Maintaining your independence into your senior years can feel tough, particularly if you struggle with limited mobility, experience pain, or simply don’t have the energy you once did to carry out important tasks around the home. However, it is possible to keep your autonomy and continue with your daily activities, so long as you install the appropriate assistive tools.
One of the most high-risk (and therefore the most important) areas to upgrade in your home is the kitchen. In this guide, we share four ideas that’ll help you to stay safe and independent in this part of your home.
Task lighting
It’s common for our eyesight to deteriorate as we get older, and because of this, it can feel harder to focus on detailed tasks. Task lighting such as a few spotlights or under the cupboard lights can be an excellent option for seniors who could use a little extra visibility when focusing on kitchen activities that require focus and a steady hand, such as chopping up ingredients.
Hands-free and one-hand appliances
Task lighting may help with your vision, but if you struggle to keep your hands steady or have restricted movement in your joints, you may also benefit from hands-free and one-handed tools and appliances.
Chopping boards, peelers, can openers and knives are tools commonly adapted to be used with one hand – they usually work by using stable grips or suction cups to keep them in place while in use. You may want to consider a hands-free bin that uses a sensor or foot pedal to avoid having to struggle to throw rubbish away – similarly, a sensor kitchen tap may be useful if you struggle to use a knob or lever.
Adjustable height surface
If you struggle with your mobility, you’ll want to ensure you’re able to use your surfaces without putting strain on your muscles or joints. Consider adjustable height surfaces to avoid having to bend down or reach above you to get to your kitchen appliances, which could potentially result in injury or an accident. These are available from specialised merchants.
Adjustable height surfaces allow you to switch between standing and sitting in the kitchen as you see fit. They can also be particularly useful for wheelchair users, making the kitchen a more accessible and comfortable place in the home.
Anti-slip mats
As we get older, trips and falls can become much more serious and difficult to recover from than they were in our younger years. To avoid injury, make sure to install plenty of anti-slip mats around your kitchen. Because kitchens are usually fitted with some form of hard floor, they can be a particularly high-risk and slippery place to be.
Similarly to implementing grips and suction cups, you can also use anti-slip mats for various tools and appliances that tend to slide around in the kitchen, such as chopping boards or dish racks. Remember to always keep a phone or emergency alert device on your person in case of a slip in the kitchen.
Set yourself up for independence
Each of these aids can significantly improve comfort and accessibility, and will ensure you’re able to continue using your kitchen in your senior years. Implement just a couple upgrades at a time, or optimise your space all in one go to set yourself up for an independent future.
