I never really thought about what it would be like to be trapped in a hospital or rehabilitation center until I had to get my Dad home. I know, that is an odd start, but that is what prompted me to take a few minutes out of my day today to provide information to other hubbers who may one day find themselves or someone that they know in that very situation.

A few years ago my father suffered from a stroke. It was not a bad stroke and he was able to function and get around well. He was unable to use his left side for some time, and had to use a wheelchair, but that was the extend of damage. We were lucky. That being said, he could not be released from his rehabilitation facility until he was able to get in and out of his home. What we discovered was that there were not many options available to us. If you googled wheelchair ramps at that time, there was a slim chance that you would be able to find someone who could make it out to your home in a short amount of time and get you or your loved one back into your home.

Most people don't ever really think about what what happen if they lost their ability to walk. Most people don't like to think about their mortality at all. The older you get, the more you have to think about planning for the future be it your own, your child or your parents. My future planning got me thinking about what I would do if all I wanted was to get home and I couldn't. When I had to get my Dad back and forth from the car to the front door, we used cinder blocks, plywood and brute force. I needed a better plan.

Years later, as I drove along a side street one day, I noticed a house with a ramp built off of the side of it and took note of the company's name on the ramp. It was a ramp from a company called AmRamp. Boy do I wish I had heard of them when I was in need of a ramp. They have just about everything that you could ask for. When I called, I got a great deal of information, and they explained things that I never thought about. I found it interesting that their ramps can be used for a graduation ceremony if one of the graduates are not able to make it up the stairs to cross the stage. They also have ramps can be used for a day or for years, or sold, or even rented. Due to this, they can be short-term or long term. This was an interesting concept to me, as my best friends was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis many years ago. Due to her MS, we often times have to use her chair if we are out for a long period of time. It is a lot harder to get around during a lot of special events, like concerts because there aren't any ramps or access for people who may have trouble getting around. I don't know why stadiums, arenas or concert locations wouldn't rent a ramp for at least the day to give more access to everyone.

I am happy to have found a company that removes the concern from my mind in regards to planning for my father's future. Should something happen in the future, I know who to call. When there is a concert that I want to take my friend to, I can ask they they call for a rental. My friend, who for years wanted an easier way to get into her apartment when she was tired, was able to buy a ramp that she can take with her when she moved. It is funny how one item can make someones life so much better. It is freedom made easy.