As a follow-up to our recent blog on designing senior-friendly bathrooms, we felt a blog about senior-friendly kitchens for those who choose to age in their own homes would be appropriate. Kitchen remodeling to empower older folks to live independently and safely does take some forethought but it does not need to be complicated or expensive. The professional designers at Booher Remodeling Company in Indianapolis take into account each client’s current requirements in addition to potential obstacles that may come up. Sound and light. Hearing and vision are two of the most common challenges for seniors. Kitchen areas including prep stations, cooktop, and sink must be well-lit and electronic devices like timers and smoke detectors need to be loud enough to hear. Easy, pain-free opening. Another common ailment as we age is arthritis and joint pain. Long-handles rather than small knobs on drawers, levered door handles rather than doorknobs, and levered faucets rather than handles at the sink are simple ways to lessen the challenges of arthritis. Seated work station. Standing for long periods during food preparation can be tiring. Having a section of the kitchen island or counter set at a lower height with comfortable seating can be very helpful for those who feel unsteady on their feet. Ease of movement. Unobstructed areas are important for easy access should you ever need a cane, walker or wheelchair. In this case, the ADA’s Standards For Accessible Design would come into play and help guide us in our work. Easy-access to storage. Simple storage principles come into play here. Heavier items and those that are frequently used should be stored between knee and shoulder height to reduce strain in neck, shoulders and back. Pantries, open shelves, and large drawers are more easily accessible than cupboards. Small appliances like microwaves and kettles should be kept on the counter to avoid dangerous spills and burns. Safety, security and empowerment are three of the key factors we take into account when designing accessible kitchens for seniors who want to remain in their own homes. The Indiana home remodeling experts at Booher Remodeling Company are pleased to work with clients who choose to renovate their home to make it fit their needs rather than move. For more information on our services, please contact us at (317) 852-5546.