In line with a current AARP® survey, 87% of American adults aged 50 and older wish to stay of their properties. On the identical time, solely 3.5% of American properties have even the minimal accessibility options wanted to make sure their residents can stay comfortably and safely in these properties in the event that they lose mobility and different capabilities.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) defines “getting old in place” as “the power to stay in a single’s own residence and group safely, independently, and comfortably, no matter age, revenue, or capacity stage.” Designers, builders, and renovators are utilizing new know-how to create useful and engaging kitchens that may serve getting old householders.

In apply, this implies the set up of simply accessible, multi-level counter tops within the kitchen and cupboard equipment that pull out for straightforward storage and accessibility. Beneath-cabinet lighting may also help stop damage by permitting householders to see their meals preparation higher and a useful working triangle for extra expansive working areas.

Tips on how to design a kitchen for purchasers to comfortably age in place

Common design rules may also help you create a timeless kitchen that folks of any age and talent can take pleasure in.

Kitchen Format

A normal kitchen structure can hinder cooking and cleansing as we age. A kitchen that follows common design rules shall be open and accessible for the one who walks with out help or somebody who makes use of a walker or a wheelchair.

For instance, a U-shaped kitchen could have a minimal of 60 inches of clearance between counters, the present normal for a standard kitchen not centered on common design is 39 inches. The kitchen footprint ought to enable house between two counters between 42–48 inches. This makes it attainable for multiple cook dinner to function within the kitchen and creates sufficient room for an individual utilizing a wheelchair or walker to operate effectively.

Kitchen cupboards

Higher and base kitchen cupboards needs to be put in 3 inches decrease than the everyday set up top to accommodate somebody reaching from a wheelchair. For those who set up toe kicks, they need to be set again by 3–4 inches to permit for foot placement when standing subsequent to the cupboard.

Different useful cupboard options embrace a pull-out step to assist householders attain the higher cupboards as a substitute of a toe kick on decrease cupboards and pull-down cabinets in all higher cupboards. Handles that may simply be grabbed with one finger enhance accessibility, and soft-close hinges will preserve cupboards from slamming closed or flying open.

Decrease cupboards ought to characteristic drawers and pull-out shelving as a substitute of ordinary mounted shelving to scale back attain and pressure. Extra storage options needs to be added to the bottom cupboards, like a peg system to carry dishware to assist stop damage from reaching and grabbing heavy gadgets overhead.

Multi-level counter tops

Accessibility and security needs to be your major issues when designing a kitchen’s countertop structure. Multi-level counter tops will enable everybody to see and work at a handy countertop work floor.

Kitchen island counter tops, for instance, may embrace a number of ranges – with a bit at 36 inches in top and one other part at 30 inches. The 30-inch top serves as a desk or workspace for somebody in a wheelchair. The commonest countertop materials in common design is quartz; its rounded edges guarantee security. Quartz can be simple to keep up and really sturdy. It’s obtainable in varied colours and patterns to reinforce the house’s decor.

Correct lighting

Owners getting old in place can keep away from accidents and eye pressure with acceptable kitchen lighting. Common design goals to combine pure daylight by means of giant home windows with layers of synthetic lighting.

Activity or observe lighting will convey vibrant, centered gentle for cooking, meals prep, cleansing, and college work.

Beneath-cabinet lighting brightens counter workspaces. Straightforward-to-use rocker gentle switches conveniently positioned close to the kitchen entrances may also help illuminate the room to make cooking and cleansing extra environment friendly. Movement detection switches will mechanically activate the overhead lighting when somebody enters the kitchen.

Recessed lights are an effective way to light up your complete kitchen with solely a single gentle supply. In case your lighting price range is restricted, LED lights are brighter and use much less electrical energy than incandescent bulbs, and the fixtures value much less.

Accessibility with a useful working triangle

The working triangle is a vital consideration in any kitchen however vital in common design. The sink, vary, and fridge needs to be as shut as attainable with out interfering with clearance since they’re the most-used home equipment.

Vary: Wall ovens are wonderful for many who wish to age in place. Regulate the peak of wall ovens to permit quick access for all customers. A cooktop with front-mounted controls is a better option than a normal vary with controls on the again that customers entry by reaching over the stovetop.

Sink: Common design specifies a sink depth of solely 6 inches to stop again pressure from bending over to succeed in a deeper sink. Regulate the countertop top to mount the sink at an accessible top. A hands-free or single-lever faucet is less complicated to make use of than separate handles for cold and hot. It might probably preserve residents from scalding themselves by by chance having the one-handle faucet set to the new when turning it on. A pull-out sprayer and cleaning soap dispenser at shut attain make cleansing the dishes simpler and safer.

Fridge/freezer: The fridge and freezer doorways ought to have lengthy, easy-to-grab handles; search for a fridge within-door storage, robust lighting, and slide-out cabinets. A side-by-side unit is less complicated to make use of than an higher/decrease.

Ageing-friendly flooring

An getting old house owner might stroll with a shuffle or slide. Any transitions between rooms, space rugs, or lips within the hardwood or tile turn into a visit hazard. SPC vinyl plank may also help make kitchen and family flooring protected for these with a shuffling gait or who use walkers or wheelchairs.

This widespread flooring product is sturdy and straightforward to keep up. SPC vinyl plank is waterproof and doesn’t get slippery when moist. It installs fully flat and clicks collectively as one streamlined ground. It is available in each hardwood and tile appears to be like, in varied colours to enhance kitchen cupboards and decor.

Designers are ready that can assist you along with your common design kitchen undertaking

CabinetCorp’s licensed inside designers can turn into your go-to kitchen specialists. These skilled professionals can stroll you thru the design course of, from measurement to choosing out the suitable handles and storage equipment to make the kitchen protected and useful for individuals of all ages. They may also help you with the very best common design to your purchasers who wish to age in place with a very timeless kitchen.