Accessible Kitchen

Looking for information to design an accessible kitchen for your aging parents?

This article will provide you with the information to make an informed decision about making your parent's kitchen safer and easier for them to use. Take the time to design it for their current (and future) needs.

Read more below...

This article will cover:

• Layout
  
• Appliances
  

Layout

To design a suitable kitchen for older adults, you must make sure that the user can move around safely, the work space is comfortable and cabinets and storage spaces are accessible.

Layout/design tips:

• entry doorways should be 32" wide and doors should have lever style door handles
• if the user is in a wheelchair, recommended counter top heights are minimum 28" and maximum 34". An adjustable workspace is ideal as users may be of different heights.
• Breadboards should be installed 27" from the floor
• Space for knees requires 24" height from floor and at least a 30" opening
• Sinks should be shallow (only 5-6" deep)
• Faucets should be single lever type and have pull out spray head with easy push button
• Insulate the pipes under the counter to protect wheelchair users

Appliances

Depending on your parents abilities, there are designs that can accommodate most users.

Some tips for parents that use a wheelchair:

• the oven and microwave approx. 31" from the floor
• install an electric cooktop unit with staggered burners and have the controls mounted on the front (to avoid reaching across the elements)
• choose an oven with a side hinge

General tips on choosing appliances:

• choose large, easy to read displays
• choose large, easy to use buttons and knobs
• Raise the dishwasher 6" - 8" from the floor place it so that the unit is accessible from either side
• install glare free lighting
• install light switches, thermostats, etc no higher than 48" from floor
• install electrical outlets no lower than 15" from floor
• install pull out cabinet drawers, pull out cutting boards, and slide in shelves and baskets
• hire a professional who has experience designing and building homes specifically for the needs of older adults