Does anyone know of a program that helps to build or obtain a wheelchair ramp at little or no cost?

Consider asking your town's Council on Aging. Some towns, such as my late mothers, actually have retired men in their 60's who are looking for someone to assist.

First contact your local agency on aging in your state; second check with your independent living center for people with disabilities; third call you information and assistance program or 211 for referrals to programs that build ramps.

Where I live the Office of Aging and Disabilities Dept.

We had a lot of luck using a portable wheelchair ramp for several years, to get up to the deck of our daughter's house from which we could enter the house directly. The ramps come in different lengths, up to 12 feet, and can accept significant weight up to 300 pounds on some. I'm including a website for discount ramps, some of which might work for you. Ours was up continuously out in the elements for 7 years without significant damage. Here's the website:

http://www.discountramps.com/wheelchair-ramps/c/3100/?CID=PSC-TXT-Nonbrand-Google-P-Wheelchair+Ramps+V2-metal+wheelchair+ramp&st-t=Google-Metal+Wheelchair+Ramps&vt-k=metal%20wheelchair%20ramp&vt-mt=p&trkid=V3ADW216784_16296037942_kwd-2231984028__108701012182_g_c__&gclid=COWG2qH0vdMCFY08gQoddx4J0g

Call your local library to get the name of RSVP - Retired Senior
Volunteer Program. They have all volunteers who will fix things and do just about anything for needy seniors over 55 at no cost. Call them.

Mom doesn't go very far but does need to go to Dr. appts., Hairdresser, and out for lunch so she sees something in addition to the walls of the house.  She is mentally alert, has friends over, and does very well for 105.  The caregiver cooks, cleans, helps her dress and bathe, and makes sure she takes her medication.

105 years old! Where does she go at age 105 ?? ... And Medicare pays for ramps? I never knew that. Maybe one has to be confined to a wheelchair in order for them to pay.... Well, bless your hearts, I hope they get on building that ramp pretty soon!

There's a company that sells build-it-yourself kits for wheelchair ramps. The ramp is designed by an engineer, using materials you can get at a big box hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot. If you know someone who has basic building and carpentry skills, they can put it together. Check out their YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_yB8KmloqU

P.S. I'm not affiliated with them at all. I learned of them not to long ago and just think it's a great idea and helpful for those on a budget.

My mom is almost 105 and lives in her own home with 24/7. While her caregiver can get her down and back up the 4 steps to the house, it is scary to watch the process with her holding on to the railing for dear life! I started with her insurance provider and was told that Medicare pays for ramps and I just needed a letter from her Dr. The Dr., who has many elderly patients, said that he had never heard about a ramp being provided but that he would write the letter. The letter went to the medical group that provides mom's care and they turned us down saying that there was no evidence of it being medically necessary. I have appealed and that is where we are now.

So, if you have a medical plan that provides the Medicare services give them a call. Talk to the Dr.'s office staff. Look around in the neighborhood and when you see a house with a ramp go knock on the door. Be very polite and explain your circumstances. I bet they will be most helpful.

Some Volunteers of America also have programs that will build a ramp if you buy the materials. They do other really cool services for free or almost free for elders.

Habitat for Humanity might be able to assist.

The program we used to get a ramp built for my dad had a long waiting list - 2 years before they came back.

We were lucky and were able to get a temporary ramp built for just the cost of the plywood. Amazingly enough, it lasted just the 2 years!

Check with your local agency on aging, there are volunteer groups who do this. Good luck

You may want to also ask other churches if they help with the cost, or know of an organization that does. My mother's church doesn't deal with ramps, but they had a man from a charity that specializes in ramps call me. They told me our local food pantry would pay for the materials, and the charity would build the ramp free of charge. We also have an organization here called the Appalachian Agency For Senior Citizens; I have no idea where you live, but I'm wondering if there may be a similar group in your area. I'd also ask a food pantry (if there is one) if they knew anyone, and while they don't likely deal with ramps, I'd still ask someone at Social Services if they have any suggestions. I hope you find the help you need.

In Michigan we have the Community Action Agency with a department called Area on Aging. I know they help the elderly with ramps and other household needs. My husband is a builder and he would do work for that department once in a while. Check around and see if your community has a similar thing.

Thanks for the suggestions. I did contact the church that we went to for a while and the pastor is trying to help by asking around. I did not, however, know about the Boy Scouts, so thanks again!

In my town, the Boy Scouts have built ramps for people.

I would go directly to businesses and organizations and ask for help. See if you can get someone to give you a bid. Then, you will know how much $ you will need.
Do any of you belong to any clubs or churches, that you can approach?