The kitchen is a place for family, and you don’t have to be cooking to spend time enjoying it. Older people who still live in their own homes may not like the idea of a retirement community. This may not even be necessary if changes in the kitchen are based on any physical limitations they may have. Remodeling of this type is called aging in place. It makes the kitchen safer and helps seniors to maintain a sense of independence.
Be prepared; a kitchen remodel of this nature may force you to gut the entire space and start anew. A lot will depend on the current layout of the space. Some of the adjustments you can consider to make it easier for your aging parents to take care of themselves in their own home include.
Flooring
If you want a suitable flooring option for aging in place, try cork. A big advantage is that it is fire resistant. You will not have to replace it too quickly since it is durable and practically impervious to termites and mold. Vinyl is also a suitable option for kitchen floors.
Cabinets
With kitchen cabinets for the elderly, easy access is key. You can buy special pulls for cabinets and drawers. Installing pull-out shelves in lower cabinets puts all items within reach without any physical stress. Pull-down shelves in high cabinets will serve the same purpose.
Sinks and Countertops
Lower sinks and countertops will be ideal for those older people who use wheelchairs. These should be higher for people who have back problems and therefore find it difficult to bend over. Change the sink to a shallow one, and install an automatic faucet to make using this space as hassle free as possible.
Lighting
The kitchen should of course be well lit, but some options are more suitable for aging in place. Elderly people will need upgraded switches, or automatic lighting for safety. More lighting fixtures may be necessary.
Kitchen features like an island may be desirable, but this does not make them ideal for every kitchen. Aging in place requires more room to move around comfortably. The island could hinder mobility if the homeowner is reliant on a wheelchair or walker, and they may also pose a risk in case of a fall. Talk to us about some improvements you can make to the kitchen so that your parents or other aging loved ones can be safe while maintaining their independence.
Albuquerque is a popular place for retirees and people searching for warm weather during the winter months. Many of our winter residents are over the age of 65 and still maintain a very active lifestyle. We are available to help ensure safety and convenience in the kitchen for elderly family members or friends with or without mobility issues. Call us at 505-991-0063 to discuss your kitchen remodeling ideas for 2016.