Follow
Share

I was wondering if anyone encountered a problem with the front door threshold as it is called? My 83 year old mom who uses a walker, has a ranch home, but the small step out the front door is a bit awkward between the front door and screen door, with multiple things to pass over, aluminum, wood, cement, etc. She is going outside more often now to get some sun for her sundowner's syndrome so she is passing over it more often now. I called a mobility person that sells ramps, etc. I showed him a photo and he felt there was nothing he could recommend and that a small portable ramp might make it more complicated. While I have no pressing need to change the front doors I am thinking that might be the only solution here. Anyone encounter this?? (Back door is way too tight with the walker.)

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I not entirely clear on the issue but it sounds like it may take some major doings to improve the door, sill, step issue. Maybe try a handyman/carpenter.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I think I can visualize the situation; my father's front door is similar. It hasn't been a problem - yet - but he also picks up his walker or rollator slightly to step over the threshold when he leaves the house.

I'm not sure there is a good solution; I think it would require, as Windy wrote, someone with carpentry skills, or someone skilled in replacing doors.

One of the concerns I would have is that lowering the threshold could create entry and exit problems, especially since I think (as an amateur) that the gap would allow warm air to escape in winter and cold air to enter. And it might be easier for bugs to get in if there's a gap, unless a piece of flashing were added to the door - that might a solution.

My father years ago built a ramp for his sister to use with her walker to exit the front door, out only to a slab porch. The drop between the door and the porch wasn't significant though, and the slab porch was long enough that the ramp slope was easily to navigate.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

A threshold ramp on the interior and exterior would help I think, they can be fairly inexpensive. And maybe a good railing or grab bar too. Sometimes I wish I had automatic doors like they have at the supermarket !
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Are you referring to the "speed bump" at the front door.... my Dad is in senior living and he has the same thing where he lives going from his apartment out into the hallway. Since it isn't very high, he can slowly move his rolling walker over the bump.

I don't know if getting that bump lower would help, as then you would need to make the door longer or place a thicker rubber thingee at the bottom of the doors.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

There is a product called a "Automatic door bottom" that can be used to replace the 1/2 'threshold with a flat 1/8" threshold. Also if there is a door closer, replace it with a delayed action closer. Automatic door bottoms are available from Zero International. Make sure to get one with a flexible gasket that stays flexible in cold weather.e
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Maybe replace the existing threshold with a shallower threshold (with the corresponding added weather stripping added to the door to prevent water damage). Another option might be to find a hard rubber wedge @ 4" wide on the outside (sort of a mini-ramp) to make it a small slope rather than hard edge. I know they make things like this to place over cables, so maybe cutting one of those lengthwise & somehow secure it butted up against the threshold?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter