5 Aging in Place Kitchen Design Ideas

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While the bathroom is considered the most dangerous room in the home for seniors because of fall risks on wet floors, the kitchen is a close second when it comes to potential. 

Kitchen floors can be slippery, knives and other sharps can produce cuts, and heat sources can easily burn the thinner skin of older adults. Studies from the American Burn Association reveal that nearly half of all home fires are caused by cooking, and adults 65+ are at much higher risk of injury and death from a kitchen fire due to their slower physical response rates.

In this article, we’ll explore some ways you can help prevent unnecessary kitchen injuries for aging-in-home seniors, and we’ll also point to some senior safety solutions that Home Healthsmith can provide.

Aging-In-Place Kitchen Design Ideas

As is true with most potential hazards in the home, prevention is always the best cure. And one of the best things you can do for your aging-in-place seniors is to design the kitchen with their unique needs in mind. 

Here are a few proactive tips:

Consider an Ergonomic Layout

Lay out the kitchen floor plan so that all major appliances and features are easy to access. Choose appliances (refrigerator/freezer, oven, microwave, toaster, etc.) with doors and handles that are simple to open. For example, it is easier to open an oven/stove from the right or left rather than pulling it down, especially if one is in a wheelchair.

And since cooking safety is a primary concern, you should also select a stove that provides clear notification when a burner is on or a surface is hot.

Optimize Counter and Storage Space

Ensure that all sinks and counters are set at an ideal height for seniors to reach and use. Keep everything neat and well-organized, and avoid unnecessary clutter on the counter space. 

Arrange kitchen cupboards so the most frequently used items are easiest to reach. Pull-out shelves and slide-out trays are also simple to install in most cabinets, and there are plenty of budget-friendly organizers you can place inside drawers and/or on the countertop.

Task Lighting

All frequently trafficked areas of the home should be well-lit. Consider installing motion-activated lights along the path to the kitchen. Of course, the kitchen itself needs adequate lighting too. Overhead lights don’t always illuminate all the nooks and crannies properly. Consider adding task lighting features around sink areas and countertops. Task light strips can even be placed inside each individual cabinet shelf. And of course, some appliances have their own lights as well.

Slip-Resistant Flooring

Slips and falls can result in serious injuries for seniors. This is an area of particular concern in the kitchen and bathroom, as many falls tend to occur in these areas. Tile and other types of hard flooring aren’t the best options, as they don’t provide enough traction for:

  • Stocking feet
  • Slippers
  • Smooth-soled shoes

Your best solution is to go with slip-resistant flooring whenever possible.

Where flooring replacement isn’t practical or possible, strategically place non-skid:

  • Mats
  • Rugs
  • Runners

For sink areas in particular, a non-skid mat or rug can help to soak up spills and prevent water from getting onto the floor where it can create a fall hazard. In fact, during our home assessments, we caution people to remove all runners and rugs that can cause a trip hazard. 

Grab Bars

Grab bars are another helpful stability aid. They’re most commonly installed around showers and bathtubs, but grab bars can be placed all around the house, including kitchen areas. 

At Home Healthsmith, we utilize a patented grab bar fastening system that doesn’t require wall studs, so they really can be placed anywhere. They can be oriented:

  • Horizontally
  • Vertically
  • Diagonally

For residential properties, there are no ADA guidelines, meaning grab bars can be placed wherever they’re needed. For commercial properties, all of the grab bar products we install are engineered to exceed all minimum building codes and ADA guidelines. We also offer the Pressalit Product PLUS fold-down grab bar, which can be folded flush against the wall to provide more available space when not in use. These are great options for smaller kitchen spaces!

Consider Kitchen Design Solutions for Aging in Place

We hope you find value in the aging-in-place kitchen design ideas we’ve shared. At Home Healthsmith, we believe all seniors should have the opportunity to age safely in the comfort of their own homes, and we’re committed to providing you with the very best mobility, accessibility, and safety products. 

Not only can we help you in the kitchen, but we also provide solutions for every room of the home, including exterior areas!

Not sure what you really need? If you’re located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Connecticut one of our trained experts can provide you with a Home Healthsmith SafeHome Audit. This service includes going room-to-room to identify any safety or accessibility opportunities, and we’ll then take the time to sit down with you to discuss all of your best options. We’ll also provide you with a free estimate for any upgrades we recommend! 

Give us a call at (401) 293-0415, or get in touch online to schedule your free initial consultation today!