Ram Elevators + Lifts

The Federal Government of Canada announced new budget proposal items on April 21st and opened up a new support mechanism for helping support home accessibility and aging in place.

The government is proposing a new, non-refundable home accessibility tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities that will provide tax relief of 15 per cent, up to $10,000 of eligible expenditures per calendar year, per individual, to a maximum of $10,000 per dwelling.

The credit could be claimed on costs incurred to renovate or alter a home in order to provide better access to it or greater mobility inside, such as wheelchair ramps and stairlifts as well as vertical platform lifts or even home elevators, if they are intended to help the mobility challenged.

Ottawa Citizen Details Link

RAM has contributed to the Full House Lottery Show home with a customized home elevator this year and the Edmonton Journal has mentioned it as part of the stunning home that is being raffled off. The Journal noted that “The wow factor in the first grand prize home — The Summit from Kondro Homes — could definitely be the elevator”.

We could not be happier with the reference to our great product and we’re very proud to be associated with this home.

This article was published recently and shows how some simple ideas can save big $$$ while still creating improved accessibility.

“Swing-away off-set door hinges are a great way to increase the clearance space of a door for a wheelchair without the expense of reconstruction to widen the doorway.  Widening a doorway even just a few inches can cost anywhere from $700.00-$1,500.00 depending on if the door is in a load-bearing wall, it’s an interior or exterior door, or if electrical will need to be rerouted.

A great solution to widening a door without incurring extensive construction costs are swing-away off-set hinges.  But with anything you do for accessibility either do it right or don’t do it.  So here are some tips and solutions for when you run into difficulty.  As John says, ‘nothing is ever simple all you can hope for is straight forward.”

More interesting statistics from CNN regarding the perspectives of Baby Boomers as they age.

LINK

When working with products related to accessibility service and having representation on the ground near customers is critical. RAM has an extensive dealer partner network and we are fortunate enough to have the Silver Cross Calgary team as one of our committed partners.

Recently Silver Cross exhibited in Calgary, Alberta to highlight their offerings in home medical equipment. As part of this exhibit they included our of RAM’s Trus-T-Lift wheelchair lift.

A big thanks to Phil  and his team for including our product in their offerings!

Steve Whyte (Silver Cross Technician) at exhibition.

RAM doesn’t attend very many trade shows but the North American Elevator Contractors (NAEC) 65th annual trade show in San Antonio was held last week ad RAM participated in this event.

Although RAM has extensive dealer partner network coverage across North America we are always looking for ways to support customers better and with more localized dealer partners. The types of companies and individuals that attend the NAEC are just the right kind of qualified individuals that RAM likes to work with and we had a great opportunity to connect with some of our existing dealers partners as well as make contact with some potential new ones.

We look forward to working with these new contacts as we help them grow their accessibility and elevating device business through the use of our products that include Home Elevators, LULA Elevators, Commercial Wheelchair Lifts, Home Wheelchair Lift.

This article was published on Forbes and made some interesting points.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleaebeling/2014/09/03/is-aging-in-place-a-pipe-dream/

We could not agree more that getting prepared now will give you more options in the future and if someone is planning a renovation accessibility should certainly be a consideration.

Lifts and elevators can be incorporated in ways that make them blend in rather than stand out while still preserving the function of accessibility.

For those people with mobility challenges outfitting your home can be a daunting financial expenditure. The Alberta government has a grant program called RAMP (Residential Access Modification Program).

Recently the Alberta government increased the limits of these grants and details can be found a the following link:

RAMP Program

Funding is only one part of the picture of course and working with credible people who understand your challenges is important as well. One of Alberta’s long established architects who has worked extensively with these types of project is Ron Wickman. RAM has cooperated with Ron on numerous projects over the years and we would highly recommend him in the design stages.

RAM also works with home medical equipment companies here in Alberta that distribute our products but also a wide variety of other products and services that you may need to consider. Working with a  reputable home medical equipment company that is truly looking to provide for your needs today and tomorrow as well as the service you will likely require is important. Companies that RAM works with are well experienced with the RAMP program and will also be able to assist in assessing your needs. Contact us today if you’d like to know who we work with in your area.