Aging In Place Kitchen Design Tips When Remodeling For The Future
Remodeling Tips For An Aging In Place Kitchen
Today, as more baby boomers reach retirement age, many are choosing to remain in their own homes as they age. In fact, according to the AARP, 87% of the new retirees want to age in place, staying in their homes rather than moving into a retirement community or assisted living facility. Add to this number the 70%+ of people between the ages of 50 and 64 who prefer this lifestyle. It becomes apparent that the trend of “aging in place” will continue to be a dominant force affecting the housing market well into the future.
Aging in place is an official term that is defined by the CDC as:
“the ability to live in one's own home comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”
This means much more than the “comforts of home.” It means retaining a sense of ownership and independence as we age, with facilities for privacy, comfort, convenience, and safety being provided as we stay in our homes for the long term.
If this sounds like you, the first place to address when planning a remodeling project is your kitchen. As we age, we need to consider the fact that we may not be as limber as we used to be and that our eyesight and mobility may change. When planning a kitchen remodeling for aging in place, today, there are many products and design elements that can help you to stay at home comfortably and safely.
Let's take a look at some aging in place products and design tips to keep you living at home safely and comfortable as you enjoy your golden years.
Considerations of Aging in Place Design
As you're planning your kitchen remodeling project, there are some essential design elements that you should address. One example is clearance. Adding additional clearance around doorways and flow patterns is necessary, especially if you have mobility issues. In the typical kitchen, these passageways are typically only 24-inches wide, which makes it difficult or impossible to maneuver a wheelchair or walker.
Proper access for wheelchairs requires between 42 and 48-inches of clearance. Doorways may also need to be widened to at least 36-inches as well to allow access.
Flooring is another design element to consider. Spills that are not easily cleaned can lead to slips and falls. Surfaces like tile or stone can be challenging to stand on for extended periods, especially for those with hip or lower back pain.
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If you do choose tile, choose a smaller size tile as this can lower the chance of a slip and fall accident. Also, opt for a non-slip textured tile to increase safety. That being said, using cork, vinyl, wood, or linoleum are often better options for those choosing to age in place. They are less likely to cause slipping and are also easier to stand on comfortably for more extended periods. Whatever surface you choose, stay away from glossy finishes as these can reflect light and create glare, which can be dangerous.
Proper lighting in the kitchen can help prevent accidents, create a more suitable work environment, and reduce eye strain. The best is a mix of natural and artificial light. You need to design a lighting plan to make sure light reaches everywhere that it needs to be and should include a combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting.
Under-cabinet lighting can help to illuminate countertop work areas to keep you safe when preparing meals. And adding recessed task lighting can make sure you have plenty of light no matter where you choose to walk or work. Other lighting factors to consider when designing for aging in place is the placement and type of switches. Light switches should be easy to access and placed near the kitchen entrance. As smart home technology becomes more popular, adding an automatic light switch that turns on as soon as someone enters is a popular choice.
Balancing the surface and lighting types in your kitchen are crucial as you age. The colors you choose for surfaces like flooring and countertops will influence how well your lighting works. You want cabinets and countertops to enhance their edges with bright colors, but make sure they're not shiny. Shiny surfaces can reflect light and create glare, which can be dangerous for older eyes.
Smart Products For Aging In Place
Along with your design, the products you choose can make a big difference in the functionality of your kitchen as you age. Here are some smart products that are designed for ease of use, and to help you live and work more comfortably for a more extended period.
Modified Cabinetry
Easy access to the items you need like pots and pans and food items is essential. You shouldn't have to reach or get on a step stool to access the things you need to prepare a meal. “Lazy Susans” and pantry and floor cabinets that feature pull out shelving can make access easier. Several companies even make pull-down cabinets that are capable of pulling out from the cabinet and then easily pulling down make accessing upper cabinets easier. If you have space, you can also consider sacrificing some counter space for lowered upper cabinets.
Faucets
Many companies are making touch-to-use faucets that eliminate difficult to turn handles. Touch the metal faucet, and it turns on. Touch it again to turn it off. A single handle can control the hot and cold water temperatures.
Roll Under Cooking Surfaces
If someone in the house uses a wheelchair, a roll-under cooktop is an excellent addition to the functional aging in place kitchen. It allows a person in a wheelchair to roll under the cooktop for easy access at the shoulder level to the cooking surface. That means no leaning or bending, and you can see and tend to whatever you're cooking.
Side Opening Wall Ovens
Combined with a roll-under cooktop, a side opening oven allows anyone to cook a gourmet meal regardless of mobility. A side-opening oven will enable you to get close to the stove without having to get up or lean over a door into a hot oven. The over can even be mounted under the counter for easier access.
Rangetops
Rangetops have the controls located on the front of the unit versus on top. They also typically have more substantial, easy to use knobs, making them easier to operate.
Refrigeration
The best bet for your main refrigerator is a side by side fridge. This arrangement makes both the freezer and refrigerator compartments easier to access without having to strain or reach. Another option would be under-counter refrigerator/freezer drawers. Many manufacturers now produce these easy to use appliances that give you the added benefit of blending in with your cabinets for a truly seamless look. They hold about six cubic feet and make it easy to grab food or drinks without straining.
Dishwasher Drawers
Like under-counter refrigerator/freezers, this dishwasher consists of one or two drawer systems that are easy to access and can hold an entire day's worth of dishes.
Kitchen Hardware
Traditional handles and knobs are not always comfortable for older homeowners to use. A D-shaped handle called a D or loop handle is easier to grip and operate. This type of handle should be used on all doors in the kitchen, including appliances, cabinets, and even entry doors.
A Final Note on Aging In Place Design
Many appliances today offer aging in place safety options like automatic shut-off options. This can help prevent accidents by eliminating the possibility of unattended appliances that use heat or electricity. Unattended cooking appliances are one of the top causes of injury in the kitchen. In general, make sure all of your kitchen appliances are well-marked, so it's easy to see when it's being used.
By combining aging in place design with smart products that are designed to add functionality to the kitchen as you age, you can remain in your home safely and comfortably throughout your golden years. If you're planning a kitchen renovation project and are hoping to stay in your home as you age, work with a design-build firm that has the expertise and understanding of universal and aging in place design principles. They can help you to design a kitchen that will not only provide maximum functionality but can have the safety elements you'll need to stay in your home longer.
About Toulmin Kitchen & Bath
We're always happy to answer your questions and can help you design the perfect kitchen to keep you in your home safely and comfortably. Toulmin Kitchen & Bath has been helping homeowners in the greater Tuscaloosa area create their dream kitchens since 2005.
If you're planning a kitchen remodeling project in the greater Tuscaloosa, Alabama area, give the experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Let our award-winning design team help you to create the home of your dreams!
