Next to the bathroom, the kitchen is probably the most difficult room for anyone

with a disability to use. If kitchens and bathrooms are not accessible and

useable, older homeowners often relocate just to be able to get a good meal and

a bath. What a shame!

Making a home more accessible for someone with a disability can sometimes be

more cost effective than moving to assisted living. If the biggest problem a

senior has is getting around in an older home, then making some inside changes

will probably be a more economical and a happier solution than moving to a

residential facility.

At a monthly cost of $3000 to $6,000, plus the inevitable entrance fees and

other one-time charges, assisted living is far from inexpensive. Putting the

cost of two to three months of assisted living care toward some basic remodeling

can be money well spent if it means a senior will be able to stay at home safely

for at least two more years.

We have addressed the most important additions you can make to an older

person's bathroom. Here we'll take a look at the kitchen:

Getting from one part of the kitchen to another is the most important

consideration. Wheelchairs need at least 36" to make a tight turn. If the

kitchen aisles do not offer at least 36" of unobstructed space, a

wheelchair-user will not be able to turn around.

• Consider removing any center workstations if they create narrow pathways.

  More expensive, but not necessarily cost prohibitive, is removing part or all of

  any wall that separates the kitchen from the dining area or den. This will open

  up a long narrow kitchen.
  
  

• Lower some counters to create 30 inch workstations. Individuals in

  wheelchairs, those with limited reach, and those who can't stand for long

  periods can work at these counters while sitting. Make sure there is room for

  knees underneath the counter.
  
  

• If the cook will be working from a chair, the cooktop can be installed on a

  lower counter as well. This will probably have to be "undone" for resale,

  however, so keep that in mind.
  
  

• For those with poor vision, a cooktop with a light colored surface and dark

  burners will be easier to "see" than a solid color cooktop. Burner knobs should

  be at the front of the cooktop so that the cook won't accidently drag an arm or

  a sleeve across a hot burner.
  
  

• For all older cooks, as well as for anyone with a disability, the microwave

  should be at counter height, rather than above shoulder height. There should be

  heat-proof counter space beside both the microwave and the oven to place hot

  items.
  
  

• Ovens with side-opening doors are easier for anyone with mobility problems

  to use. The side-opening door eliminates the need to reach across the open oven

  door to get at the food inside.
  
  

• For short individuals or those in wheelchairs, deep sinks can be very

  difficult to use. Replace a deep sink with a more shallow model.
  
  

• Faucets with long handles and spouts reduce the distance needed to reach the

  water and can be manipulated with only one hand. Electronic sensors will

  automatically turn the water on and off if reaching the faucet handles is

  difficult for the seated or the very short.
  
  

• Roll-out shelving or drawers in lower cabinets make these areas more

  accessible for all kitchen users, and will add to kitchen appeal for everyone.

  So, too, will "lazy susan" corner cupboards.
  
  

• High quality spot lighting over work areas is appreciated by all cooks, as

  is the ability to brightly light the entire kitchen when desired.
  
  

• Bending across open doors to use appliances is difficult for those with back

  pain, those who use walkers, or people in wheelchairs. Raised dishwasher and

  refrigerator "drawers" eliminate the dropped open door and are much easier to

  use from a seated position.
  
  

• Changing drawer and door hardware to pulls that are easy to open with a

  finger is an inexpensive way to get started. Magnetic catches that can be opened

  with a little "bump" are quite popular with cooks who have arthritis or problems

  grasping.
  
  

• Floors should be smooth and easy to clean. Beware of surfaces that can be

  very slippery when wet, particularly marble and ceramic tile.

Making some or all of these changes in a senior's kitchen can make "aging in

place" at home a viable option for those who do not have dementia. An older

person with good judgment and a physical disability can be safe and productive

in an adapted kitchen. Those with Alzheimer's disease and or another dementia

lose their ability to make good decisions or take safety precautions. These

seniors would be safer in a more supervised environment.