Aging In Place? Follow These Kitchen Remodeling Tips
Do you plan on aging in place? This is an increasingly common choice for older adults. Instead of moving several times as they age, they make their home more suitable to their changing needs, and they stay there. The kitchen is one room where you really need to put in the effort if you want to make it suitable for aging in place. Here are some remodeling tips to keep in mind if this is your plan.
Install Drop-Down Shelves
Maybe right now you are comfortable standing on a stool to reach your upper shelves, but that won't always be the case. To make sure the space at the top of your cabinets does not go to waste, ask your remodeling team to make those high-up shelves drop-down shelves. This type of shelf has special hinges that cause it to drop and shift down when you pull on it. You then grab what you need before pushing the shelf gently back up. The hinges finish the job, bringing the shelf back up to its original location.
Choose a Softer Floor
Hopefully you never fall in the kitchen. But if you do, having a softer floor will reduce your risk of serious injuries such as broken bones. These days, one of the best flooring options for kitchens is luxury vinyl tile. It has a soft backing, which gives it a softer feeling underfoot. It's also water-resistant and easy to clean, which is really nice when you are older and don't want to bend over to scrub flooring.
Focus on the Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle is a design scheme often recommended by architects. It means that you place your sink, refrigerator, and oven in a triangle relative to each other. This minimizes the amount of walking you need to do between these elements, which is a huge benefit when you are older and less mobile.
Put the Microwave at the Counter Height
Putting the microwave on an upper shelf has become common. But if you plan to age in place, you're better off placing it at counter height or lower. Older adults often use the microwave to reheat leftovers, and reaching over your head may get harder as you age.
Keep these tips in mind as you make plans to remodel your kitchen. You can age in place more comfortably if you design your kitchen to accommodate these needs.
Contact a company like Premier CCM Inc to learn more.
