As your loved ones age, it’s normal that some daily tasks become a challenge. For example, working around the kitchen now poses many risks and dangers for your loved ones, alongside other responsibilities like cooking and preparing a meal. However, it’s not all bad news. In order to prolong their independence and to allow them to work in a safer and more secure environment, there are a number of ways to safety-proof their kitchens. Here are some features to look out for when creating an elder-friendly kitchen.
Rounded Edges
At times, cabinets and countertops feature sharp edges that can be particularly dangerous for your loved ones. Considering that falls are the number one cause of injury for older adults in the United States, in the event that your loved ones do slip and fall, hitting on sharp edges can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures and even fatal brain damage. Therefore, rounded edges are much safer and won’t cause as much pain as compared to sharp ones. Plus, rounded edges can be considered a unique feature in the kitchen, design-wise.
Bright Lights
Some loved ones may suffer from poor vision that prevents them from seeing objects well. This can put them in hazardous situations, especially when they’re handling dangerous objects like knives and scissors. In order to provide a safer workspace in the kitchen, it’s important to make sure the kitchen is well-lit at all times. You can achieve this by installing bright lights or having the kitchen located near windows where natural light can be reached into the house. You can also consider installing lights near the sink and countertops, basically areas in the kitchen where your loved ones have to handle sharp items.
Smart Cabinets
If there’s one thing to invest in, it would be smart cabinets. Yes, they can be more expensive as compared to regular cabinets, but they allow for fuss-free access to objects and utensils. For many elderly, certain movements like bending down and reaching up can be difficult for them. As such, smart cabinets usually feature trays and shelves that easily pull down or sway open, making it easy for them to grab what they need. Some cabinets may even be installed with handles that ensure a good grip.
Suitable Flooring
As mentioned above, one of the most common home injuries faced by older adults these days is falls. To prevent your loved ones from slipping, you can ensure that the flooring is slip-resistant. Unfortunately, the flooring is usually overlooked by many people, though it plays a crucial role in ensuring that your loved ones can move around the kitchen safely. Some tiles that offer better grip include ceramic and porcelain. Tiles to avoid are vitrified tiles and marble.
Muted Tones
To make it easier on the eyes, stick with neutral tones and colors when it comes to decorating the kitchen. While some people may consider brighter colors as more ‘daring’ and ‘fun’, these colors may be quite unsettling to some eyes and cause much disturbances. Softer and more pastel tones like blues and greys are much more appealing and go with many interior styles. If your loved ones cannot come to an agreement over which colors to go with, wood-accented features can never go wrong.
