Do you have a plan in place for creating a home that adapts around you as you age? Canada’s ageing population is on the rise, and as a result, age-in-place and senior-friendly designs have become an increasingly important focus in today’s housing market.

While there are many ways you can design a home that has the future in mind, there are a few key areas you need to prioritize above anything else. One of the most important areas you’ll want to turn your attention to right away is the kitchen, where so many of our daily rituals and routines take place. From whipping up delicious meals to acting as a social centrepiece, there are many elements that can be used to create a safe, functional space for seniors. Read on to learn five age-in-place kitchen features below!

1. Rounded Edges

Take a look around your kitchen? Do you see lots of sharp corners? One of the fundamental foundations of age-in-place design is addressing hidden hazards that we might otherwise seem as normal. In this case, sharp corners and edges can pose a significant hazard in the case of a fall, and so rounding off countertops and islands adds a layer of protection in the event of someone slipping or falling forward.

2. Lower Cabinets and Countertops

Another popular age-in-place oriented alteration for the kitchen is to lower cabinets and countertops to make them easier to reach for those in wheelchairs and to reduce the strain of having to constantly stretch for objects. By making sure counters and cabinets are easy to reach, your kitchen will be easy to navigate today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.

3. Store Things Smart

Did you know that there are a few simple ways you can ensure your pots, pans, and utensils are easily accessible, even in your senior years? Though these finer details can often go unconsidered, subtle fixes like swapping doors for pull-up cabinets make finding the tools you need simple while removing the strain on ailing joints and reducing the chances of objects falling from above.

4. Flooring

Flooring is a key feature of age-in-place design, and plays a big part in influencing your home’s safety. In the kitchen, selecting flooring that reduces the chances of slips and falls is a must, and there are additional options that can be selected to cushion each step and reduce the strain on your knees and joints if you stand for long periods of time.

5. Lighting

Finally, lighting is crucial when it comes to designing a safe space. From adding lights to cabinets and pantries to including smart features that allow homeowners to turn on their lights remotely, there are plenty of ways to transform the kitchen into a beautiful sanctuary for all.

Are You Ready to Create Your Dream Kitchen?

Peak Improvements is here to help! Find out how easy it is to design a safe, stylish, and subtle age-in-pace-oriented kitchen by contacting our team today!