Accessibility is important to any space. Whether you’re rehabbing an existing kitchen or building a home, incorporating features that will make life easier as you age is a good investment. Even little changes can make access in a wheelchair possible. Here are some kitchen design tips to consider when accommodating you or a loved one’s physical limitations.
Specialized Utensils
If you have limited finger dexterity or grip strength, investing in pans with helper handles opposite long handles can make it easier to stabilize a pot. Also keep an eye out for pans with silicone grips for comfort and ease. To avoid having to dig through a crowded drawer, invest in magnetized kitchen storage tools so handles are easy to get to.
Invest in Lighting
As we age, our ability to see is slowly reduced. Adding task lighting to your kitchen workspace can reduce the risk of injury when working with knives. To make task lighting even simpler, put these tools on a motion sensor so they come on exactly where you need them. You can also install task lighting that you can turn on via remote control. These tools will save the need to fuss with switches.
Clean and Clutter-Free
Many kitchens feature canisters and other tools that line the back wall of the countertop. However, if your mobility is limited, reaching these tools can be a challenge. To keep things organized, it may make more sense to put storage tools on a rolling rack in a lower cabinet. They would be out of sight until needed but easily accessible when the user is ready to start cooking. Improving storage access isn’t just for those with visible limitations. Studies estimate that over 11% of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Easy access to the necessary features of a kitchen would be a good investment in most any home design.
Bring Things to User Level
For users with limited strength or reach or those confined to a wheelchair, being able to bring tools to their working level is critical. Heavy duty pull-down dish racks and prep surfaces will give users of all heights a workable kitchen. Roll-out storage will also provide easy visibility for spices, tools and canned goods. This way, users can work in the kitchen on their own without having to ask for help all the time. This increases their independence.
Age, illness or injury can seriously impact our ability to function in the kitchen. It’s important to design your kitchen with accessibility in mind. By incorporating design features that allow for users of varying capacities to work in the space, you can design a kitchen that will please all cooks.
For quality appliances for your kitchen, let Milcarsky’s help you!
