Preparing the entrance after hospital discharge starts before the front door. Begin at the place where the vehicle will actually stop and follow the route the person expects to use when coming home.
Steps, uneven surfaces, narrow doorways, thresholds, distance from the vehicle, and available assistance can all affect whether that route works as expected.
Before planning construction or buying equipment, look for the simplest existing solution. Another entrance, a clearer route, or a different drop-off point may work better during the initial return-home period.
Not sure what else around the home may need attention?
How to Prepare an Entrance After Hospital Discharge
1. Start at the Actual Drop-Off Point
Begin where the vehicle will really stop.
Walk the route from that point to the entrance the person expects to use. Look at distance, slope, uneven surfaces, curbs, grass, gravel, narrow areas, and anything else that could make the route harder with a walker, wheelchair, or hands-on assistance.
Do not assume the front door is automatically the best entrance.
2. Look at Every Practical Entrance
If the usual entrance has steps, a narrow doorway, or a difficult surface, check the other entrances before planning modifications.
A garage entrance, side door, or another existing route may work better during the first days or weeks at home.
Compare each realistic entrance based on:
- distance from the vehicle;
- walking surface;
- number of steps;
- handrails;
- doorway clearance;
- threshold height;
- space for mobility equipment or assistance.
The simplest workable existing route should usually be considered first.
3. Review Steps and Handrails
If the planned entrance has steps, look at how many there are and whether a secure handrail is already available.
Do not assume someone can or cannot manage the steps after discharge.
If stair use is uncertain, confirm what is expected with the discharge team, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or another professional involved in the return-home plan.
If another entrance avoids the steps entirely, that may provide a simpler immediate option.
4. Check Doorway Clearance
A doorway that feels wide when walking independently may work differently with a walker, wheelchair, or another person assisting.
Measure the usable clear opening, not simply the nominal door width.
Look at the narrowest point of the route, including:
- gates;
- exterior doors;
- screen doors;
- tight turns;
- hallway openings;
- furniture near the entrance.
Compare those measurements with the actual mobility equipment expected to be used.
5. Look at the Threshold
Check the transition at the doorway itself.
Raised thresholds, uneven flooring, or a change in surface can affect how easily someone moves through the entrance.
Do not automatically purchase a ramp or threshold product because the transition looks difficult.
First confirm the actual mobility equipment and assistance expected. If a modification may be needed, an accessibility professional can help evaluate appropriate options.
Walk the planned arrival route before the discharge date rather than waiting until the person is already on the way home.
Use the actual drop-off point, entrance, doorway, and interior path that will be used. If another person is expected to help, include that person in the test when possible.
Pay attention to anything that still needs to be cleared, measured, verified, or arranged.
6. Check Lighting Around the Entrance
Look at the route during the time of day the person is likely to return home and again after dark.
Check whether the drop-off area, walkway, steps, doorway, and threshold are adequately visible.
Simple lighting improvements may help where they improve visibility without creating a new obstacle.
If permanent electrical changes are needed, consider a qualified electrician.
7. Consider Weather and Surface Conditions
An entrance that works well on a dry day may be more difficult during rain or other poor weather.
Look for slick surfaces, standing water, loose gravel, uneven pavement, leaves, mats, or other conditions that could affect the route.
Clear what can reasonably be cleared before the planned return.
Avoid making permanent changes based only on one temporary condition. Start with the simplest practical preparation.
8. Make Sure the Expected Help Is Actually Available
Some entrances work only when another person is there to assist.
Confirm who will be present when the person comes home and what kind of help they are expected to provide.
If the amount of assistance needed for steps, walking, or entering the home is unclear, confirm it with the discharge team, OT, PT, or another appropriate professional.
Do not plan around assistance that may not actually be available.
Entrance Preparation Checklist Before Hospital Discharge
Before the planned return home, review these items:
- Is the vehicle drop-off point practical?
- Is the route from the vehicle to the entrance clear?
- Are there uneven or difficult walking surfaces?
- Are steps involved?
- Is a secure handrail available where needed?
- Is another existing entrance easier to use?
- Is the doorway wide enough for the mobility equipment expected?
- Has the usable clear opening been measured if needed?
- Is the threshold easy to navigate?
- Is there enough room for another person to assist?
- Is the route adequately lit?
- Have any uncertain stair, mobility, or assistance needs been verified with the appropriate professional?
Start With the Easiest Existing Entrance
The best immediate solution may already exist.
Before planning ramps, doorway changes, or other modifications, compare every practical entrance to the home.
A garage entrance, side door, shorter walking route, or different drop-off point may work better during the initial return-home period.
Use the simplest workable option first. Then decide whether any longer-term change is actually necessary.
Use the Home Readiness Check
Not sure what else around the home may need attention?
The Discharge Ready Home Home Readiness Check walks through entrances, walking routes, bathrooms, sleeping areas, lighting, equipment, and available help one step at a time.
At the end, you receive a personalized Home Readiness Plan showing things worth preparing, verifying, or arranging.
For a broader review of the entire home, use our Hospital Discharge Home Checklist before the planned return.
Important Note
Discharge Ready Home provides general educational information about preparing the physical home.
This article does not determine whether someone is ready for discharge, certify that an entrance or home is safe, prescribe equipment, or replace an individualized assessment or instructions from physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, discharge planners, or other healthcare professionals.
When entrance preparation depends on a person’s mobility, abilities, stair use, equipment, assistance, or medical restrictions, confirm the appropriate approach with the healthcare professionals involved in that person’s care.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality encourages patients and families to be involved in discharge planning and to understand what will be needed at home.