From Entryways to Kitchens: Practical Home Improvements for Better Mobility

As mobility needs change, small adjustments can have a big impact on safety, comfort, and independence. Simple modifications, like easier-to-use fixtures, better lighting, and more accessible storage, help ensure every part of your home remains functional and inviting.

Below, we’ll walk through key areas of the home that can be modified for better accessibility, from entryways to kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.

Entryways & Exits: Safe and Smooth Access

1. Steps and Thresholds

Solutions:

• Threshold Ramps: For small steps (less than 2 inches), a simple threshold ramp made of rubber or aluminum can provide a smooth transition.
• Permanent or Modular Ramps: For homes with multiple steps, consider a permanent or modular ramp with a gentle slope (recommended 1:12 ratio, meaning a 1-inch rise requires a 12-inch ramp length).
• Handrails: If installing a ramp, handrails on both sides provide extra stability for those who may not use a wheelchair but still require support.

2. Doorway Accessibility

Standard doors are often too narrow for wheelchairs and walkers, which require at least 32 inches of clearance (preferably 36 inches for easier access). Is there an adequate turning radius at the entryway?

Solutions:

• Widening the Doorway: If space allows, replacing a narrow door with a 36-inch door ensures ample clearance for wheelchairs and walkers.
• Using Offset Hinges: If widening the doorway isn’t feasible, installing offset hinges can increase the doorway opening by up to 2 inches by allowing the door to swing completely clear of the frame.

3. Entryway Lighting

Is there sufficient lighting, and are the switches easily accessible?

Solutions:

• Motion-Sensing Lights: Install motion-activated outdoor lighting to improve visibility for entering or exiting at night.
• Smart Lighting Controls: Use voice-activated or remote-controlled lighting to make it easier for individuals with limited mobility to turn lights on/off without reaching for switches.

4. Door Handles and Locks

Doorknobs and locks can be difficult for those with arthritis or limited grip strength.

Solutions:

• Lever-Style Handles: Replace round knobs with lever handles, which require less grip strength and are easier to operate.
• Keyless Entry Systems: A smart lock or keypad entry system eliminates the need for keys, making it more accessible for those with limited hand dexterity.

Kitchen Accessibility Ideas

For individuals with mobility challenges, arthritis, or limited dexterity, traditional kitchen layouts often create unnecessary obstacles.

If opening cabinets or working the faucets are becoming more challenging, you’d be pleased to know that a well-planned kitchen modification can simplify tasks and add meaningful comfort to your day to day.

One of the easiest but most effective changes is upgrading kitchen faucets. Traditional knobs require gripping and twisting, which can be painful for those with arthritis or reduced dexterity. Replacing these with lever-style handles allows for easy control with minimal effort, and touchless faucets eliminate the need to turn anything at all.

Anti-scald faucets help prevent accidental burns by regulating water temperature automatically.

Cabinets and storage solutions can also be optimized to reduce strain. Installing pull-out shelves eliminates the need to dig through cabinets, while pull-down shelving in upper cabinets makes stored items accessible with a gentle pull, rather than a reach.

Soft-close mechanisms on drawers and doors can also reduce the strain on hands and wrists by minimizing the force needed to open or close them.

Even flooring can make a major difference in kitchen safety. Switching to slip-resistant flooring, such as textured vinyl or cork, provides better traction and is easier on feet and joints.