Senior Friendly Kitchens
Aging in place has become the choice for many seniors and staying in your home can be more economical than living in a retirement facility. Studies show that it slows the progress of memory loss, strengthens social connections, and allows for more independence. The decision to aging in place brings the question, “What do I need to do to make my home safe and increase ease-of-use as I get older?” One of the first rooms many people decide to remodel is the kitchen. Since it is where accidents are most likely to happen, safety is a first priority in the remodel design. Practical solutions will make the kitchen safe and easy to navigate. The following are some safety remodeling tips. Kitchen cabinets should never be installed over the stove as they are too difficult to reach. Countertops should be lowered to accommodate wheelchairs or sitting while preparing food. Consider placing the sink near the stove – or install a pot filler so you don’t need to lug heavy pots of water very far. Shallow sinks will ease stress on aging backs from hunching over while preparing food or cleaning up. Rounded edges on all countertops can eliminate scrapes and bruises from sharp corners. Pullout pantries allow you to see everything without having to move “stuff” around. Drawers give you easy access to yummy snacks, canned goods and pet food for your constant companion. Build pullouts for small appliances to ease the strain on backs. Corner cabinets are a Lazy Susan’s
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