I am looking for inexpensive ways to solve a problem. My parents are not able to visit my home.

Well, if you can't afford the upgrades for them to visit, that's OK. You don't have to have them in your house to be a caring child. Go to them. Take them to the park. To a restaurant, etc. Maybe you could at least drive them by your house if they haven't already seen it?

If dad really really really wants to come to the house, hire a sitter for mom so he can make the visit.

Sometimes acceptance is the watch word. Why not just continue to visit them? We cannot always get what we want.

There are extensions that bolt to the toilet, or a commode can be placed above it to raise the height (or if there is a private room available the commode could be set up there). A simple grab bar or two can be screwed to the wall to make a handhold at the steps.

Are your parents wanting to come to your home? Or is it you that would like them to come? I ask you that b/c I have been in the same position; I wanted my dad to come to my home for Christmas one year to see the decorations and to celebrate the holiday here with us. He was feeling nervous, however, for similar reasons as you're writing about, and we have 2 steps to get into the house from either the garage or the front door. Yes, 2 people could have helped him, but his pride wouldn't have enjoyed that. Plus, I think he felt awkward having to use the toilet no matter if I DID get a riser for it, you know? So that's why I ask you the question.

I wound up going to the ALF to celebrate Christmas with the folks that year and we had a very nice time. The chef made a lovely meal and my DH and I gave the folks gifts, etc. It all turned out well and there was no stress or anxiety on anyone's part.

If it's your folks who want to come visit you at your home, you've gotten a couple of good suggestions for how to remedy that situation.

Best of luck!

There are rather inexpensive portable ramps for sale thru med supply places on the internet, if you’re only talking about needing to span 2 steps.

there are lots of raised seat options that require no installation and are not expensive. The steps are the deal breaker. But 2 people could likely help her up the steps especially if using a gait belt. If the facility they live in has an option of physical therapy (sometimes they are contracted with an outside agency for services) see if you could arrange a session for assistance with mobility and transfer. They may be able to get this ordered by physician but even if your parents have to pay out of pocket it might be worth it. Your and your husband would set up a time to learn how to do this using stairs at the facility. That is quite a bit of coordination but it would allow her to come visit. Or get a sitter to watch her so your father could come on his own.

We can no longer bring my FIL to our house for holidays. He is no longer able to stand and is completely in a wheelchair so we see him at his facility.

Just an FYI - the recommend ratio of a ramp is 12" of length for every 1" of height, that would mean an average 2 step (14" rise) ramp would be prohibitively long, even doubling the slope or supposing the steps are only half height it would mean a 7' length.

One quick solution for the bath is a bedside commode frame placed over an existing toilet to provide a higher seat and support arms for a senior. Alternatively, Lowe's has a really good ADA complaint toilet for $129 (often on sale for less) and swapping toilets is a quick and easy job for any plumber so many will do this task for their minimum trip fee. I use the ADA toilet with two grab bar/handrails that attach to the wall and fold down on each side of the toilet. Not having the commode frame legs around the toilet makes it easier to place and use a bath transfer chair.

How high is the distance between the two floor levels? Is there enough hallway to allow a ramp? You need 1 foot per inch of rise for an ADA compliant ramp used with a walker or wheelchair, although many seniors can easily walk up a ramp with only 1 foot per 2-3 inches of rise. Even with a ramp, you really need to install a handrail. Temporary ramps can be constructed of wood with very basic carpenter/handyman skills. There are also aluminium folding ramps available for under $500 new and much less used from yard sales or sites like ebay. One advantage of the folding ramp is the same ramp can serve two purposes. Once at the entrance and then setup inside the home after your parents enter.

If you have a room that doesn't require them to go up any stairs you could put a commode chair in it for them to use, if they feel comfortable with that arrangement.

So you go visit them! Problem solved! Hugs 🤗