As we get older, getting around isn’t always as easy as it once was. This is why many people turn to assisted living as a way to accommodate the physical restraints that come along with older age. And while many seniors continue living an independent life at home well into their older years without professional assistance, it’s important that they design their home accordingly, to ensure that they can easily access what they need, and also maintain their safety.
The kitchen in particular is a place where seniors should carefully consider layout, as it can be much more convenient, and ultimately safer. Here are some of the best tips for creating a senior friendly kitchen that’s easy to navigate and cook in.
Consider Safety
Safety should always be a number one priority when it comes to senior citizens. One of the biggest concerns for seniors is lighting., so start there. Installing adequate lighting will minimize the amount of shadows in the kitchen, and avoid the risk of burns, or slips and falls.
Consider adding strip lights under each cabinet, and illuminating cooking surfaces with extra bright bulbs to improve visibility. Slips and falls are particularly a concern in this age bracket, which is why you should choose slip resistant flooring that will reduce the risk of accidents.
High traffic areas like the area next to the sink, and around countertops are especially important for slip free surfaces, as they’ll provide extra stability for seniors while navigating their kitchen area.
Make Storage Easy to Reach
The more a senior has to step up on high surfaces to reach tall cabinets, or crouch down to reach low ones, the more risk you have of someone getting hurt. This is why it’s important that you optimize your storage to help keep things organized, without having to dig or climb.
Drawer organizers and hooks on the backs of cabinets are a great way to keep the things you use frequently easy to access. Lazy-Susans are also helpful for reaching for things on the go, and make it easy to locate items quickly.
Incorporate Modern Updates
Nowadays, “smart” kitchens are all the rage. Incorporating devices like Alexa into your kitchen so that everything is voice controlled is a fantastic way to make it easy to operate. Voice controlled technology makes it possible for your senior loved ones to do everything from turn on and off certain appliances, to setting a cooking timer. This can be especially helpful for seniors who have limited mobility, and use wheelchairs and walkers.
Although these often require an investment to install, they can be well worth the money you put into it, as the peace of mind knowing that cooking time is that much more streamlined is well worth it.
