Wheelchair Ramp After Surgery in West Michigan: What to Arrange Before Discharge

Original blog post written on December 11, 2024.

If someone is coming home after surgery and needs a wheelchair ramp, start planning as soon as you know the expected discharge date. A temporary ramp may help make the entrance more accessible, but the right setup and installation timing depend on the home, the entrance, and the person’s mobility needs.

Lakeshore Barrier Free provides temporary ramp rentals through Patriot Ramp Rentals. We serve Grand Rapids, Holland, Big Rapids, Muskegon, and nearby West Michigan communities. Installation may be completed within 24 to 48 hours in some situations. That is not a guaranteed timeframe. Ask the team to assess the property and confirm availability before making plans around a specific installation date.

Call Lakeshore Barrier Free at (616) 477-2685 or visit the wheelchair ramp rental page to ask about your needs.

You can watch the video below of one of our vendors' temporary ramp rentals being installed.

Do you need a temporary ramp rental installed quickly and painlessly in Grand Rapids, MI, and surrounding areas? Patriot Ramp Rentals has you covered. We offer twenty years of expert experience in temporary ramp installations. We’ve installed temporary ramps throughout West Michigan, and we can’t wait for you to see what we can do.

Wheelchair ramp checklist for hospital discharge

Use the checklist below to start planning before the person comes home. You can also download the wheelchair ramp rental checklist as a PDF as well.

1. Share the expected discharge date

Call Patriot Ramp Rentals, a division of Lakeshore Barrier Free, as soon as you have an expected date. Explain that the date may change, and ask what installation dates are available. Do not assume a ramp can be installed the same day you call or the same day the person leaves the hospital.

2. Describe the home entrance

Tell our team which entrance you hope to use. Share what you know about:

• The number of steps or the height of the entrance
• The space outside the door
• The path from the driveway or parking area
• Any narrow turns, gates, or other obstacles
• Whether the entrance has a storm door or another door that may affect access

You do not need to design the ramp yourself. Ask us what information would help with an initial conversation and whether an on-site assessment is needed. For more help planning the entrance, read our guide to wheelchair ramp slope, permits, and safety in Michigan.

3. Explain how the person will use the ramp

The ramp setup may depend on the mobility device and the person’s needs. Let Patriot Ramp Rentals know whether the person will use a wheelchair, a scooter, a walker, or another aid. If a caregiver will assist, mention that too.

For questions about the person’s mobility or transfer needs, ask their healthcare team or occupational therapist. We can assess the entrance and ramp setup, but should not replace medical advice.

4. Confirm the assessment and installation plan

Ask what happens before installation, how long the assessment may take, what must be clear at the entrance, and when the installation date will be confirmed. If you rent or live in a managed property, check whether you need permission from the property owner or manager.

Also ask how the ramp will meet the entrance, where the ramp will sit, and what safety features are included in the proposed setup.

5. Review the rental terms and total cost

Patriot Ramp Rentals bills rentals monthly and lists a three-month minimum commitment. A one-time installation and tear-down fee is included on the initial invoice. The rental price depends on the rental period and project details.

Ask for a quote that explains the expected charges, the minimum rental period, what happens if the ramp is needed longer than expected, and how to arrange removal when the rental ends.

Not sure how long you will need a ramp? Learn more about whether to rent or buy a wheelchair ramp.

6. Confirm the return-home plan

Before the installation, confirm who will be present, how our team can access the entrance, and when the ramp will be ready to use. After installation, ask us to explain how to use the ramp and whom to contact if you have a concern.

How quickly can a wheelchair ramp be installed?

Installation timing depends on the home and the ramp setup. In some situations, Patriot Ramp Rentals may be able to install a temporary ramp in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Timing depends on the property, ramp availability, and scheduling. Contact our team to confirm availability.

The property assessment, entrance layout, ramp configuration, availability, and scheduling can all affect timing. Contact us early and confirm the installation date directly before relying on a ramp being ready for discharge.

Is renting a ramp a good option after surgery?

A rental may suit a short-term need, such as recovery after surgery or an accident. It can provide temporary access without requiring the homeowner to build a permanent ramp. Compare the rental period and total cost with the likely length of need, and ask our team what happens if recovery takes longer than expected.

Does every home wheelchair ramp have to meet ADA standards?

Not necessarily. ADA ramp standards apply to covered facilities, such as places of public accommodation. A private home used only as a residence is not automatically subject to the ADA’s ramp-design rules just because someone who lives there needs a ramp.

Building code and permit requirements can depend on the property, the work, and the local jurisdiction. Do not assume that one ramp measurement applies to every home. Ask the ramp provider, such as Patriot Ramp Rentals, and the building department that serves the property if you have questions about local requirements.

For reference, see the ADA’s design standards and the State of Michigan’s building permit information.

What Are the Different Types of Ramps That You Can Rent?

Residential Ramps

Our home ramp rentals provide a practical and convenient solution for individuals or families needing temporary accessibility. Whether you're recovering from an accident, undergoing surgery, or helping a loved one through a recovery period, our ramps make navigating your home easier and safer.

Designed for quick installation and adaptability, these ramps ensure comfort and peace of mind during challenging times. You don’t need to worry about permanent modifications to your home; our rental ramps are temporary, making them a stress-free choice for short-term needs. We understand how important mobility and independence are, and our ramps are here to help restore both.

Before renting, ask about the proposed ramp layout, installation, removal, rental duration, and any service or maintenance included in the agreement.

Event Ramps

Planning a special event? Accessibility should never be a concern. Our temporary ramp rentals are perfect for graduations, weddings, and other celebrations where short-term solutions are needed. These ramps ensure all guests, regardless of mobility, can participate comfortably.

They are also an excellent choice for public events, providing access to stages, platforms, or areas with steps. We prioritize both safety and aesthetics, so the ramps blend seamlessly into your event's design. Let us help you create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and included.

Commercial Ramps

Businesses and public spaces in Michigan can benefit greatly from our commercial ramp rentals.

These ramps are specifically designed for high-traffic environments like zoos, parks, museums, and retail spaces. Whether you're accommodating patrons temporarily or navigating accessibility requirements during renovations, our ramps are durable, reliable, and compliant with safety standards.

With ease of installation and flexibility in design, these ramps meet the diverse needs of commercial properties. They offer a cost-effective way to ensure accessibility without committing to permanent changes.

Custom Wheelchair Ramps

Need something a little more specialized? We offer tailored wheelchair ramp rentals to fit unique situations. Whether it's for a stage, a podium, or a multi-level entryway, our custom solutions are designed with your specific requirements in mind.

We understand that every location and event has its own challenges, and we’re here to create ramps that address those challenges effectively. From ensuring seamless transitions to maintaining the aesthetics of your space, our custom ramps offer a perfect balance of function and form.

West Michigan wheelchair ramp rentals

Lakeshore Barrier Free offers temporary ramp rentals in Grand Rapids, Holland, Big Rapids, Muskegon, and surrounding West Michigan communities. Service may be available in other parts of Michigan, depending on the situation.

Visit the wheelchair ramp rental page for rental information, or call (616) 477-2685 to ask about your location and expected discharge date.

Frequently asked questions

Can I arrange a wheelchair ramp before the patient leaves the hospital?

Yes. Contact a ramp provider as soon as you know the expected discharge date. Ask about an assessment and available installation dates, then confirm the schedule directly. Discharge dates and installation timing can change.

How long does wheelchair ramp installation take?

Lakeshore Barrier Free says some installations may be completed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the situation. This is not a guaranteed timeframe. The company can confirm timing after discussing the property and ramp setup.

What is the minimum rental period?

Patriot Ramp Rentals lists a three-month minimum commitment. The rental is billed monthly. Ask the company to confirm current terms and provide a quote for your situation.

Is the installation and removal fee included?

Lakeshore Barrier Free says a one-time installation and tear-down fee is included on the initial invoice. Confirm the full cost and any other charges when requesting a quote.

What information should I have when I call?

Have the property address, expected discharge date, preferred entrance, and any details you know about steps, space, and the mobility device. The provider can tell you whether it needs more information or an on-site assessment.

Arrange a ramp before discharge

A little planning can make it easier to coordinate a temporary ramp before someone returns home after surgery. Contact Patriot Ramp Rentals, a division of Lakeshore Barrier Free, early to discuss the entrance, assessment, rental terms, and installation schedule.

Call (616) 477-2685 or visit the wheelchair ramp rental page.