Doors are the bane of my life!

Welshlin

I live alone independently and became a wheelchair user over a year ago. In that time I’ve got more used to my power chair and more skilful at manoeuvring it around my bungalow. However, I still find doors a huge challenge. I enquired about Assistive Technology to automate my front door but the cost was beyond my means and I don’t qualify for any financial assistance such as the Disability Facilities Grant. Nor could I afford the quotes from independent manufacturers/suppliers. Does anyone else struggle with doors and if so, how have you made things easier? Is there a technique, or any disability aid I could buy to help me.
I’ll appreciate any and all suggestions and ideas.

Storm25

Would changing internal doors to ones that slide (depending on space), or folding (concertina) doors be easier? I think some of the folding ones can be bought reasonably cheaply (although won't be as sturdy as the more pricey ones). I remember one gentleman I knew just hung a shower curtain in some of his doorframes as that was easier for him to manage. Could the frame and hinge of the front door be changed so that it will open in both directions?

I hope you find a solution that is affordable for you and that will make things easier.

Welshlin

Thank you for the suggestions which are constructive. I’ll need to speak to a carpenter to explore the feasibility and costs. Does anyone else have similar problems?

MD1955

Hi Welshlin. I have advanced Muscular dystrophy. I find opening doors a bit of a struggle either standing & more particularly in my wheelchair. I took down by bathroom/wc door and replaced it with one of those vertically hanging plastic ‘curtain’ …not 100% private but does the trick. Other internal doors I just took down.Depends on how warm your accommodation is, you could do same with other internal doors. I also removed some handles/knobs/locks off some doors and if necessary ‘closed’ the doors with weighted floor stops. Alternatively, replace door furniture with a pull handle which I can ‘reach’ with hand held ‘hook’ on a stick or walking stick. Front doors are trickier as are usual 54mm fire thickness and heavier. Not using the lock to go out is a problem but when you’re inside just use sliding surface mounted bolts, to ‘lock’ door without key locking. Going out I’m not aware of anything that replaces a key lock except the electronic devices you refer to….which are expensive. Could social services help?

Welshlin

Thank you MD55. Your ideas are useful. I explored all options with Docial Services and Occupational Therapy. All they could come up with was to automate the front door but no financial help is available, and I can’t afford it. I don’t really want to take off the internal doors as it’s dear enough already to keep the home warm in winter. When I’m home on my own I tie the shower room/toilet door open but close it when others are here. Thanks again. I hope you’re coping with your illness and the associated challenges.

Santosha12

Hi @Welshlin, I am not a wheelchair user (problems with mobility and supposed to use a rollator but use sticks). This idea might be a bit off the wall but here goes!

When I moved to my bungalow a lady came from the fire service to check everywhere/give advice etc.

My 'escape route' in the event of a fire is my living room window, (room is next to/off my bedroom), she wasn't happy about that but I have 4 dogs I could squeeze through the window into the back garden so they're safe. I'd just about fit through. I would not leave without my dogs.

My electrical cabinet is next to the front door and next to the kitchen which are the most likely places of a cause of fire.

Doors are important in any home from this safety perspective.

Is it worth asking your local fire service to come and give advice, especially if your front door is your first port of exit in an emergency? (My back door is off the kitchen). They, seeing difficulty you have with that in particular, may require them to liaise with somebody else to make it more easily accessible and get funding for you; it's as important to be able to get out as in.

Not trying to scare anyone saying this but it's important for everyone to have a plan, even in what may be a small space. I bought a Fire Blanket for my kitchen and still need to remove the thing on my windows that stop them opening wide enough for me to get out !

I do hope you find something that works for you. Very warmest wishes.

Welshlin

Hi Santosha12 - it’s a really novel idea but not off the wall at all. As you say fire safety is important. I’m not sure that my local fire service is as responsive as yours but I’ll certainly make enquiries. I suspect that my bungalow will be deemed a low fire risk but it’s worth a try. Thanks again. Keep well.

brainless

a simple strap such as a small dog lead fastened around the door handle can help . Wind the strap or belt or string or whatever round your finger or wrist and when unlocked the door can be pulled open quite easily

Santosha12

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056455#Comment_1056455

You're welcome and thanks, you too. I do tend to go off on a tangent! 🫠😊. My old dad used to say there's more ways of skinning a cat than one. I hate that phrase but its usually true, metaphorically speaking!

Santosha12

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056455#Comment_1056455

You're welcome and thanks, you too!

I do tend to go off on a tangent! 🫠😊. My old dad used to say there's more ways of skinning a cat than one, I hate that phrase but its generally true, metaphorically speaking!

Santosha12

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056455#Comment_1056455

You're welcome and thanks, you too.

Welshlin

Thanks Brainless - I do that but it’s not easy as when seated in a forward facing wheelchair the door and its handle is behind me so it’s a bit of a manoeuvre involving a lot of torso twisting. I’ll keep at it.

brainless

not easy I know but it does work (usually)

Ranald

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056451#Comment_1056451

My council house is fitted with sprinklers. I think it must vary, council to council?

JessieJ

Hi @Welshlin

When waiting for a needs assessment, I looked in to getting an electric door opening system on my main door, which is a heavy fire door that I really struggle with in my power chair & on crutches. I use a long string & door wedge at the mo, that is tied to the door handle, so, there to drop down when I need it & then I can pull it free as I'm nearly through for the door to close behind me. I found some electric door openers from £170 upwards. So maybe have another scout around, fitting it would cost extra of course, but worth having a look. Oh & don't look at disabled equipment sites for them, as they will sting you even with no vat.

Luckily, my assessment came up & after a 3 1/2 year wait (!!) with grant already passed, they are finally starting the works & my OT included the opener in that. That doesn't help you, but there are systems that aren't extortionate & I was going to fund mine myself, with no money behind me, wish I had after the long wait & damaging my big toe with the door slamming flat on the end of it!

For internal doors you could look into off set hinges, then you have the whole width of the door frame to give the extra you need.

Hope you get something sorted soon.

Welshlin

Thanks Jessie. My front door is very heavy too as it’s wider than normal. I improvise pretty much like you although I haven’t been using a wedge so far. I might give it a go. I manage but I’ve had quite a few near misses. It’s ridiculous how slow systems are. I’m still waiting for a power chair through the wheelchair service so paid for one myself! I’m sure that’s what lots of people do. But I’m glad you finally got sorted.
Look after yourself.

JessieJ

You're welcome, @Welshlin. The wedge on a string works well for me, as it stands at the moment, so worth giving a shot. Some rubber wedges come with holes, making it easy.

I paid for my powerchair, I got it secondhand & it has been & is fantastic, a sturdy workhorse. Hasn't minded the ramp throwing it into my hall wall, the wall looks all the worse for wear though! 😆 That is about to change though, as they have to lower my door to fit the arm of the opener. I won't need the ramp, so I will finally be able to get the holes filled & the wallpaper that I bought two years ago up. 🙃

As I mentioned before, have a good look through for auto door openers, worth seeing what's out there that your pocket can afford.

Take care & enjoy your weekend

Welshlin

Thanks Jessie - I know exactly what you mean as I’ve got a ramp too and have bumped into my hall radiator a couple of times. Actually I’ve scratched walls and doors so the whole house could do with a refresh coat of paint. I already looked at the automation kits but the electricians I spoke to said they’re not very reliable - so they weren’t happy about fitting one. I’ll definitely sort a wedge. Keep well

JessieJ

Hitting the radiator is a tad dodgy, but it's all good clean fun, @Welshlin, if it doesn't hurt too much. My lounge door will need a lick of paint, mainly low down & I've looked up to get a thin bumper for that afterwards. Shame on your electicians thoughts. Will see in the next couple of months, but I sure hope it will be reliable. Not so sure that my lovely neighbours will stay that way if I need them to come & switch it to override too often. 😶

Cheers, keep well too!