Table of Content
Many seniors wait decades to finally enjoy having the kitchen of their dreams. Budget-minded seniors might put off swapping out old flooring or putting in new appliances until they’ve raised their families or hit retirement. But there eventually comes a point where remodeling is the best option for promoting safety and accessibility as seniors age. These senior-friendly design tips improve the functionality and aesthetics of kitchens for seniors to enjoy for years into the future.
Create Clear Paths
Many seniors will eventually need to use mobility devices such as walkers or wheelchairs. Ideally, the pathways through the kitchen area should have at least 36 to 42 inches for proper accessibility. Open floor plans are great for seniors who need to use mobility devices, and your Encinitas kitchen and bath designer can use various techniques to define different living spaces. In contrast, some people may enjoy having the same style and color of flooring throughout their home. Others can use different colors or types to differentiate the living room from the kitchen without compromising accessibility.
Choose Nonslip Flooring
Newer flooring materials make it possible to enjoy higher safety levels in the kitchen without giving up on the latest kitchen trends. For seniors, you might want to choose textured vinyl that still allows them to enjoy a beautiful color or pattern to accent their cooking space. But the texture helps feet and shoes grip the surface to prevent falls in potentially slippery conditions. Luxury vinyl and linoleum are also easier for seniors to keep clean, which is ideal for seniors with mobility challenges.
Install Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers
Many seniors struggle with joint and muscle stiffness that makes it harder to reach into deep cabinet shelves. Pull-out cabinet shelves and drawers allow seniors to place their cooking utensils and ingredients in spaces that move to accommodate their needs. Depending on the kitchen layout, it might also be possible to include more lower cabinets to prevent seniors from needing to climb on stepladders to reach high shelves.
Check the Appliance Placement
If you’re remodeling a kitchen, you might have extra wall space you can use to support an oven. Seniors who enjoy baking might enjoy adding new ovens to go with the ones they already have, which makes it easier to host family events. Or you might opt to move the single oven completely to make cooking less challenging. Putting a wall oven about waist high helps seniors avoid having to bend and stoop to reach their baked goods. You’ll also enjoy knowing this reduces the risk of burns from dropping hot dishes when cooking.
Assess the Current Lighting
Some older homes only have a few main lights that don’t always illuminate kitchens as well as they could. Your senior loved one might also benefit from adding a new window or glass door to bring more natural light into a dull kitchen. Adding more lighting helps seniors spot spills or other debris in their walking paths. Plus, having more light can boost a senior’s mood and get him or her in the right mindset for cooking healthy meals in the new kitchen space. If you need to create a safer, more comfortable kitchen that supports aging in place, reach out to Forever Builders. Our Rancho Santa Fe kitchen remodel design services include senior-friendly kitchen remodels that balance accessibility, style, and long-term functionality. Contact Forever Builders today to schedule a consultation and start designing a kitchen that’s built for