Age in Place Kitchen

The kitchen is a sacred space.

– Marc Forgione

Aging in Place

8 Basic Kitchen Items for Aging in Place

1. Lazy Susan inside a deep corner cabinet
2. Slide-out Shelves
3. Full-sized oven mitts (not hot pads)
4. Large Handled Utensils (OXO)
5. Stepstool w/ Hand-rest and good floor traction
6. Under-counter Jar Opener
7. GFCI Electrical Receptacles
8. Fire Extinguisher and posted emergency/neighbor’s numbers in LARGE PRINT

Top 10 Aging in Place Kitchen Fixes

2. 1. Flooring: Non-Glare flooring with a commercial rubber mat with a smooth transition for an anti-fatigue, non-skid surface

2. 2. Cabinets: Age-friendly products can be installed in existing cabinets for increased ease of access to stored goods

2. 3. Hardware: Exchanging knobs for D-shaped pulls (easier for clients with arthritis)

2. 4. Countertops: One counter that is 28″-32″ high for sitting, knee space 30″ wide/27″ high

2. 5. Sink: A double-offset basin sink with 1 smaller bowl that measures 6.5″ in depth or less (allows seated

2. users ease of use) leave space beneath the sink free so someone sitting or in a wheelchair can use it comfortably

2. 6. Faucet: A hands-free or lever-handled faucet, mounted on the side to limit reaching, with a long hose pull-out sprayer, incorporate an anti-scald device to keep people from getting burned

2. 7. Lighting: Add under-cabinet T8 light strips, which evenly distribute light and reduce glare; Shadow-free overall illumination (ambient light); strong-focused task lighting to ease tasks; shields or diffusers on bulbs to minimize glare; bulbs that will show colors accurately; easy access to switches and fixtures for safety and maintenance; nightlights all over the house

2. 8. Bulbs: If a loved one has low vision consider a “full spectrum” CFL bulb, this type of bulb increases contrast and clarity and reduces glare

2. 9. Doors: Install expandable door hinges and change knobs with lever pulls

2. 10. Appliances: Replace old with new Universal Design drawer refrigerators and microwaves, 9″ kic-plate elevated built-in dishwashers, raised front-load washer/dryers, roll-out shelves

6. I Love #6 the Hands Free faucet!

Delta 9113T-AR-DST Essa Single-Handle Pull-Down Touch Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology and Magnetic Docking Spray Head

________________________________________________________________________________________________I Love #10 because there are such beautiful UD Appliances now out on the market!

Snaidero Universal Design Kitchens

I Love Design where form meets function beautifully.

~Patrick