Door Replacement: Aging-in-Place Considerations

The concept of aging in place is becoming increasingly popular. Many older adults prefer to stay in their homes instead of assisted living facilities. If this is the case for you or your aging loved ones, you may need to modify your house to make it safer and more accessible.  

Going in and out of the house can be a struggle for older adults. Making necessary changes to entrances can help avoid this problem. A local door and siding contractor shares aging-in-place considerations when planning a door replacement. 

Height and Width

Doorways should lack steps and have little to no threshold for the safety of wheelchair and walker users. They should have a width of at least 32 inches. If widening doorways isn’t an option, consider expandable door hinges that can extend a doorway’s width by up to 2 inches. 

Material Options

You want to invest in doors that are durable and don’t require a lot of upkeep. For instance, wood can give homes an inviting feel, but they need a lot of care. It means they may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility. 

At Homecraft® Inc., we offer a wide selection of entry and patio doors. We install stylish and low-maintenance products designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Our team can help you choose doors that meet your style preferences and unique needs. We also specialize in window and siding installation. 

Swing and Handles

The entry door should open into the house. It will eliminate the need to step back when going indoors. Instead of conventional round doorknobs, use lever-style handles. They are more suitable for people with reduced mobility and poor vision. Smart locks are also great for older adults since they don’t require keys. 

Ramps

Are you revamping your home’s exterior? If so, you should consider adding a wheelchair ramp, especially if you have several steps. Be sure the path leading to the entry door has non-slip flooring. Adding lighting to walkways and by the entry door can also improve accessibility and safety.

Do you need new doors for your home? Turn to Homecraft Inc. for superior door replacement services. We also install high-quality and energy-efficient CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding by ProVia®. Call us at (302) 798-0302 or complete our online form to get a free estimate. We proudly serve clients in Wilmington and Hockessin, DE.