The holidays are supposed to be a time of connection—family gatherings, shared meals, and visits with friends and neighbors. But for anyone who uses a mobility scooter, wheelchair, walker, or just has trouble with stairs, a single step at the front door can feel like a brick wall.
If you’re hosting someone this season who has mobility challenges—or you yourself are recovering from surgery or an injury—adding a ramp can be the difference between “We wish you were here” and “We’re so glad you are here.”
This guide explains:
- Why temporary ramps are a smart solution for the holidays
- When to consider a permanent ramp instead
- Types of ramps and how to choose the right one
- Safety tips so guests can visit with confidence
- How local providers (like Mobility Plus Northfield) can help you decide what’s best for your home
Why Temporary Ramps Are Perfect for the Holiday Season
Many families only realize they need a ramp when holiday plans are already in full swing:
- An elderly parent is visiting for Thanksgiving or Christmas
- A loved one is coming home from rehab after surgery
- A friend who uses a wheelchair or scooter wants to attend a gathering
- Icy or snowy steps create slip hazards for guests of all ages
A temporary ramp is ideal in these situations because:
- You don’t have to commit to a permanent change
If you only need extra access for a few weeks or months, a rented or portable ramp gives you what you need—without permanent construction. - It can be installed relatively quickly
In many cases, temporary ramps can be put in place much faster than a built-from-scratch permanent solution, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. - It’s more affordable short-term
Renting a ramp for a few weeks or a couple of months can be more cost-effective than paying for a permanent build when your needs are temporary. - You can try before you commit
Some families use a temporary ramp during the holidays or after a surgery to see how it works with their home layout before deciding whether a permanent ramp is the right long-term solution.
When a Permanent Ramp Makes More Sense
While temporary ramps are excellent for the holidays and short-term needs, a permanent ramp is often the better choice when:
- Someone in the household uses a wheelchair, scooter, or walker every day
- There is a long-term or progressive mobility condition
- Repeated trips up and down stairs are becoming unsafe
- You want to age in place and plan proactively
Permanent ramps are usually:
- Custom-fit to your specific entryway, steps, and slope
- Built to last, using durable materials and proper footings
- Designed for all-weather use, especially important in Northeast Ohio’s snow and ice
- Visually integrated into the home, often with railings, landings, and finishes that look like part of the original structure
For many families, the best approach is:
temporary ramp now for an immediate need, permanent ramp later for long-term safety and independence.
Types of Ramps: Temporary vs. Permanent
Common Temporary Ramp Options
- Portable Suitcase Ramps
- Foldable and lightweight
- Good for one or two steps
- Can be moved between locations or stored when not in use
- Ideal for short visits, travel, or helping a loved one go somewhere just for the day
- Modular Aluminum Ramps
- Made of sections that can be configured to fit different heights and layouts
- Often used for rentals or semi-temporary needs
- Durable, weather-resistant, and sturdy
- Can include handrails and landings for added safety
- Threshold Ramps
- Small ramps that bridge minor level changes (like a raised door threshold or a single step)
- Perfect for doorways where scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs catch or bump
These options can often be installed or set up quickly, making them ideal for holiday timelines.
Common Permanent Ramp Options
- Modular Aluminum Ramps (Permanent Installation)
- Same modular design as temporary systems, but installed for long-term use
- Lower maintenance than wood
- Can often be reconfigured if needs change
- Wood Ramps
- Custom-built to match the style of the home
- Can be stained or painted
- Require ongoing maintenance (sealing, painting, checking for rot)
- Concrete Ramps
- Extremely durable and low maintenance
- Ideal for certain home layouts
- Typically a more permanent structural change
Key Safety Considerations for Holiday Ramp Use
Whether you choose a temporary or permanent ramp, safety should always come first—especially when weather and extra foot traffic are involved.
- Proper Slope
- A ramp that’s too steep can be dangerous.
- A common guideline for wheelchair users is a 1:12 slope:
- For every 1 inch of vertical rise, you need about 12 inches (1 foot) of ramp length.
- Non-Slip Surface
- Look for ramps with textured or non-skid surfaces.
- In winter, keep ramps clear of snow and ice with safe de-icing methods recommended for that ramp material.
- Handrails & Edge Protection
- Handrails provide stability for those who walk or use a cane.
- Guardrails or curbs on the ramp edges help prevent wheels from rolling off.
- Landings and Turning Areas
- At doorways and turns, you need flat, level platforms where users can stop, rest, or reposition safely.
- Visibility
- Good lighting at entryways is especially important during early evenings and dark winter afternoons.
- Consider adding reflective tape or contrasting edges to help guests see where the ramp starts and ends.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Ramp
Before renting a temporary ramp for the holidays—or investing in a permanent one—ask yourself:
- How many steps need to be covered?
- Who will use the ramp (walker, wheelchair, scooter, combination)?
- Is this for a one-time visit, a few months, or an ongoing daily need?
- Where will the ramp be placed—front door, garage entry, back entrance?
- Will the user be able to operate it independently?
- What is the local weather like during the time it will be used (snow, ice, rain)?
Having clear answers helps you and any provider you work with choose a ramp that fits both your home and your guest’s abilities.
Why Starting with a Temporary Ramp Can Be a Smart Strategy
For many families, the holidays are the first real “test” of how accessible their home is. A temporary ramp gives you a chance to:
- See how it changes daily life – Do guests feel more comfortable? Is it easier to bring in groceries or packages?
- Evaluate different entry points – Maybe the garage entry is actually safer and more convenient than the front steps.
- Learn what features matter most – Length, width, handrails, turning platforms, or surface texture.
After this trial period, you’ll be better equipped to decide if a permanent ramp is the right long-term investment.
How a Local Mobility Company Can Help
Working with a local mobility specialist can simplify the whole process. Rather than guessing at measurements and products online, an experienced team can:
- Come to your home for an assessment
- Measure rise, run, and available space
- Recommend whether a temporary rental, portable ramp, or permanent ramp makes the most sense
- Explain installation timelines—crucial around the holidays
- Help you plan for future needs if you’re considering aging in place
Where Mobility Plus Northfield Fits In
If you’re in Northfield, Ohio or the surrounding areas, Mobility Plus Northfield offers both temporary ramp rentals and permanent ramp solutions. Their team can help you:
- Get a ramp in place quickly for holiday visitors or short-term needs
- Explore permanent options if someone in your family needs long-term home access
- Combine ramps with other mobility solutions like scooters, power chairs, lift chairs, and stair lifts if needed
They also provide servicing and repairs, so your equipment stays safe and reliable over time, and they can schedule in-home assessments to make sure the ramp fits your home and your loved one’s needs.
If you’re planning to host loved ones with mobility challenges this holiday season—or you want to make your home safer and more accessible year-round—consider starting with a temporary ramp and then deciding whether a permanent ramp is the right next step. A few feet of ramp can open the door to many more years of shared meals, celebrations, and everyday moments together.
More information about Mobility Plus Northfield here: https://www.mobilityplus.com/northfieldoh/
