AgeIn Place By: Kristin and Mayte

Kitchen Ideas  The kitchen has always been a place for family and socializing.  Making changes in the kitchen can greatly increase its usability and the safety of those that live there  With home modification, people will no longer have to spend less time in the kitchen as they age

Location & Dishwasher  Main level of home  If not-consider remodeling  Raise height of dishwasher  Reduce strain

Sinks  Adjust the height of the sink to suit needs  Add a roll under sink for wheelchair bound elders  Motorized, adjustable height counters/sinks available

Lower and Upper Cabinets  Adding pull out shelves  Reduce the strain of bending over  Adding pull down shelves  Reduce amount of reaching required to access upper cabinets

Refrigerators  Features to increase usability  Illuminated water and ice dispensers  Large numbers and letters on displays  Good lighting inside the fridge  Increased storage on the door  Top mount refrigerators that have freezer storage on the bottom for easy access  Some offer slide out and see through shelves and bins that can make it easier to see and reach

Cooktops  Smooth tops for easy transition  Available features to make easier to use  Color indicators when the burners are still hot  Front mounted controls for safety  Self cleaning  Large numbers on a well lit display  Water installed at cooktop for easy pot filling

Microwave  Drawer microwave ovens can be installed at a height that everyone can reach  Easy transition to counters  Some models offer one touch cooking or beep when food is done or needs stirred

Countertops  Install multi-level countertops  Use a different color for the edges  Install counters that have rounded edges and corners  Plenty of lighting over the countertops  Choose a surface that will be easy to maintain and last for years  Configure so it leaves plenty of room for dishes and small appliances

Flooring  Rugs should not be used  Non slip tile, low pile carpet or textured vinyl instead  Apply a texture to prevent slipping  If tile-use smaller ones  Less distance between tiles=lower chance of slipping  Make sure it is easy to clean and maintain

Lighting  Proper lighting can prevent accidents  Makes tasks easier  Helps reduce strain on our eyes  Use windows as much as possible  Put light where it needs to be  Light switches need to be easily reached and properly placed

Safety/Other  Install smoke alarms throughout the house  Keep appropriate and up to date fire extinguishers in the kitchen  Use electric appliances that have an auto shutoff function  inches of clearance is recommended to allow access through kitchen pathways (including those in wheelchairs)  Doorways need to be a min. 36’’ wide  Outlets need to be easily accessible and properly placed