Why a zero-step entry can enhance your social life!

Have you or a loved one ever had a tough time getting into someone’s house for a social occasion or visit? Have you ever declined an invitation because it was too difficult or tiring to get up the steps to the home of a friend or family member? Most folks haven’t given this experience a second thought but for some, this is becoming an increasingly worrisome fact of life.

Intended to prevent this restrictions, the organization Concrete Change promotes the notion that all homes should be at least visit-able by anyone regardless of age or ability. Concrete Change argues that steps at all the entries to a home exclude people – not only people who use wheelchairs or walkers but people who have stiffness or difficulties with balance and mobility. Encountering steps limits social interaction and the ability for our friends and family to be engaged in our community and in our family lives. This isn’t right!

What does a zero-step entry mean? First, it means just what is says – no steps to the entry. The no-step entry doesn’t have to be at the front door, it could be a rear door or the door to the house from the garage. If someone who lives in the house would benefit from a no-step entry, then having the most common entrance be a level entry is most convenient. In my home, the family comes and goes through the garage so that entry is level. If you are modifying a home to create a zero-step entry, selecting the entry that has the least height difference between the inside and the outside surface is easier and less expensive.

A no-step entry must have a level landing outside of the door to give room for a walker or wheelchair to rest without rolling away. Ideally, the entry area should be covered so that you have protection from the weather as you search for your keys or wait for the door to be answered. It should have good lighting for safety and perhaps even a shelf or bench to put down your belongings while you are opening the door.

This entry area may have a ramp running up to the landing outside the door or it may be flush and level. Connecting this entrance to your driveway, garage or street parking area allows a visitor to get from their vehicle to the home. The goal is to have at least one way into the house that would allow a low effort, smooth approach if you are a slow walker or use a wheeled mobility device.

Who can use a zero-step entry? Everyone! They are useful for folks at all ages of life. Families with young children love being able to roll strollers in and out easily. The appliance or furniture delivery folks can roll dollies in and out with less effort. Even luggage, grocery trollies and vacuum cleaners are on wheels these days.

Many homes can be modified to add a zero-step entry. Watch for upcoming blog posts about how to add a ramp to your current home.

For more information on the Visitability movement, see the Concrete Change website at http://www.concretechange.org/.

Originally published at www.silverplanet.com.