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I've looked at these lifts, almost $4,000 just to buy the lift. According to the ATP rep, they can't attach the lift to the existing front step, so they will need to remove the concrete step, build a new wood deck, pour a cement pad for the lift and install the lift. This will be paid by my mom's Medicaid Waiver.


I have been getting assistance from my mom's next door neighbor getting her in and out of the house since she can't use her walker on the steps. Her neighbor thinks it's highly necessary so I can do it myself. Keep in mind my mom won't be able to operate the lift herself, so I'll still need to help her. We haven't been getting her out more than 2 or 3 times a month.


The house was built in 1901 and we figure my dad poured the steps back in the 50's so they are NOT attached to the house. The front deck doesn't alter the house and should be easy to rebuild later if I don't like it. My main concern is the cost Medicaid will be paying for this deck.


My even bigger concern is if Medicaid paying for home modifications would affect my ability to place my mom in a facility in the not so distant future. I've been looking at places for her, but we know she will be a big problem for them.


Another reason to stop the bathroom remodel. Medicaid Waiver will end up paying so much for that bathroom, I'll be stuck taking care of my mom for the next 5 years.


I really just want to know if anyone thinks the deck with wheelchair lift would be worth that much money paid by Medicaid. I'm tempted to just order a portable ramp for about $200 and call it wonderful.

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I would do a ramp. There are 2 options. A permanent one, usually made of wood or a portable metal ramp. I got the latter for the steps in my garage. I did have a short ramp built then a platform and the ramp is placed there. (If I had not done it that way the ramp would have had to wrap around most of the inside of the garage.)
Personal opinion I think either of these would be more cost effective than a lift.
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I had a ramp installed when mom lived in my home.

It made a huge difference. She still struggled but without the ramp was much harder.
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Well you tried. You exhausted all other options, inc a portable ramp. Finding the vertical lift to be the only option left should make it easier to accept the cost, mess & space.
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Or a portable ramp
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What are the cons you see with a portable ramp? I'd for sure try that first.
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I'd definately try a portable ramp first.

If the slope allows & it is safe - why not? (Especially if a facility may be in the not-so distant future).

The neighbour who helped is telling you loud & clear they are done. Often polite 'sure I can help' wears thin & then they may start to hide...

You'll feel much better getting Mom out by yourself when you need to, rather than hunting up & down the street for another neighbour.
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SGeorge24 Apr 2021
The contractor who is supposed to do the job was here today to look at the project. He said one foot of ramp is required for every one inch of rise. Since my mom's step is 30 inches high, it would require a 30 foot ramp. He said a portable 12 foot ramp would be way too steep and too dangerous for my mom to use her walker on. There isn't enough room on the property for a 30 foot ramp so a vertical lift is the only option. The current cement step will definitely need to come out then they will build a new wood deck. The ground next to the step needs to be leveled and a cement pad poured, then they install the lift. We also need to have an outdoor outlet installed to power the lift as the house doesn't have any outdoor outlets.

Hopefully it won't be too difficult to remove the deck and pour a new cement step after my mom is gone.
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As soon as she falls down those three steps with walker only you will wish you had had that installed.
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MargaretMcKen May 2021
This is not an answer to the 'portable ramp' possibility.
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