I spoke with my Grandma this past weekend (84yr old ranch wife turned banker, turned quilter, turned husband caretaker). The conversation went something like this:
G: Hello
M: Hey grandma, how are you?
G: Oh hi there. It is so nice to hear your voice. We are doing pretty well. How about yourself?
M: We are doing great. I wanted to thank you for the birthday gift.
G: Oh you are welcome. Thank you so much for sending the pictures. Your son is getting so big and his school picture was just so precious. Grandpa really loves looking at his pictures.
M: Speaking of grandpa, how is he doing?
G: Oh he is fine. Sits in his chair and looks at the tv most of the day.
M: Did you get the new hand rail installed? And how is the new walk-in shower working?
G: Yes, the hand rail is installed and the shower is a blessing. It is so nice for grandpa to walk right in without any problems. He still isn’t walking much, but he is getting along.
M: Are you still going up and down the stairs? Have you thought anymore about us moving your bedroom to the main level in July when we are home?
G: Oh I am getting along pretty well. Did you do any more research on the elevator chairs?
This is just a small portion of a long phone conversation about doing minor remodeling projects to a home that was built in the 70’s. Conversations like this are taking place more often and I couldn’t resist sharing my story.
Like many others, I am a concerned family member that wants to make sure their parents/grandparents are safe in their own home. Pretty soon my grandma and/or grandpa may be in a wheel chair and I know their house will not be accommodating. The hall ways are big enough, but the door ways and kitchen would need to be remodeled.
Here are 5 tips from Signature Kitchens and Baths for creating a universal kitchen space.
1. Install multileveled base cabinets. A universal kitchen should have 42-45 inch countertops for standing cooks, a 36 inch work surface, and a 30-32 inch surface for seated cooks.
2. Choose a smooth countertop surface. These surfaces make it easier to move items across the counter to tidy up after cooking.
3. Select easy-to-use appliances. A side-by-side refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser on the door makes it easier for those in wheelchairs and individuals who have trouble bending. Look for a range with controls in the front, so it isn’t necessary to bend over the burners, and install a pull-out counter under a wall oven to make transferring dishes less dangerous.
4. Use smart faucets. You can find hands-free, electronic faucets, which will accommodate homeowners with arthritis. Another option is mounting the faucet on the side of the sink for ease of reach. Also, consider mounting a faucet over the cook top, so there’s no need to lug pots back and forth from the sink.
5. Install nonslip flooring and avoid throw rugs, which can trip-up unsteady walkers and even small children.
For more information, I have attached a helpful article of practical design approaches for universal appeal.
