We’ve covered the bathroom and some kitchen tools. You voted for the entryway and stairs next. So here’s the first part. The stairs are coming next, and more rooms after that.
The grab bar near the front door should be higher on the list. That's the spot with a bag in one hand, a threshold underfoot, and a door swinging shut behind you. Most moving parts, zero support.
The threshold ramps are the quiet fix. Half an inch of lip between rooms, and the foot that cleared it ten thousand times doesn't clear it once. That's not a fall in anyone's chart. That's a stumble you blame on yourself. Except your gait shortens after. You start watching the floor instead of everything else.
I most often enter and exit my house through the garage. I have a remote to open the garage door so no keys to fumble with. However, there are some worries that I do have, like is someone lurking in the darkness, ready to pounce once I pull in…. Are there security measures that you can comment on for those of us who come through garages?
Keep the garage well-lit (motion lights outside work great), pause for a moment before getting out of the car and look around, and close the garage door immediately after you pull in. A camera or motion sensor near the garage entrance can also give extra peace of mind.
Most importantly—stay aware of your surroundings. Small habits make a big difference. 👍
Another robust article full of great ideas. I built a small deck at my front door so I could back up the truck to it and unload all groceries at the house at the perfect level. No more lugging groceries from the carport to the front door. All door handles are leavers (hate round knobs), rubber mats used for horse stalls cover my mudroom floor entrance. Front and back door areas are well lit. I like the idea of the number pad to get into the house. I’m going to look into that. And I have ADT with sufficient signage advertising the fact. Last year I installed an automatic gate opener and a 12 foot metal cattle gate. (I am in a rural area with cattle and horses often roam at large….) I have a bench for shoes with lid with cushion, plus rails for both front and back steps… both built by myself. Lots of great ideas thank you!
The grab bar near the front door should be higher on the list. That's the spot with a bag in one hand, a threshold underfoot, and a door swinging shut behind you. Most moving parts, zero support.
The threshold ramps are the quiet fix. Half an inch of lip between rooms, and the foot that cleared it ten thousand times doesn't clear it once. That's not a fall in anyone's chart. That's a stumble you blame on yourself. Except your gait shortens after. You start watching the floor instead of everything else.
Pick the thing that almost got you last month.
I most often enter and exit my house through the garage. I have a remote to open the garage door so no keys to fumble with. However, there are some worries that I do have, like is someone lurking in the darkness, ready to pounce once I pull in…. Are there security measures that you can comment on for those of us who come through garages?
Good question. A few simple things help a lot:
Keep the garage well-lit (motion lights outside work great), pause for a moment before getting out of the car and look around, and close the garage door immediately after you pull in. A camera or motion sensor near the garage entrance can also give extra peace of mind.
Most importantly—stay aware of your surroundings. Small habits make a big difference. 👍
Why our house fronts have had handrails!!!
Another robust article full of great ideas. I built a small deck at my front door so I could back up the truck to it and unload all groceries at the house at the perfect level. No more lugging groceries from the carport to the front door. All door handles are leavers (hate round knobs), rubber mats used for horse stalls cover my mudroom floor entrance. Front and back door areas are well lit. I like the idea of the number pad to get into the house. I’m going to look into that. And I have ADT with sufficient signage advertising the fact. Last year I installed an automatic gate opener and a 12 foot metal cattle gate. (I am in a rural area with cattle and horses often roam at large….) I have a bench for shoes with lid with cushion, plus rails for both front and back steps… both built by myself. Lots of great ideas thank you!
Seems like you are doing great already! Happy that you found the article useful 😊