As we are all learning, the ability to get outdoors whilst shielding or self isolating during a period of social distancing is of great importance for a sense of self well-being and mental welfare. However people with certain medical conditions, including myself and many other high risk patients, are having to self isolate at home but some of us may be lucky enough to have a private back garden, patio or decking area where we can be outside enjoying a bit of fresh air, sunshine, bird song etc.
Please remember to check for the latest advice before venturing outdoors, even to your own back garden, especially if you are in the clinically vulnerable category.
As a part time wheelchair user I am only too aware of how many back gardens are inaccessible for wheelchair users due to difference in height between the floor level in the house and the ground level of the back garden. In certain circumstances (but not all) a temporary or permanent ramp might be a solution for providing wheelchair access.
The length of a wheelchair ramp is dictated by the height of the drop- the higher the step/ drop then the longer the ramps needs to be in order to maintain a satisfactory safe gradient for the wheelchair user to negotiate. The question of gradient is especially important for people in self propelled manual wheelchairs who are not relying on a carer to push them or on additional power coming from a powered wheelchair or from an add on motor drive attachment to their wheelchair.
If there is insufficient space for a ramp then a low-rise transfer lift may be an alternative solution for providing wheelchair access. However, there will be situations where the visual impact of a permanent low-rise transfer lift is considered to be too obtrusive or undesirable and so that is when the alternative option of an “Invisible Step Lift” may be very useful:
Pictured below are 2 images of the “Invisible Step Lift by Oyster Mayfair”
Invisible Step Lift by Oyster Mayfair at rest hidden in the floor.
Invisible Step Lift by Oyster Mayfair in action- having risen vertically and then extended horizontally.
Oyster Mayfair’s range of Invisible Step Lifts are suitable for installation either inside a property or outside in the garden- more information is available on their website at: https://www.oystermayfair.co.uk/the-invisible-step-lift-by-oyster-mayfair/
If it turns out that Covid-19 is going to be with us for quite some time or eventually becomes seasonal, perhaps as a different strain, then maybe some people will have to shield/ isolate themselves on a regular basis or at least until a vaccine is widely available every year.
Looking ahead to the future: The question of providing disabled access to back gardens may well become more of a priority and a solution such as an invisible step lift by oyster mayfair might be regarded as a valuable asset when selling/ purchasing a property, especially for older people or people with certain medical conditions.
Wishing everyone all the very best in these uncertain times- Stay Safe
(Date of article 26th April 2020)
Additional photos of the Invisible Step Lift by Oyster Mayfair
Invisible Step Lift by Oyster Mayfair hidden under the brick paving
The same Invisible Step Lift by Oyster Mayfair, now pictured in use having risen up out of the ground.
