Hallway and Entrance Ideas for Aging at Home

Watch the coming and going

Stand with your relative at the front door and walk through what happens when they come home. Where do the keys go? Where do they set down groceries or the mail? Do they sit to take off shoes? Is it dark when they arrive in winter? Then walk the main hallway at night. Their answers will show where a small change may help most.

This page offers general organization ideas, not a safety assessment. For questions about mobility, talk with your relative's health care provider.

Shoe and coat organization

• A low, open shoe rack near the door keeps everyday shoes off the floor and out of the walking path. Limit it to the two or three pairs worn most often; store the rest in a closet.
• Coat hooks at shoulder height may be easier to use than a closet rod or a high coat rack. Freestanding coat trees need no tools; wall hooks need to be mounted securely, which a handyman can help with.
• A boot tray by the door catches snow and rain in winter so the floor stays drier.
• Seasonal rotation. Move heavy winter coats and boots to a closet in spring and bring them back in fall. The seasonal calendar can serve as a reminder.

Entryway storage

• A key spot. A small bowl, tray, or hook in the same place every day helps keys and glasses stay findable.
• A mail station. A simple tray or wall pocket labeled "To read" and "To do" keeps mail from piling up on chairs or the floor.
• A "go bag" hook. One bag kept ready with the things your relative takes when leaving the house, such as a phone charger, a list of contacts, and a small umbrella. Ask them what they would want in it.
• Baskets on a shelf for gloves, hats, and scarves, labeled by season.

For a family contact list to keep near the door, see the printable household contact sheet.

A bench for sitting

Many people find it easier to put on or take off shoes while seated. A sturdy bench or chair near the door gives a place to sit and a place to set down bags. When choosing one, let your relative try the height and notice whether it stays put on the floor. A bench with arms or a nearby wall may help some people stand up; a storage bench with a lid adds space for shoes.

A package shelf

Deliveries often arrive on the doorstep or porch floor. A small table or shelf just inside the door, at about waist height, gives a place to set down packages and groceries without bending to the floor. Outside, a weather-resistant bench or table near the door can serve the same purpose if your relative is comfortable with packages being left there. Families might also discuss with delivery services where packages should be placed.

Lighting options

Entrances and hallways are often the darkest parts of a home. Ideas to consider:

• Motion-activated lights. Battery-powered motion lights can be placed along a hallway, inside a closet, or near the front door so light comes on automatically. Plug-in motion night lights are another option.
• Porch and entry lighting. A light that turns on at dusk can make arriving home after dark easier. Bulbs with built-in dusk-to-dawn sensors fit some existing fixtures.
• Switches at both ends. If a long hallway has a switch at only one end, an electrician can discuss options. Wiring changes should always be done by a licensed electrician.
• Brighter bulbs. Check the maximum wattage on existing fixtures before changing bulbs.

Door handle styles

Round doorknobs require a firm grip and a twist. Many people find lever-style handles easier to use, especially when carrying something or with stiff hands, since a lever can be pushed down with an elbow or the side of a hand. Families also discuss keyless entry locks, which use a code or keypad instead of a key.

Changing a handle or lock may seem simple, but exterior doors involve security and fit. Many families choose a locksmith or qualified installer, especially for front doors and deadbolts.

General accessibility considerations

Things you can notice and write down for a professional:

• Raised thresholds at exterior doors or between rooms.
• Steps at the entrance and whether there is a railing on one or both sides.
• Loose or worn stair treads, carpet, or handrails.
• Hallway width, especially where furniture narrows it.
• Doormats or runners that slide or curl.

Keeping hallways clear of boxes, bags, and furniture, and choosing doormats that lie flat, are simple steps families can take now.

When to bring in a professional

When you meet with a licensed contractor, carpenter, electrician, or locksmith, consider asking:

1. Are you licensed and insured for this work in our area? Will it need a permit?
2. For railings, what will they be anchored into, and what are they rated to hold?
3. Can railings be added on both sides of these steps?
4. What options are there for this threshold or step, and what are the trade-offs?
5. For lighting, can a switch be added at both ends of the hallway or at the entrance?
6. For locks, how will keyless entry work if the battery runs low?
7. Can you provide a written estimate and warranty?

Entrance and hallway ideas to review

• Walk through arriving home with your relative and ask what feels hard.
• Limit shoes by the door to the pairs worn most often.
• Try coat hooks at shoulder height.
• Set up a key spot and a mail tray.
• Add a sturdy bench or chair for putting on shoes.
• Place a waist-height shelf or table for packages.
• Add motion lights along the hallway and near the door.
• Check doormats and runners lie flat.
• Note thresholds, steps, railings, and handle changes for a professional.

Record ideas in the Home Comfort Planner. The CDC Check for Safety (opens in a new tab) checklist includes sections on stairs and entrances to review together.