309-1111.