Home Modifications: Safe Entry and Exit for Every Home
If you are planning to age in place, returning home after an injury, or setting up your home for a loved one with changing mobility needs, the entry and exit of your home is the natural place to start. What once felt like a minor inconvenience — a step here, a threshold there — can quickly become a real barrier to independence and safety. The good news is that there are excellent solutions available, and many of them are simpler than people expect.
At Adaptive Specialties, we have helped hundreds of clients with everything from small accessibility changes to complete home remodels. Our goal is always the same: help you get home safely and stay there comfortably — in a space that meets your physical needs and still feels like your own.
The Three Main Solutions for Entry and Exit
When it comes to accessible entries and exits, there are three primary options to consider:
Ramps — The most common and typically most economical solution for accessing an elevated doorway. Ramps work well for most people who cannot safely navigate steps and are available in portable, modular, and permanent styles. According to ADA guidelines, a ramp should follow a 1:12 ratio — meaning for every 1 inch of vertical rise, you need 12 inches of ramp length. A front porch with 14 inches of rise, for example, calls for a 14-foot ramp. If that sounds long, modular ramps can be configured in L or switchback shapes to fit within a smaller footprint. Residential homes are not required to comply with ADA standards, but the guidelines exist for good reason — they are based on what actually works safely.
Vertical Platform Lifts (VPL) — A great alternative when there is not enough space for a ramp, or when the length and incline of a ramp would be difficult to navigate independently. A VPL carries the individual vertically between two levels — similar in concept to a small elevator — and is typically installed alongside or near an existing staircase.
Inclined Platform Lifts (IPL) — Designed to carry an individual up an existing staircase on a level platform, operated by pressing and holding a button. IPLs are a good fit when the staircase itself cannot or should not be modified.
| Pro Tip: Always plan for at least two egress points from your home — not just one accessible entrance. In an emergency, having a second accessible exit route can be critical. Your egress plan should account for the mobility equipment your loved one uses and lead to a safe location away from the home. |
Don’t Overlook Egress
Getting into the home safely is only half the equation. Getting out quickly — in an emergency — matters just as much. An accessible egress route should lead to a location of refuge at a safe distance from the home, accommodate any mobility equipment the individual uses, and be navigable independently or with minimal assistance.
Something worth knowing: a well-designed accessible egress does not have to feel institutional. A no-barrier walkout patio with a smooth paved path is both a safety feature and a home improvement. It is entirely possible to invest in safety and enhance the look and value of your home at the same time.
Additional Considerations
Beyond the primary entry solution, a few other factors often come into play:
- Doorway and hallway width — does the entry accommodate any wheelchair or scooter being used?
- Threshold height — even a 2–3 inch threshold can create a fall risk or a barrier for mobility devices
- Ownership vs. rental — if you rent, always partner with the landlord before making any permanent modifications
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We’re Here to Help Home modification projects can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already managing everything else that comes with a change in mobility. Our team of specialists works with a nationwide network of vetted technicians and installers, offers personalized assessments and quotes, and is dedicated to helping you find the right solutions for your home and your situation. We have done this hundreds of times and are happy to guide you through every step. Call us: 877-808-4540 (Mon–Fri, 9–5 ET) Email us: consulting@adaptivespecialties.com Or contact us online › |
Know someone who is navigating this same transition? Share this article — getting home safely starts with the right information.
Information and resources are provided as helpful educational tools and should not be considered as medical advice. Please partner with your health care professional(s) to assist you in selecting the appropriate adaptive products just for YOU.
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