Welcome to the fifth and final installment of our Home Sweet Home blog series! Over the past few posts, we’ve explored a multitude of ways to make your home a safe, comfortable place to “age in place”—from small design tweaks to major renovations. Moving room-by-room, we’ve shown how starting with the most impactful changes can be easier than you might think.
The phrase “home sweet home” resonates for a reason—our homes hold comfort, cherished memories, and connections to our community. It’s no wonder that 75% of adults 50 and older and 80% of those 65 and older wish to age in place and remain in their homes as long as possible.1 Keeping this in mind, it’s a good idea to take stock of your own long-term goals and your home’s current state. What spaces might need to be more accessible now—or in the future?
In this final entry in our series, we’re headed to…the entryway! One of the most important areas for safety, an entryway is more than just a first impression—it’s the gateway to your home. But for anyone facing mobility challenges, these spaces can quickly present obstacles. Uneven steps, poor lighting, slippery surfaces, or heavy doors can make coming and going challenging—and sometimes dangerous.
Because safe mobility is key to aging in place, an entryway designed with accessibility in mind can make all the difference. Taking time to improve your entryway can help you avoid unnecessary hazards, while also making your home more welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities.
5 Ways to Make Your Entryway Safer and More Accessible
There are plenty of practical ways to enhance safety, improve access, and maintain curb appeal—all in manageable steps you can feel comfortable with. Here’s our collection of six upgrades that can help make your entryway more aging-friendly, while still keeping it functional and inviting.
- Smooth Walkways & Porches:
Uneven surfaces, cracked steps, or loose boards can all become tripping hazards. Keep these areas safe by repairing or replacing damaged walkways and porch flooring, and consider slip-resistant materials for better traction year-round. In colder climates, heated mats or in-ground snow-melting systems can help prevent icy buildup, while in warmer regions, textured finishes can reduce the risk of slipping during rainy weather.
For a long-lasting solution, you might also look at leveling the entrance itself. Even a single step can be a barrier for anyone using a cane, walker, or wheelchair—or for those with balance challenges. A permanent ramp, temporary modular ramp, or regraded path can provide a smooth transition from outdoors to indoors. If space and structure allow, a zero-step entrance (flush threshold) remains the gold standard for accessibility, letting you and your guests move freely without having to lift feet, wheels, or walking aids over a barrier. - Brighten with Automatic Lighting:
Because the entryway is a high traffic area, it is especially well-suited for automatic lighting. Proper lighting can reduce the risk of falls, especially during poorly-lit evening arrivals or early morning departures. Position motion-sensor lights along walkways, near steps, and by the front door to illuminate your path without having to reach for a small switch. Sconces or overhead fixtures at the entrance can improve visibility while enhancing curb appeal. Solar-powered pathway lights are also a low-maintenance, energy-efficient option. - Upgrade the Support:
If stairs lead to your door, consider installing sturdy, easy-to-grip handrails on both sides of steps or ramps provide added support and confidence. Choose railings at a height of 34 to 38 inches, as recommended by accessibility guidelines, and ensure they extend beyond the top and bottom steps for extra support.2
Near doorways, either inside or outside, it may also be a good idea install a bench or chair with tall handrails or sides. This gives you a place to rest or set items down as you come and go. For safety, make sure it’s securely anchored to the floor or wall so it remains steady while you are maneuvering. - Choose an Aging-Friendly Door:
A heavy or narrow door can pose unnecessary strain and can be difficult to manage. Consider a lightweight fiberglass or aluminum option, ideally at least 36 inches wide to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs.3 A lever-style handle is easier to operate than a traditional knob, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.
For added comfort and convenience, make sure the peephole is positioned at an appropriate eye-level for everyone in your household. You might also consider installing a smart doorbell camera—allowing you to see and speak to visitors without getting up, while also increasing the overall security of your home. This, like other smart technology implementations, can increase your independence and make daily living easier. - Add Exterior Weather Protection:
Rain, snow, and wind can make entryways slippery and uncomfortable. Installing a covered porch, awning, or extended roofline can help shield your doorway from the elements—keeping you safe as you come and go. As an added bonus, this protection can also help extend the life of your door, steps, or ramp by reducing wear from weather exposure.
Funding Your Home Modifications
Like the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom updates we’ve covered in this series, entryway improvements are an investment in your independence. While some upgrades—like adding pathway lights or repairing loose steps—can be completed on a small budget, others, like installing a ramp or adding a covered porch, may require a larger upfront investment. For many older homeowners, the funds to make these improvements are closer than you think—right under your own roof.
One solution is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), also known as a reverse mortgage. This type of loan, designed for homeowners ages 62 and older, allows you to convert a portion of your home’s equity into tax-free funds4—with no required monthly mortgage payments as long as you meet loan obligations, keeping up with property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance.
Longbridge Financial also offers HELOC for Seniors®, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) uniquely designed for older adults. Unlike traditional HELOCs, this option offers lower, interest-only payments for the life of the loan5—plus the flexibility of an open-ended line of credit you can repay and redraw from6 as your needs evolve. That means you can tackle home upgrades in stages, spreading out the cost while keeping monthly expenses manageable.
Investing in Your Future Pays Off
Of course, your home equity can be used to fund more than just your home improvement projects. Your other goals and passions are important and deserving as well—financing your travel, supporting new hobbies, making day-to-day expenses more manageable, or boosting overall financial security.
Achieving financial peace of mind can give you the freedom to live your golden years as you imagine. At Longbridge Financial, we’re here to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence—so you have the ability to make the choices that matter most to you. Contact our team today to learn more about the home equity solutions that might be right for you.
Thank you for tuning into our “Home Sweet Home” series! Feel free to look back on all of our posts to explore the modifications and upgrades that make the most sense for you and your home. As always, we’re here to help you get started with home equity solutions to help fund your ambitions!