Aging In Place – Creating a More Accessible and Comfortable Kitchen

As we age we often discover that spaces in our home, such as the kitchen, can no longer not meet our needs as well as they once did. Thankfully, there are steps we can take to adapt these spaces to better meet our abilities as we age. The following are some ideas that can help make your kitchen more comfortable and user friendly.

1. Accessible Cabinet Design – Install drawers in cupboards that slide out to provide easy access to items in the back. Along the same idea, drawer-based dishwashers make loading and uploading dishes easier.

2. Flooring – Choose comfortable, non-slip materials such as cork, carpet or vinyl to reduce fatigue and increase safely. If you have a hard tile or hardwood floor, rubber mats can be used near sinks and other work areas.

3. Easy to use Plumbing Fixtures – Faucets with levers or motion detecting sensors instead of knobs can be more comfortable to use.

4. Task Lighting – Having good light in the kitchen is essential to safety and ease of use. Consider LED task lighting for a bright, unobtrusive light source that can be aimed right where it’s needed.

With a little planning you can make your kitchen adapt to your needs so you can enjoy living in your home as you age.