How to Create a Senior-Friendly Kitchen Layout

In many ways, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Unfortunately, it can also present issues for seniors, especially those at a greater risk of sustaining injuries from a fall. And seeing as millions of adults over the age of 65 fall annually (CDC), it's more important than ever to create safe living spaces, starting with a senior-friendly kitchen layout.

Not everyone can remodel their kitchen, incurring large expenses to create a more conducive space for older adults. Fortunately, there are ways to create a safe kitchen design for seniors without spending much money, and this helpful article explains how.

Consider Your Flooring

As people age, their odds of falling increases. This is primarily due to a variety of reasons, including:

Muscle loss
Loss of flexibility
Changes in cognitive function
Sensory issues
Weak and brittle bones, known as osteoporosis

Women are more likely to have osteoporosis. According to the National Institute on Aging, 20% of women over the age of 50 are affected by osteoporosis. For men in the same age bracket, only one in 20 are affected. Regardless of gender, kitchens must be safeguarded against falls, and flooring is one of the main culprits.

If there are loose floorboards or throw rugs in the kitchen (or any room in the house), fix them or throw them out, removing fall hazards.

Those looking to invest in their home, starting with kitchen remodeling for older adults, can install new flooring. Some of the best options include:

Linoleum
Wood
Laminate

These materials come in various styles to match any independent living community floorplan aesthetic and are also easy to clean. Additionally, they're also ideal for anyone with a walker or in a wheelchair.

Seniors should avoid tile because it's slippery and hard, making it a material to avoid inside the home. However, homes with tile that can't be replaced should look into installing non-slip coatings, although you'll want a professional to install it.

Contrast Is Key

When using contrast in the kitchen, older adults can better see differences from one surface to the next. This means it's best to have countertops and cabinets in contrasting colors. Instead of installing new cabinets, you can always paint them.

For countertops, it's possible to resurface them with removable contact paper. By showcasing light counters with dark cabinets (and vice versa), you'll help make any kitchen easier to navigate, especially for aging eyes.

Budget permitting, you can always replace your countertops and cabinets. When doing this, opt for countertops with rounded corners. For counters with sharp corners, consider installing corner safety bumpers with double-sided backing.

While redoing cabinets, don't forget to replace the knobs. Since certain knobs might be difficult for older people to grasp and pull, opt for "D" handles or pull knobs (the kind that attaches in two locations, creating a wide pull) instead.

Lighting

It's normal for eyesight to change with age, which is why lighting is paramount in any kitchen. Since kitchens feature hot stoves and sharp cooking utensils, it's important to keep these rooms safe and well-lit. This includes lighting in the:

Ceiling, such as top hats or ceiling fan lights
Sink lights
Countertop lights

The more lights, the better, so be sure to use a combination of these lighting options. Sink lights are commonly installed above the sink, providing plenty of light while washing dishes and utensils.

You can also install counter lighting using LED lights that adhere to various surfaces. Even better, seniors can control certain LED lights using common smartphone settings.

Organize Cabinets and Drawers

When organizing cabinets, think of all the items a senior uses daily. Keep these items within easy access, avoiding top shelves that are hard to reach. With senior kitchen accessibility, consider items to keep on lower shelves, including:

Food
Daily supplies
Cookbooks
Utensils
Pots and pans
Dishes
Commonly used appliances

Additionally, don't put breakable or heavy items on top shelves.

Although some budgets allow for the installation of new cabinets, there are modifications for people with limited budgets. For example, consider adding pull-out shelving to make cabinets easier to use, along with using drawer organizers. Other items worth purchasing include:

Utensil holders
Lazy Susans
Turntables

By implementing a few elderly kitchen layout ideas inside cabinets and drawers, any space can be instantly transformed without breaking the bank.

Install a Kitchen Island

Although lowering cabinets is ideal for older adults, especially those in wheelchairs, it's not always financially feasible. Instead, consider installing a kitchen island or some other type of work table to help seniors prepare meals. Ensure the table is low enough to be comfortable but still able to accommodate a wheelchair beneath it.

Don't Forget About the Sink

An issue with sinks is splashed water, especially if it gets on the floor, creating a slip-and-fall risk. Installing reachable faucets complete with attachments that spray it makes it easier for seniors to:

Wash dishes

Clean food

Wash their hands

Fill drinking glasses

Fill pots with water

Additionally, it's important to turn water heater temperatures down to avoid scalds, the same as in homes with children.

Another way to update faucets is with motion-sensor faucets. If installing a new faucet isn't an option, there are also motion sensor adaptors available.

Additionally, other age-friendly kitchen tips included removing twist knobs when possible and opting for lever-style faucets instead, as they're easier to use.

Designing the Best Senior-Friendly Kitchen Layout for Your Budget

Budget might dictate the type of senior-friendly kitchen layout an older adult utilizes, but it doesn't preclude them from creating a safe space inside their home. Seniors looking to remodel their kitchens can install new cabinets, counters, flooring, lights, pulls, and more, but older adults with a more modest budget can still add the same safety features by resurfacing counters and cabinets instead of replacing items altogether.

Woodbury Mews offers floorplans that work to accommodate a variety of senior needs. Choose from studios, suites, and one and two-bedroom apartments, each with access to dining, activities, and plenty of community events. To learn more about our bountiful amenities, contact us today.