Ryan Peterson tells us about making mobility modifications to your home, including wheelchair lifts, stair lifts, and even something as simple as a handicap accessible ramp.

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We've covered a lot of ground on Your Home, but never about making modifications to your home in order to make it more accessible for someone with a physical disability. Bruce Jackson knows first hand what it takes to adapt your house to your, or your loved one's needs.

"Ramps, stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, ceiling track lifts. Those are the primary ones," explained Bruce Jackson, Barrier Free Systems. "We also do private residence elevators, power door openers and pool lifts."

Jackson recommends anticipating any mobility issues if you're looking for the home you are going to grow old in. If you're not born with a disability or suffer one later in life as the result of an accident, Jackson said it's important to look for single level houses to help you avoid the cost of installing mobility aids.

"My suggestion is to look at a house that has a bedroom and a full bath on the first floor. So you're not put in the situation of having to put in an elevator or lift to get to the second floor," suggested Jackson.

If and when you do need to make some modifications to your home, even if it's something as simple as a ramp, it's important to contact a company like Jackson's. They will come out and evaluate the situation and help you determine exactly what type of changes need to be made.

"We start with the outside of the house. How are you going to get in if you are in a wheelchair? How many steps are there at the front door? The back door? The garage? Which is the most advantageous for putting in a ramp or life? Once you're in the house, what are the issues you're confronted with," asks Jackson, when evaluating a home.

Believe it or not, neither medicare nor medicaid will cover any of these modifications. Private insurance rarely will, it depends on your plan. Jackson said on occasion, if you're injured severely on the job, workman's comp will cover the cost of mobility modifications to your house. For more information, visit www.barrierfreesystemsny.com.