11. The Wheelchair Ramp

With the new equipment at home, we were better prepared for Mother's physical needs. Taking her out of the house was a problem, though. The procedure was to wheel Mother close to the front door, hoist her from the wheelchair, and assist her in walking to and getting into the car. Then we'd fold up the wheelchair, carry it to the car, and put it in the trunk. Unfortunately, the wheelchair covered by Medicare wasn't the latest or lightest model. We later got a spare, more lightweight wheelchair through the local ambulance corps (which lends out wheelchairs, walkers, and canes donated to it) and that simplified matters.

"Dad decided to have a wheelchair ramp built by a local carpenter"

Things became much easier when Dad decided to have a wheelchair ramp built by a local carpenter. Springtime was coming and Dad wanted Mother to be able to spend time outdoors so she could enjoy the warmer weather. One thing we hadn't counted on was how long the ramp had to be. In order to ascend the five feet or so from ground level to the front door at a reasonable angle, we ended up with a large structure that covered a lot of the front lawn. Nevertheless, it was worth it. Mother could go out and enjoy the weather and it was easier to take her to the doctor. It became even easier when we started using the town's wheelchair van to take Mother to the doctor.