As people grow old, they become weak, and performing even the simplest tasks seems daunting. Hence, the kitchen design should be elder-friendly so that they can perform all the activities conveniently. There are various kitchen ideas that experts recommend for elderly people. Here are a few:
01 of 07 Choose bright lights for the kitchen
It is crucial to ensure that your elder-friendly kitchen interior design idea is well-lit. As people grow old, their eyesight deteriorates. Working with sharp objects or handling hot appliances can be dangerous for them. You must install sufficient lighting fixtures for the night and day so that they can see properly. Choose a combination of task lights, decorative lights, and accent lights to illuminate the room as well as enhance its appeal. The cooktop, countertop, sink area, and other areas that receive heavy traffic should be well-lit. Install the switches in the entryway.
02 of 07 Choose countertops that are elder-friendly
You must consider all the factors before planning the countertop. For instance, elderly people who are wheelchair-bound cannot work on a countertop with a standard height of 36 inches. You must consider lowering it from 36 inches to 30 inches so that they can work conveniently. Also, the edges should be round. Additionally, consider choosing different colours for the countertops and the cabinets. Or, use a different shade for the edges at least. The difference in the shades will help the weak eyes to spot things more easily. Also, keeping the kitchen clean is a difficult task, especially for elderly people. Hence, it is important to opt for options that are easy to clean and maintain like quartz, granite, etc.
03 of 07 Elder-friendly kitchen sinks
The sink is one of the busiest areas in the kitchen. Install faucets that are within reach or add attachment sprayers that can be extended so that cleaning the dishes becomes very convenient. Make sure that a hot water connection is available as it can get really uncomfortable for old people to touch cold water during winters. You can opt for height-adjustable sinks if required but they can get quite labour-intensive. In that case, just ensure that free space is available below the sink for wheelchair-bound people.
04 of 07 Opt for smart cabinetry designs
You must not opt for regular kitchen cabinet designs in an elder-friendly kitchen idea. Look for options that do not require people to bend or stretch to reach and grab something. Choose pull-out trays and drawers that can be accessed easily. Instead of wall-mounted top cabinets, consider installing open shelves that can be used to store frequently used items. Make sure that the shelves are at a lower height so that elderly people can reach them easily. Finding spoons and spatulas can be difficult inside drawers. Consider hanging them on hooks and racks so that they can be easily spotted. Also, choose D-shaped handles for a better grip.
05 of 07 Install wall-mounted kitchen appliances
While choosing appliances for an elder-friendly kitchen idea like microwaves and ovens, always prefer built-in appliances. This allows you to save a lot of countertop space and reduce the chances of them getting close to wet places. Also, it will allow you to install the appliances at the desired height. Additionally, you must choose appliances that are easy-to-use and have large buttons and a display. While installing the appliances, always ensure that they are not installed near the sink. Further, install the switches in easily accessible locations.
06 of 07 Safe flooring options
You must not overlook the floor as it can increase the chances of an accident. Various materials like marble and vitrified tiles are slippery and increase the chances of falling. Such risks should not be taken lightly. Always opt for anti-skid flooring options that will give elderly people a good grip while walking.
07 of 07 Be selective while choosing the colours
You must consider choosing tones of greys, blues, or olive green for your elder-friendly kitchen interior design idea. This is because brighter coloured cabinets can be very unsettling to the eye. Also, the muted tones will give the kitchen design a very subtle yet appealing look.