It’s no secret that seniors 55 and up want to age in place. Though assisted living and retirement communities offer a variety of benefits, there are many who are attached to their homes and wish to stay there as long as possible. Though renovations will not solve the problems of home maintenance, they can help postpone your move. For older generations who wish to stay in their home longer, this can represent a sense of independence and ownership of their destinies. And while you don’t lose independence by moving to a community, some seniors simply aren’t ready for the change. 

Kitchen Renovations for Aging in Place

Kitchens are one of the most hazardous spaces in your home. This is why kitchens should be a top priority when it comes to making your home more aging friendly. So, here are some things to keep in mind while you remodel.

Make Room for Movement

Making your home more accessible, especially if you should need a walker or wheelchair for any period of time, is a great way to make your space more “age in place” friendly. To do this, you should ensure that there is plenty of space in the doorways and thoroughfares. This may include increasing the clearance space between walls, door sills, cabinets, and appliances. This will open the space for mobility should you need it in the future. 

Your kitchen should be a safe place as you age and with a little planning, it can become one.

Choose Your Flooring

For many seniors, eliminating the possibility of slips and falls is a priority. If you don’t pay attention to your kitchen floors, you may risk having an accident. For example, if your floors are even remotely slippery, having a leaky faucet or dishwasher may spell disaster. Fortunately, there are many non-slip solutions that won’t affect the design of your kitchen. 

Traditional wood or tiling is easily treated with slip-prevention textures that reduce the risk of slips and falls. Non-slip tiles are also suitable alternatives, but hardwood floors are most accommodating for wheelchairs and mobility purposes.

Lighting Fixtures

You may not think of lights when it comes to reducing the risk of accidents in your kitchen, but it can help. A good kitchen layout should accommodate natural light and artificial sources to maximize illumination and diminish your risk. Try adding lights to these key places:

• Under cabinets
• Overhead or on ceilings
• Any other area where shadows develop

Light switches should be planned with use in mind and located close to entryways. For convenience, consider smart lighting.

Countertops

To age in place easier, you should take your countertops into consideration. The design can be the difference between mobility and immobility in your home. Be sure to have rounded edges to reduce injury or harm. You should also consider the height should you need a wheelchair in the future. 

Ventilation

Having good ventilation will help you control the temperature in your kitchen. This is especially important for older adults at an increased risk of heatstroke. If you have a hood in your kitchen, great! You are probably all set. If not, use your windows to help heat and steam dissipate.

Remodeling your kitchen around your lifestyle can be an enormous project. But with the right planning and guidance, it can help you age in place. 

Now that you’ve got the right mindset, learn the tips and tricks experts have been using for years to Unlock the Power to Declutter: The Definitive Guide on How to Start. Click the icon below to get your FREE copy today! 

Confident Living is a continuing care at home membership program, focused on helping you remain active and independent as you age in your own home. We serve the greater Cincinnati area. For more information, contact us online or call (513) 719-3522.