Create an Accessible Home Entrance

One of the first obstacles we encounter while visiting in home care patients in a place like Canon City, is the accessibility of the home. Creating an entrance that is easily accessibly makes not only the patient's life easier, but everyone else's as well. Some basic changes can make a huge difference in the quality of everyday life. 

Aging in Place: Making Your Home’s Main Entrance Accessible

One of the first areas to address when modifying your home in preparation to age in place is the main entrance and the exterior walkways leading to and from this door.

If you are looking to update your current home or relocate due to age-related concerns, take the entry specifications and features below into consideration.

Threshold Height

Doorways, especially the main entrance to your home, should be step-less and have no threshold or a minimal threshold of no more than half an inch tall.

Door Width

Doorways should be no less than 32 inches wide, but a minimum of 36 inches is ideal. A standard wheelchair is approximately 24 to 27 inches wide. A simple alternative to widening a doorway is installing offset or expandable door hinges that could add up to 2 inches of width to a doorway.

Door Swing

Exterior doors should open into the home. Inswing doors prevent a person from stepping backwards when opening the door to enter.

Door Handles

Replace round doorknobs with levered handles. A loss of fine motor skills, arthritis pain and joint stiffness, and changes in vision can make the actions of twisting a doorknob or inserting the right key into a lock and turning difficult. Levered handles and keyless locks and entry systems can make the entry process easier.

Front Steps

The front stairway must feature secure and accessible handrails on both sides. The treads of each step should be deep and wide enough to safely accommodate you and a mobility aid.

All steps should drain properly. Accumulated water, snow, ice, or fungal growth can pose a serious slip and fall hazard.

Each step should be clearly defined as well. Ensuring proper visual cues are present is crucial. Adequate lighting and contrasting colors can help distinguish where the edge of each step is located to prevent tripping. Recessed lighting designed specifically for stairs can be installed to the face of each step or along a side wall to the illuminate the entire area.

A covered landing of some kind at the main entrance is ideal. It provides a flat, stable surface that is protected from the elements on which you can manage the front door and enter the home. Adding a bench or a small shelf next to the door will provide a convenient place to set any items, allowing use of both hands to get inside. Sufficient lighting on the landing also allows you to more easily lock and unlock the door.

Read the full article here: Aging in Place: Making Your Home’s Main Entrance Accessible http://bit.ly/2wCqxfp

First Posted here: Create an Accessible Home Entrance