When you or a loved one suddenly needs accessibility solutions, you want to know what to expect.. At Senior Home Solutions of Michigan, we’ve installed thousands of wheelchair ramps across the state, and we know that understanding the process helps ease anxiety during an already stressful time.

Whether you’re looking to rent a wheelchair ramp for a temporary recovery period or purchase a wheelchair ramp for long-term use, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect from your first call to the moment you safely roll up your new ramp.

Day 1: Initial Contact and Assessment

Your journey begins with a simple phone call or website inquiry. When you reach out to Senior Home Solutions, we immediately gather essential information about your situation:

• Your Timeline: Are you being discharged from the hospital in two days? Recovering from surgery next week? We understand urgency.
• Your Home’s Layout: How many steps lead to your entry? What’s the rise from ground to threshold? Is there space for a ramp? This can often be done through Google Maps after acquiring your address.
• Your Mobility Needs: Will you need a ramp for a manual wheelchair, power chair, walker, or scooter?

Based on this conversation, we can often provide preliminary pricing for both wheelchair ramp rentals and purchase options. Many families don’t realize they have choices—you can rent a ramp for wheelchair users during short-term recovery or invest in a permanent solution. Often the “breakeven” point on a wheelchair ramp rental vs wheelchair ramp purchase is 18 months.

Understanding Your Options: Rental vs. Purchase

Wheelchair Ramp Rental: Our rental wheelchair ramps are perfect for temporary needs following surgery, hospital discharge, or rehabilitation. The upfront cost covers three essential components: 

1. The installation of the ramp
2. The first month’s rent
3. The eventual disassembly when you no longer need it. 

Your initial payment isn’t due until our wheelchair ramp installation is complete, giving you peace of mind that everything is perfect before you pay.

Purchase Options: When you purchase a wheelchair ramp from Senior Home Solutions, you’re making a one-time investment in long-term accessibility. We offer both new and used ramp systems, and every ramp purchase comes with a lifetime warranty. Like our rentals, payment is due after installation.

For families unsure about the duration of their mobility challenges, our wheel chair ramp rentals offer flexibility. Many customers who initially rent a wheelchair ramp eventually choose to purchase it at a discounted rate based on their rental period.

Day 2: Scheduling Your Installation

Once you’ve decided to move forward—whether with rental wheelchair ramps or a wheelchair ramp purchase—we schedule your installation. Here’s where Senior Home Solutions stands apart: we commit to completing every wheelchair ramp rental or purchase within 48 hours of your initial contact.

Because our ramps are manufactured right here in Michigan, we maintain extensive inventory for rapid deployment. This local manufacturing advantage means we’re not waiting on shipments from across the country when you need help now.

We’ll confirm our 8:00 AM arrival time and answer any remaining questions about the process.

Installation Day: What Happens Hour by Hour

7:45 AM – Team Arrival and Introduction

Our professional installation crew arrives at your home promptly at 8:00 AM. You’ll meet your installation team, typically 2-3 experienced technicians who have completed hundreds of ramp installations across Michigan.

They’ll introduce themselves, review the installation plan, and walk you through the day’s timeline. Our crew treats every home with respect—protecting landscaping, cleaning up as they work, and minimizing disruption to your household.

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Site Preparation and Layout

The first 30 minutes involve careful preparation:

• Measuring and Verification: Even though we’ve discussed measurements, our team verifies every dimension to ensure perfect fit
• Layout Planning: We map out exactly where each ramp section, platform, and landing will be positioned
• Safety Check: The crew identifies any obstacles or concerns that need addressing

This is when you’ll see the quality of our Michigan-manufactured components. Each piece is precision-engineered for quick assembly while maintaining the highest safety standards.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Platform and Foundation Assembly

Installation begins at your home’s entry point with the platform assembly. This critical foundation ensures your handicap ramp is stable and secure.

Our modular aluminum ramp systems are designed for efficient installation. The platform connects directly to your doorway at the appropriate height, creating the stable base from which the ramp will extend.

All our ramps meet ADA specifications, which means:

• The walking surface is exactly 36 inches wide—providing ample clearance for wheelchairs, including wider models
• Platforms are sized appropriately for safe maneuvering
• Every component is engineered for 1,000+ pound weight capacity

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Ramp Section Installation

Once the platform is secure, the crew begins installing the ramp sections themselves. This is where you’ll see the beauty of our modular system—sections fit together precisely, secured with aircraft-grade aluminum hardware.

Crossmembers are installed underneath to provide additional support and stability. Whether you rent a ramp for wheelchair use or purchase it outright, you’re getting the same premium construction quality.

The crew works methodically, ensuring each section is level, secure, and properly aligned before moving to the next.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Handrail and Safety Features

Safety is paramount, which is why every ramp includes 36-inch tall bilateral handrails—that means handrails on both sides of the entire ramp system. These aren’t just code requirements; they’re essential safety features that provide stability and confidence.

The handrails are positioned at ADA-compliant heights and extend beyond the ramp itself for easier grasping before stepping onto or off the ramp.

Additional safety features include:

• Non-slip walking surface designed to provide traction even in wet conditions
• Edge protection to prevent wheels from slipping off the ramp
• Proper slope calculation (1 inch of rise requires 12 inches of ramp) for safe, manageable grades

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Final Inspection and Walkthrough

Before calling the job complete, our crew conducts a thorough inspection:

• Testing stability and ensuring all connections are tight
• Verifying handrail security
• Checking that the walking surface is free from debris
• Confirming the ramp meets all ADA specifications

Then they’ll walk you through your new wheelchair ramp, explaining proper use and maintenance. For Michigan residents, we discuss winter care—how to keep your handicap ramp clear of snow and ice for safe year-round use.

11:15 AM – Installation Complete

Most installations are completed within 2-3 hours, though larger or more complex configurations may take slightly longer. Our crew cleans up completely, removing all packaging and debris.

At this point, payment is due. Remember, for wheelchair ramp rental, this upfront payment covers installation, first month’s rent, and future disassembly. For purchases, it’s a single payment with lifetime warranty coverage.

After Installation: Your First Days With Your New Ramp

The first time you roll up your new handicap ramp, you’ll immediately notice the difference. The gentle slope, secure handrails, and stable surface transform what was once an insurmountable obstacle into a confident path to independence.

During the first few days:

• Take it slow: Get comfortable with the ramp’s slope and length
• Use the handrails: They’re there for added security and balance
• Practice in good weather first: Before navigating in rain or snow, familiarize yourself with the ramp in ideal conditions

For Rental Customers: What Happens When You’re Done?

One of the advantages of choosing to rent a ramp for wheelchair recovery is the flexibility. When you no longer need the ramp—whether that’s in six weeks or six months—simply contact us to schedule disassembly.

Our crew returns, typically spending about an hour to carefully remove the ramp system. There’s no damage to your property, and since the disassembly was included in your upfront payment, there are no surprise costs.

Many customers are surprised to learn they can convert their rental to a purchase at any point, with rental payments credited toward the purchase price.

Why Senior Home Solutions Is Michigan’s Trusted Choice

After serving Michigan families for over 20 years, we’ve refined our installation process to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our Michigan-manufactured ramps, experienced crews, and commitment to same-day service mean you’re not left waiting when mobility matters most.

Whether you need rental wheelchair ramps for short-term recovery or want to purchase wheelchair ramp for permanent accessibility, we’re here to help—and we’ll have your ramp installed within 48 hours of your call.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t let stairs keep you from safely accessing your home. Contact Senior Home Solutions of Michigan today at (586) 997-0750 or visit us at https://seniorhomesolutions.com to schedule your free consultation.

We’ll walk you through your options for wheelchair ramp rentals or purchase, provide transparent pricing, and get your installation scheduled quickly. Because when it comes to accessibility, every day matters—and we’re here to make sure you don’t wait any longer than necessary.