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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?

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I'm not understanding the question. Mom lives with you but can't open/close the door, and you can't open or close the door for her?

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.
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Is she driving herself? If her balance and strength is very poor, I'd question the driving.

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.
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JUSTKEEPSWIMMIN, I know what you about a balance issue. I remember my Dad had issues mainly going into the house from the garage, he would tend to fall backwards trying to get from the floor to the step up into the house.

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?
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I might just tie a rope to the door handle then she can pull it shut behind her.
My problem is that the doors to public places have suddenly got too heavy to open easily using a walker.
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Vernoica, I also have noticed that doors to stores have become heavier as I am aging. I would use my backside to push the door open [like one would do if bringing someone in with a wheelchair]. Now I use the handicap blue opener if available for those doors that needed a body builder to open the door.
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Bumping this up for more exposure. I'm interested in experiences on this issue as well.
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Given that units I've seen cost $1500 and up plus installation costs, and considering your description of your mom's capabilities I wonder if it would be a good use of her money. Anyone who is too unsteady to close the door behind themselves has probably got a whole lot of other problems when it comes to coping in the home independently.
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A lot of good comments here. But if you're only looking for a door closer, check this out:
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
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Thanks everyone for your input. She is not driving. She goes out through the garage where we installed a ramp for her so she can get to senior public transportation at the curb. My mom lives with us so no worries about her being alone. The ez door pull is a good idea, unfortunately, one we've tried and did not work. I think we'll go ahead and spend the money to install an auto door closer. I was just hoping someone had a product to recommend.

Thank you again for your thoughts and suggestions.

JKS
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