By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Aging in place successfully requires that one's current home is redecorated, retrofitted, or remodeled so that it remains accessible and safe as the user ages and their health & mobility potentially deteriorates. This is particularly essential for the main bedroom as it's one of the most well-used and thus important rooms within the entire household and thus should be one of the first locations remodeled for accessibility and safety.
Of all the rooms, a bulk of a person's time is spent within their personal bedroom whether sleeping or otherwise resting, preparing for the day or night, or while simply reading or using the computer. Those who may have fragile health or who may even become bedridden will be spending a proportionately greater time there as well. In general, seniors tend to spend more and more time within the bedroom as the years advance.
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Aging in Place by Room - Part 27 - Dining Room Flooring, Lighting, & Meal Serving Equipment10/24/2019
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Besides the general layout and furniture contained within the dining room, the specific type of flooring and lighting present can also be optimized for properly aging in place and accessibility. In addition, there are a variety of utensils, tools, and other ableware meant for use during meals (whether they are served within the dining room or elsewhere) that can be very beneficial for a senior or someone with health conditions or physical disabilities.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
As opposed to more multifunctional rooms such as the kitchen or living room, the dining room tends to be devoted entirely to meal serving (especially for larger groups) as well as functioning as a place for storage and decorative display.
While this room tends to go more and more unused as people age (to the point that many dining rooms are converted into more essential and accessible rooms such as a first floor bedroom or become open extensions to the kitchen or living room), many seniors still like to have a space within their home dedicated to sit down meals.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
To finish up the section on aging in place & universal design for the kitchen, here are a selection of small items, aids, and ableware that will make using the kitchen more easy & accessible. The focus here is on items that will be particularly useful when it comes to using the kitchen for eating, meal preparation, and clean-up while having a variety of health conditions that are common with aging (such as arthritis, hand tremors, limb weakness etc).
As these kitchen ware are generally smaller & less expensive to obtain than appliances or other modifications done in advance, they can more easily be bought as needed from a variety of stores that specialize in daily living & adaptive aids (as well as certain styles & brands being more widely available).
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Smaller appliances such as microwaves, blenders, and food processors within the kitchen can be just as integral to properly aging in place as their larger counterparts. As these do not involve as much of a time or money investment as other kitchen features, they can be replaced at any point while preparing the household for better accessibility.
Since these types of gadgets are generally easier to use during food preparation, they will tend to become more and more important over the years as the user ages and thus should definitely not be left out when creating a more senior friendly kitchen environment.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Besides refrigeration, one of the main functions of the kitchen revolves around the use of standard ovens, ranges, stovetops, and cooktops when it comes to cooking. As this area is also one of the main locations for kitchen accidents (in particular burns and fires), particular attention should be paid to it and various safety options available when it comes to accessibility and aging-in-place.
Since the most optimal choices regarding universal design for ovens & cooktops are not ones that are commonly installed in standard kitchens, this is a prime area for remodeling when the time comes to make adjustments for an older or more health handicapped user.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
One of the main options when it comes to remodeling or retrofitting a kitchen for aging in place is to switch out current appliances for those that are easier to use and more accessible to users with a wider range of mobility and health issues.
Besides general overall tips that should be kept in mind when buying any type of appliance, this particular section focuses on the larger and costlier apparatuses such as refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines. These types of machines may take longer and be more complicated to replace and thus should be attended to before a potential user's health has deteriorated to the point where a normal, non-accessible version can no longer be properly operated.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
As much of the bulk of the kitchen area is taken up by counters, countertops, shelving, and cabinetry, these are very important room features that need to be taken into account when it comes to modifying a home for aging-in-place and accessibility. In addition, these areas are often involved in a high percentage of kitchen accidents, whether it's hand injuries while working at a improperly lit counter, bruises due to running into a prominent countertop or cabinet edge, or by falling or knocking over items while stretching for an out-of-reach shelf or drawer.
While a complete counter or cabinet overhaul can be expensive (to the tune of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending upon the exact style & features), there are also many lower cost options that can increase room safety and ease of use while not breaking the bank.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Besides the general layout, HVAC, and electrical systems present within the kitchen, other location wide specifications such as lighting level & placement as well as the area flooring should also be taken into consideration when it comes to aging-in-place and accessibility. This is especially true for the kitchen which has certain issues (such as the performing of more dangerous tasks in the area as well as the greater potential for spills and other messes) in addition to the more general considerations of other household rooms.
In addition, while its potential modification is often overlooked in comparison to other equipment, the kitchen sink, faucet, and basin area can be retrofitted to help prevent any future accessibility or safety issues.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
The kitchen is one of the more dangerous rooms within the household due to the presence of food borne bacteria, fires due to untended equipment, an increased chance of falling due to the higher likelihood of spills on the floor, as well as a preponderance of scalding, burns, and laceration injuries (with more than 40% of hand injuries in the ER due to kitchen related accidents).
Due to this, options that keep the space more safe and accessible are the main focus when it comes to retrofitting or remodeling a kitchen for aging in place. In addition, this area should be redesigned to prevent as many cases of stooping, bending over, reaching out or over one's head, as well as preventing the possibility of falling as much as possible. |
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