The kitchen is one of the most frequently used parts of the home, so it makes perfect sense that it’s one of the first areas to get a revamp when preparing a property for aging in place. When you’re talking to kitchen remodeling designers, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Flooring Comes First – No matter your budget, make kitchen flooring a priority when you’re introducing upgrades related to aging in place. To avoid slips and falls, all floor coverings should be non-glare and there shouldn’t be any rugs either. Non-slip tiles and low-pile carpets are great, but if you don’t want to replace existing flooring, you can opt to apply coatings that add slip-prevention texture to it. Keep tiles small as well. The shorter the distance between each tile, the lower the chances are of a slip or falling accident. However, hardwood flooring is the easiest to roll on if you’re in a wheelchair.
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Location, Location, Location – For safe and easy access, a kitchen should always be situated on the ground floor of a home.
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Additional Space Is Key – All aging in place efforts should include additional clearance around doorways and passageways. Typically, paths are only 24 inches wide, and this is not enough room to easily use walkers in. If wheelchair access is required, there has to be 42 to 48 inches of clearance available for pathways while doorways should be at least 36 inches wide.
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Update Cabinets for Easy Access – You can stick with traditional cabinet designs, but all units should not be hard to reach. Generally, this means placing upper cabinets about three inches lower than the standard height. Consider adding a pull-down shelf as well so elderly individuals don’t have to overreach and incorporating storage solutions for most frequently used items at lower levels.
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Adjust Countertops – To accommodate those who would be more comfortable sitting than standing, consider multilevel countertops, with one section at about 30 inches tall. Make sure all countertops also have rounded edges and corners to avoid injuries.
Whether you prefer a modern or traditional kitchen design as you integrate aging in place features, you can count on The Kitchen Store for competitive prices and outstanding quality. To learn more about what we can do for you, simply give us a call at (310) 736-1077 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free showroom consultation. We serve Culver City, CA and the nearby communities.
