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Stairs

We live in a ranch home on a hill. My husband has FTD and is getting unsteady on his feet. We have to climb a set of stairs no matter which way we enter the home. The most gradual incline is from the driveway to the back porch and in through the kitchen. However the patio is made of large stones, two levels, uneven and loose in some places. Has anyone had a ramp installed at their home or repairs done to the house to make access safer? Is there a resource for this work to be done at a reduced cost for seniors? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 1,997
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    I would contact the Alzheimer’s toll free number at the top of the main page and also contact your county agency on aging. They may know of resources in your area.

  • harshedbuzz
    harshedbuzz Member Posts: 5,586
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    @ldavis57

    Your local Area Agency on Aging might have some ideas for funding.

    Operation Ramp It Up Non-Profit - How We Operate

    HB

  • ldavis57
    ldavis57 Member Posts: 4
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    thanks! Great ideas!

  • MN Chickadee
    MN Chickadee Member Posts: 953
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    edited August 9

    Where I live, the Agency on Aging help line does have some resources for this. Mostly involves a couple non-profits who work with people with disabilities who have programs for assistance with ramps. There is also a program where inmates at the local minimum security prison doing work release have a team doing ramps. Your local council on aging should know. If all else fails you might see if a boy scout troop would take it on as a project.

  • sandwichone123
    sandwichone123 Member Posts: 1,043
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    Red Cross also has resources that may help, as do various church ministries.

  • weareallunique
    weareallunique Member Posts: 116
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    Don't forget to look into your property tax and income tax angles- may be able to avoid an increase in property taxes and check if the work qualifies for a medical deduction off this years tax. .

    If other homes near you are about the same - place an notice in the local HO grp — someone may be getting rid of their ramps and charge nothing . Use a one time email and burner phone to avoid privacy issues until you know the caller is legit.

    "However the patio is made of large stones, two levels, uneven and loose in some places. " If you sell or rent the place these issues may need fixing , so spending the money now on this will mean you'll get to use what you've bought.

    I've been in older restaurants where they had a outside elevator- open air - had a key lock - next to the stairs outside - they can handle a wheelchair -and got folks up to the porch level. In the rain , snow or heat trucking around to the back of your house maybe a hike .

    Google "vertical lift". "porch lift" . Be sure the electrical work needed gets required permits and prof install.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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