Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

This post provides important advice for those planning to renovate a kitchen for elderly occupants. The renovation process should prioritize safety and accessibility above all else. Key considerations include choosing lower-level countertops and installing Smart home technology for convenience and control. Additionally, light-colored wall paints and kitchen flooring are suggested for a brighter and more spacious kitchen. Careful planning and execution of these design elements can result in a modern and comfortable kitchen that allows elderly occupants to live safely and independently.

Our site of advice decided to continue the topic of renovating an apartment or house in which the elderly live or will live. We have already written about the repair of the bathroom, taking into account the venerable age of the owners, now we will tell you what you need to consider when planning and repairing a kitchen that will be used by older people.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Let’s first find out what exactly is worth giving up when planning a kitchen for older owners. Bar counter – you don’t need it at all! Can you imagine how grandma would climb onto a high bar stool? Not funny, believe me.

In addition, experts advise to abandon the kitchen island. Replace it with a regular dining table that is easy to access with a wheelchair or walker. An island in the center of the room, and even with sharp corners, can become a serious obstacle for an elderly person..

Compact stools should also be discarded. It is better to choose reliable, sturdy chairs with backs. It will definitely be more comfortable to sit on them..

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Advice the first is the correct gender

As with the bathroom, the main thing is that the floors in the kitchen for the elderly are non-slip. Matte tiles and porcelain tiles will work, but you can opt for softer vinyl tiles. In general, as the portal already wrote, the choice of flooring for the kitchen is great, there is more choice here than in the case of a bathroom.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Second tip – drawers instead of the usual lower cabinets

It will be difficult for an elderly person to literally get on all fours to get a pan from the bottom corner of the kitchen cabinet. In the case of drawers, all their contents are immediately visible, you do not need to bend over to find the desired item.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Third tip – more light

The lighting under the cupboards is becoming a necessity, as is the separate lamp above the dining area. Lamps should be powerful enough but economical.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Thu Councilsecond – sink closer to the hob

Elderly people find it difficult to move a pot of water from the sink to the stove or hob and vice versa. Therefore, they should be located close to each other, but, of course, separated by a small strip of the working surface. In narrow kitchens, when all items are arranged in two lines, choosing a place for a sink, you can equip it exactly opposite the hob. The main thing is that you do not have to move around the kitchen, “traveling” with heavy objects and risking something to spill and slip.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Advice fifth – safe and understandable household appliances

It can be difficult for older people to learn new things. Therefore, household appliances should be easy to operate, without unnecessary additional functions in this case. If the display is, then with large numbers so that you can see everything. The refrigerator must have an alarm function if it is forgotten to close. The gas hob has a “gas control” system to ensure the safety of all residents of an apartment or house. And the electric has color indicators showing that the surface is still hot.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Council shewait – the most convenient location of the microwave

It can be placed in different ways. In the case of older owners, the main thing is that they do not have to bend or reach for the microwave oven. And all this with a hot plate in hand. It is advisable to place the microwave oven at the level of the working area, in a special compartment of the column cabinet or simply on the tabletop next to the outlet.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Advice seventh – food storage system in one place

In the USA there is such a thing as a pull-out pantry. This is just a separate tall cabinet or sideboard where all stocks of food are stored, without exception, that does not need to be refrigerated and frozen. For older owners, this is an opportunity to immediately assess that it’s time to buy in the store. And you don’t have to lay out products in different cabinets.

Kitchen renovation for the elderly: what you need to consider

Do not forget also about comfortable, wide enough and long handles on the cupboards of the kitchen set. All decoration should be easy to clean, as practical as possible.

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Comments: 2
  1. Skylar

    What specific modifications should be made to accommodate the elderly during a kitchen renovation?

    Reply
  2. Sophia Turner

    What are some essential factors to take into account when renovating a kitchen specifically for elderly individuals?

    Reply
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