Creating Kitchens with Independence in Mind: Crucial Changes for Safely Aging at Home

More Than Just a Place to Cook

There is more to kitchens than just cooking and eating. They frequently serve as the focal point of a house, where family get-togethers and festivities take place. Conversely, kitchens are also used for food storage, moving food from the cooking source to serving dishes to the table, serving, eating, and cleaning up afterward. Therefore, many of its functions will be involved in ensuring Kitchen Remodeling Services in Bronx safety for a senior.

Fostering Independence Through Cooking

A person feels more nurturing when they prepare meals for their family and themselves. A senior will continue to feel good, wanted, and independent if a kitchen is maintained where he may cook on his own (or even with assistance). Seniors with limited mobility will be able to socialize in the Kitchen Remodeling Services in Bronx with a complete response to safety issues and challenges.

Refrigerator Placement and Accessibility

It goes without saying that having access to the refrigerator is crucial. The refrigerator should be oriented toward the Kitchen Remodeling Services in Bronx most open and uncluttered space. A side-by-side model will be the most convenient for a wheelchair user to open. French-door units offer even better access to the refrigerator and freezer. A person with restricted mobility and a need for convenience can benefit from the features found in the majority of new French door models, such as external water and ice dispensers, shelves that slide out or pull down, conveniently situated temperature controls, and larger storage spaces in the doors. Additionally, they need less swing area, which means a person using a mobility aid won't be bothered as much.

Prioritizing Accessibility in Cabinets

Keep in mind that stretching is difficult, so accessibility is crucial. Wall cabinets with pull-down shelves will be easier to reach. Purchasing a portable reaching tool to lower objects from high cabinets is a less expensive alternative. Because reaching and lifting are more strenuous and need less control, sliding is generally preferable over lifting. Pull-outs, pull-down shelves, and rotating shelves with frontal access and room are all excellent options for a pantry.

Comfortable Work Heights

The height of the cook, his sitting height, and comfortable working heights should all be taken into account when preparing food. The senior and the kitchen planner/aging-in-place specialist will discuss the senior's preferences and the types of food preparation they do (such as baking, stir-frying, salad making, and other techniques). Keep in mind that the objective is to enable the senior to carry on with his favorite activities in a safer way.

Choosing the Right Table

Keep in mind that the legs of the Kitchen Remodeling Services in Bronx table present a challenge that needs to be overcome. Wheelchair access is made simple by selecting a table with a base.

Sink and Faucet Accessibility

Simple facet controls are essential for sinks; a touch control design is ideal since it allows you to turn the faucet on and off with just one hand. It is necessary to designate the hot and cold controls. Installing a wall-hang sink would make it easier to rinse produce, wash dishes, and more—and a wheelchair could fit below it with ease.

Safer Cooking Solutions

Similar factors should be taken into account while using cooktops. Ascertain that cooking can be done while seated. With controls in the front, there must be room for knees beneath the cooktop. This demographic favors smooth electric range tops, which typically feature lights that show when the surface is hot. Compared to ovens under a stovetop, wall ovens are simpler to use. Microwaves that are hinged, reversible swing drop-down, or drawer-style are better than those that are suspended over the cooktop. Large controls and simple lever adjustments should be standard on all Kitchen Remodeling Services in Bronx equipment.

Lighting the Kitchen

Additionally, they must to be well-lit. Ideally, there should be a mix of area, task, and overall illumination. A motion- or photo-sensitive night light will prevent the elderly person from tripping.

Selecting Safe Flooring

The Kitchen Remodeling Services in Bronx flooring should be smooth and simple to maintain. Because of their uneven surfaces, ceramic tiles are not a good option for those who use wheelchairs and walkers. Grouting could be difficult. The safest flooring is smooth, but not too smooth.

Seek Expert Guidance

It's a good idea to get advice on home changes from a certified Aging in-Place Specialist. These individuals, who are frequently contractors, occupational therapists, and caregivers for the elderly, have received training and certification from the R Luis Constructions Association. They are knowledgeable with the newest goods and their safe installation techniques. Medical professionals are the first to consult when making plans since they are aware of the seniors' present and potential future problems.