My mom is 87 and still somewhat independent. She goes 3 times a week to a senior center but to do so she must open and close the door from the house into the garage. She is struggling with balance so reaching back to close the door is no longer an option. We are going to install an automatic door open/close feature. Wanted recommendations from anyone that has made this change already. Any brands or tips I should be aware of?
Are you talking about an electrically operated handicap door opener/closer like you'd see in public buildings? If so that would take some money, wiring and a pro install.
My problem is that the doors to public places have suddenly got too heavy to open easily using a walker.
Thank you again for your thoughts and suggestions.
JKS
https://www.sportaid.com/e-z-pull-door.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIue6j2PyW1QIVg7XACh2p_AAWEAQYAiABEgKDQ_D_BwE
My father has the same problem. We have self-closing hinges on the door and he can barely get through the door before it closes and knocks him over.
Blessings,
Jamie
Now, my concern with an automatic house door [I assume similar to the arm that is on a storm door] is if there are times that your Mom just wants to go out into the garage to get something, usually one would leave the door to the house opened while doing this, especially if the door lock is one of those that stays lock unless you turn that tiny knob in the center of the door knob.
Also, would the door stay opened long enough for Mom to carry groceries into the house? Or would she need to move something heavy to prop the door opened?
I suppose that they make the automatic door opener/closer with safety features to protect her from getting caught, but, if she's that weak, I'd worry that the door could cause her to fall if she's unattended. I don't have any referrals, maybe some others have experience with using them.