Aging in Place Kitchen Design

Many adults choose to stay in their homes as they advance into the older stages of their lives. This ensures the utmost comfort and convenience. As one of the most important parts of the home, the kitchen should be efficient and safe. And with the right design, achieving this is easy.

A well-thought out kitchen design can seamlessly complement the lifestyle of older adults and seniors and make everyday living easy. Whether you’re aging in place at home or simply want a more efficient kitchen to improve your comfort and match a more relaxed lifestyle, all you need is a custom design!

Custom Kitchen Design Ideas for Older Adults

You have a number of options for an age-in-place design. Consider some of the following-and discuss them with a custom kitchen design professional:

• Wheelchair accessibility: As seniors age, they may end up needing to use a wheelchair. But if they are in a wheelchair, you will need to make sure they are still able to access all the things they need in the kitchen. There is plenty you can do to make a kitchen more wheelchair-friendly. Countertops and cabinets at lower levels can be helpful, as can base cabinets that open to accommodate a wheelchair-such as by the sink. Multi-height countertops are another option.

• Easy-to-reach appliances: Make sure appliances are accessible. It’s easy to put appliances like ovens and microwaves at lower levels than they traditionally are. Built-in speed ovens and microwave drawers are convenient and easier to operate.

• Good lighting: Recessed lights on the ceiling may not be enough. Brighten the kitchen even more with good task lighting above work spaces. Other good places to light are entryways and inside pantries and storage cabinets.

• Large hardware: Turning knobs can be difficult for some older folks, so replacing cabinet knobs with oversized pulls is simple, yet highly effective for an aging in place kitchen design. Faucets that are easier on the hands-like models with levers-are also better for those with arthritis or who have trouble reaching long distances.

• Safe flooring: Not only is non-slip flooring essential, but also consider the tripping hazard area rugs can present. Materials to avoid are stone (like marble) and ceramic.

• Windows: Windows can help brighten a kitchen by letting in natural light, but certain types of windows are better for adults who want to age in place at home. Perhaps the ones in place now aren’t best for aging at home, so it’s best to look into something like these denver replacement windows to make the home living more appropriate. Getting rid of certain windows altogether is the wrong thing to do; kitchens need light and a bright atmosphere for cooking and mental wellbeing. The best choices are windows that can be opened and closed easily. So if you’re thinking the windows could be one area of improvement for aging in place comfortably, research into Window Replacement companies that can install suitable windows for the elderly, that can also allow in a lot of natural light.

• Space: Make sure the kitchen has enough space. There should be ample room between countertop surfaces to make getting around easier, especially for those in wheelchairs and who use walkers and canes.

Age-Friendly Kitchen Design in Maryland

If you live in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Northern Virginia and are interested in a custom kitchen design that can complement your more advanced stages of living, Jack Rosen can help. Our award-winning design team has created numerous kitchens that accommodate different lifestyles and needs.

Visit our showroom in Rockville to learn more and see some of our displays-or contact us online for more information!