6 Important Things to Keep in Mind while Designing an Accessible Kitchen

Those who have mobility issues like the elderly person and people with disabilities, need specially-made kitchens. Normal kitchens pose a lot of challenges that can't be handled by these people. While doing the dishes, a person in the wheelchair will not be able to reach the sink, or may hold the utensils under the running water.

While you modify your kitchen to enhance accessibility, you need to higher the safety and comfort in your kitchen sensibly. Here, I have listed six elements that demand your special attention.

1. The Counter

Generally, the counters are 36 inches high which height is a bit higher for a person on wheelchair. To help them access the kitchen counter easily, you need to reduce it to 34 inches. 34 inches is just an overall or common suggestion; it must be designed according to the person it is designed for. If money isn't a factor, then go for the adjustable counter that's a much more better choice. It might happen that more than two users need to work together in the kitchen, then they can adjust it according to their requirements.

Get the workspace counters which are easily accessible. It implies that you have no need of keeping the cabinets underneath because then the person on the wheelchair will have trouble to access the counter. In this way, the leg can comfortably adjust underneath the counter and the person can easily and comfortable chop or slice on the counter. If you do not like the empty space, you can make costumed-designed pocket doors that can match the total kitchen and can also be kept closed when you are not using it.

2. Sink of the kitchen:

The sink must be put in such a height, that it is accessible to someone who is on the wheelchair, same as the workspace counter. While you design your kitchen, always leave the space below the kitchen sink empty. You can do it 27 inches of high and 8 inches deep so that a person with the wheelchair can easily use it.

As the wheelchair will take the complete space underneath the sink, be sure that the drain is behind the sink. One more thing that you need to keep in mind is the hot pipes. Make sure the hot pipes do not touch the feet. Always keep the temperature of the water heater low so that it doesn't hurt your legs.

Now what to do about the faucets? Those touch control faucets are best, specially for someone who is suffering from arthritis or may be of the similar condition. They can be very easily turned on and off so that it makes the process of food preparation and dish washing simple and easy.

While designing the kitchen, you must always keep the cabinets height lower, it helps the person with disability or old age reach the cabinets without much hassle.

3. Cabinets

If you want to make your kitchen design accessible, then design the kitchen cabinets at a lower height, that can be easily be accessed by the old age and people with disability. You can also think of the cabinets that are electric power adjustable.

4. Appliances

You need to install the appliances at least 31 inches above the floor, so that you can reach them easily. Get the cook tops that have staggered burner, because then flames won't be a problem. Also get the level of the dishwasher level 6 to 8 inches higher from the floor so that you can get an easier access and need to bend less.

5. Handles

You must lever the handles of the door of any kitchen. This is better for anyone having arthritis or something similar to that.

6. Floor

The floor must be designed with such a material so that it doesn't let the disabled or aged people stumble over and hurt themselves.

Summing up:

These are the six important points that you need to keep in mind while you design an accessible kitchen. If you have some more important points in mind do share it with us.