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Departments |
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An Accessible
Kitchen
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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 60" to make a circular turn. If the
kitchen aisles don't offer at least 60" of
unobstructed space, a wheelchair-user will not
be able to turn around without some real effort.
s 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.
s 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.
s 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.
s 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.
s 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.
s 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.
s For short individuals or those in
wheelchairs, deep sinks can be very difficult to
use. Replace a deep sink with a more shallow
model.
s 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.
s 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.
s High quality spot lighting over work
areas is appreciated by all cooks, as is the
ability to brightly light the entire kitchen
when desired.
s 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.
s 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.
s 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 pace" 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.
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