A Well-Functioning Kitchen For All Ages

The kitchen is a happening place in most homes. From early in the am to late in the evening, the kitchen serves a variety of functions.

It is worthwhile to put some time and thought into how to best use this busy space for your individual needs.

Maybe you are of the age where ‘living in place’ has arrived or is just around the corner. But no matter your age, don’t let the term throw you off. In thinking through the dynamics of the kitchen, we find that there are a lot of features that benefit all ages and stages of life. Putting some of these ideas into place will make your kitchen practical and efficient for all.

Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerators:

Fresh food is essential to good health. Food is expensive and a well-maintained fridge will make food last longer. Keep the refrigerator running well:

Keeping all everyday items within easy reach increases safety in the kitchen

replace burned out light bulbs.
replace the filter for ice/water maker.
make sure the refrigerator side of the unit is at 40 degrees to keep food at its optimum freshness.
keep the condensate line clean.*
vacuum condenser coils regularly in this dusty desert.*

*newer models require a service call for these items to be cleaned

If you are in the market for a new fridge watch for units with:

Fresh technology – Various refrigerator technologies keep vegetables fresh longer by managing humidity, ethylene gas, and temperature.
Easy access – Choose a configuration that works for you. A bottom freezer or French door model minimizes bending and reaching.
Simple design – simpler models with less nooks and crannies are easier to clean.
Durability – choose a reliable brand that will run efficiently. Watch for the Energy Star ratings for units that are easy on your energy bill.
Smart technology – for those who like to use smart technology most major brands now have blue tooth and Wi-Fi technology to help keep track of your food inventory. Interior cameras use AI technology to inventory, build shopping lists, and offer recipes for the ingredients inside. Using a phone app, you can ‘look’ inside your fridge while you are out shopping.

Keeping food fresh:

Clean surfaces regularly and throw out old food. Use a permanent marker to mark jars and bags with the date the item was opened.
Line refrigerator drawers with washable liners. Cleaning the drawers out is as easy as rolling up the liner and shaking it or washing it.

Safety for Smaller Appliances

Microwaves – avoid placing microwaves overhead. Consider placing them on the countertop or choose a drawer model if you have room.

Dishwashers – Dishwashers can be made easier to access by raising the unit, depending on the location.

*Note – The dishwasher water should be at least 120 degrees to ensure clean dishes. Dishwashers with a sanitation cycle are desirable as they will run at 150 degrees.

Stove tops – should have hot surface indicators that light up. An induction cook top is a good choice for safety– these cooktops use special pans and work with a magnetic field to only heat up when a pot is placed on them. Choosing models of these appliances with readable and accessible control buttons makes life much easier.

Additional Considerations

Faucets:

Touchless water faucets allow hands free control and long necked faucets with a removable and adjustable sprayer make it easy to clean all sizes of pots and rinse out the sink as well.

Cabinets:

There is a variety of options for shelves that provide easier access

It can be hard to reach things located in top, corner or ground level shelves

Keep most frequently used items within easy reach. Many adaptations can be made to get the most out of your cabinets: soft closing doors and drawers, pull out drawers, pull down shelves and lazy Susans are valuable upgrades. Exchange doorknobs for D shaped drawer pulls as they are easier to use.
Avoid climbing ladders and stools- stats show us that there are 500,000 injuries per year due to inattention and improper use.

Lighting:

Good lighting makes navigating the kitchen space and cooking tasks easier and safer. Helpful lighting includes:

Motion sensitive toe kick and under counter lighting
Automatic path lighting for nighttime snacking
Well-lit conter tops

Electrical outlets:

Outlets should be plentiful, easily accessible, with GFCI feature, and rocker switches.

Flooring:

Nonslip, level flooring is important. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a good choice as it is durable, waterproof, easy to maintain, and can be installed with specialized padding to cushion against falls. LVF offers excellent slip resistance. Neutral colors make it easy to see spills and dirt.
Avoid using area rugs as they are a trip hazard.
Wearing non-slip shoes is also helpful.

Cooking safety:

Fire hazards to watch for-

Stove tops should have level burners and hot light indicators.
Keep flammables away from cooking area including, curtains, tea towels, long hanging sleeves and robes.
Smoke and fire detectors should be in the kitchen and batteries checked annually. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and be familiar with how to use it. Rechargeable units need to be serviced every 6 years. Otherwise, most units need to be replaced between 10 and 12 years. For small stove top fires keep a fire blanket by Prep Hero under the counter.
Keep stove tops, ovens and vent hood clean and free from buildup.
Keep a timer by the stove to avoid forgetting a hot pot.

Wheelchair access:

Can be achieved with the proper planning and modifications.

Clearance – ADA guidelines state 60-inch-wide clearance for a 3 sided or U-shaped kitchen. A galley kitchen requires a minimum of 40 inches.
Drawers – Consider installing drawers instead of cabinets as they are easier to access.
Counter tops – The counter height should be lowered to make it accessible from a wheelchair or make one end of the island lower to work on tasks and for eating.
Sink – Create knee space under the sink for washing dishes.

Helpful gadgets:

There are situations that can keep a person from eating as they age. Not being able to see or open jars and packages is one significant hinderance. Kitchen Mama has tools from battery operated can openers to hand tools, forks and knives to make getting into packages and eating easier.

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Homeowner Handbook | #AgingInPlaceKitchen