Kitchen Design for the Elderly

1
Kitchen Design for the Elderly

• Rachel Aguirre
• Preeta Bajaj
• Debbi Johnson
• Julie Koran

(4, p105)
2
The Kitchen

• The kitchen often represents the creative
  heart of an emotionally nourishing family home
  (1, p 77). No matter how small it is or how
  rarely it is used the kitchen represents
  independence and security to residents. An
  attractive kitchen design can contribute to
  residents continued health and independence.
• Users of the kitchen are residents and visitors
  and, in some instances, domestic help.
• Typical activities performed in the kitchen are
  cooking and sometimes dining.
• Functional adjacencies
• The kitchen should be adjacent to the dining
  room.
• Try to include a pass-through between kitchen and
  dining areas that can be closed off with a
  shutter or sliding door. This pass-through would
  eliminate unnecessary steps.
• Effort should be made to screen the kitchen from
  the entry and living areas ( 6, p 69).

(1, p 78).
3
Primary Work Centers

• All kitchen plans will feature 3 primary work
  centers, each related to one of the basic pieces
  of kitchen equipment.
• Receiving and Storage The refrigerator is the
  primary item of equipment with space for
  unpacking and spreading out groceries and storage
  for packaged and canned goods close by.
• Food Preparation This center comprises work
  counter space and the sink for washing, mixing,
  chopping, and so on. After meals, it becomes the
  center for clean up.
• Cooking The range and/or counter top and oven
  plus possibly a microwave oven are the obvious
  equipment. Adjacent counter space is used for
  some preparation and for serving
• (5, p 451- 452).

(4, p 139).
4
Kitchen Layout

• Ideally, kitchen planning places the 3 centers,
  in sequence, starting with receiving and storage,
  proceeding to preparation, and ending with
  cooking and serving, with the idea that this
  corresponds to the actual sequence of meal
  preparation, thus minimizing wasted movement.
• This leads to a typical layout with the
  refrigerator, sink and range, in that order,
  spaced out with work counter and storage between
  the major appliances
• (5, p 452).

(4, p 111).
(4, p 109).
(4, p 109)
5
Kitchen Layout cont.

• The most favored arrangements are
• Straight Line/Galley the 3 centers are
  lined up in order, ideally with service entrance
  at one end and access to dining at the other end.
• L-Shape the centers, in the same sequence as
  above, are bent around a corner to fit the space
  available and reduce the path of movement.
• U-Shape this plan, in which the 3 centers
  make up 3 sides of the layout, is the most
  popular and most recommended. This plan is
  particularly efficient for 1 person working alone
  who stands within easy reach of a work triangle
  formed by the other three sides

(5, p 451)
(5, p 452- 453).
6
Reach Ranges
(2, p 149).
7
Cooktops

• A cooktop is any surface with an embedded heating
  element, which is used for cooking.
• Standard Dimensions
• H 30-32 W12-48 D 18-22 (8).
• Kinds of cooktops
• Magnetic induction- surface is not hot to the
  touch yet it works as effectively as electric and
  gas types.
• Electric Cooktop- select a white background with
  black coils for color contrast.
• Radiant/Halogen cooktops- both surfaces are
  smooth and turn bright red when hot, a visual aid
  for safety if the cook has limited eyesight (1, p
  82- 83 ).
• Cooktops and Wall Ovens should be installed
  separately. The cooktop can then be set into an
  adjustable height countertop and the oven can be
  installed at any height on the wall to prevent
  excess bending or reaching.
• Cooktops should be set into a countertop with a
  lip to prevent spills (1, p 82- 83).

(4, p 129).
8
Wall Oven

• Standard Dimensions
• H 23-25 W 21-30 D 21-23 (8).
• The base of the oven should be 29 34 above the
  floor (1, p 83).
• 40 clearance from wall oven work zone to
  accommodate the projected wall oven door and body
  depth of the user (1, p 83).
• Pull down door is ideal for setting down hot pots
  (1, p 83).
• Side open door is ideal for wheelchair access.
• The side door should have a heat resistant pull
  out shelf under oven to protect against spills
  (1, p 83).
• Should have adjacent open counter space for hot
  dishes (6,p 69).
• Select a self cleaning oven (1, p 83 ).

9
Range Hood

• Standard Dimensions
• H 5-8 W 24-72 D 22-25 (8).
• Hang no lower than 56-60 from the floor (1, p
  83).
• Range hood should have rounded corners (1, p 83).
• Size and type of fan used in the hood determines
  the noise level (1, p 83).
• For added safety an automatic fire suppressant
  system should be installed (1, p 83).

10
Microwaves

• Standard Dimensions
• H 13-18 W 23-24 D 14-22 (8).
• Types of Microwaves
• Easy to Use has an automatic timer and a sensor
  detector to shut off when food is reheated to
  proper temperature. Only one button to push.
• Combination Microwave/Convection Convention
  setting cooks meat 25 faster than standard
  microwave oven.
• Combination Microwave/Convection/Grill Maximum
  flexibility for all types of food preparation (1,
  p 83- 84).
• Should have adjacent open counter space for hot
  dishes (1, p 83- 84).

11
Refrigerator/Freezer

• Standard Dimensions
• H 55-69 W 24-36 D 26-33 (8).
• A side by side model is preferred for the
  elderly
• Less reaching is required in the freezer area
  compared with a standard freezer.
• An outside water/ice dispenser is a convenient
  feature for people with limited hand mobility (1,
  p 85).

(4, p 106).
12
Dishwasher

• Standard Dimensions
• H 33-35 W 23-24 D 23-26 (8).
• Companies now manufacture dishwashers in several
  different heights for flexibility ( 1, p 85).
• Dishwashers can be installed under countertops
  that have been lowered to a more convenient
  height (1, p 85).
• There are even compact units available that can
  be installed above the countertop for those who
  prefer to avoid any bending at all (1, p 85).
• Consider noise level which may be disturbing to
  elderly individuals (1, p 85).
• Consider water usage for efficiency (1,p 85).
• 7-10 gallons per cycle is efficient.

13
Sinks

• Sinks must be installed at a height convenient
  for those who frequently cook (1, p 86).
• Most effective is an adjustable height countertop
  containing sink.
• Any sink selected can be lowered from 28 and
  raised to 40 by a motorized switch.
• To provide maximum flexibility, whereby a cook
  could actually sit at the sink, you should select
  a shallow sink with the drain in the rear.
• Use flexible plastic plumbing lines.
• Pipes must be insulated as well as bottom of
  sink.
• Sink depth (1, p 86).
• Standard 7-8 deep.
• Shallow 5-6 ½ deep.
• If standing, you dont reach as far and lean
  forward less.
• If seated, legs slide underneath easy.
• Double sinks also available in shallow depths.

(4, p 107)
(4, p 113)
14
Sinks cont.

• The sink location largely determines the kitchen
  traffic flow (1, p 86).
• A corner location is a good use of corner space
  as it is otherwise difficult to use efficiently
  (1, p 86).
• Under a window is a pleasant spot for the sink.
  This location provides natural daylight as well
  as visual entertainment (1, p 86).
• Two sinks in the kitchen with multiple cooks is
  handy if room permits their placement should be
  distant enough to prevent traffic congestion (1,
  p 86).
• Single lever faucets is the best choice for all
  sinks because it can be manipulated without fine
  motor skills (1, p 87).

(4, p 139).
(4, p 107).
15
Sinks cont.

• A faucet with a long hose attached lets you fill
  pots on a nearby cooktop without heavy lifting
  (1, p 87).
• Kitchen sinks can be equipped with a hot water
  dispenser which is a great convenience for making
  soup or tea (1, p 87).
• Standard temperature is a very hot 190 F.
• Temperature setting can be adjusted.
• Caution For anyone with memory impairment, hot
  water dispensers can be dangerous.

16
Washer Dryer

• If space permits, it is convenient to have a
  washer and dryer in the kitchen. This allows
  several chores to be completed at once (1, p 88).
  
• Types of Washer/Dryers (1, p 88).
• Vent-less combination washer-dryer Allows
  installation without construction moisture
  extracted from drying flushes down drain.
• Stacked washer-dryer Good space-saver, but
  ill-suited for wheelchair users.
• Platform for front loaders Consider front
  loading washer and dryer placed on platform to
  avoid bending with heavy clothes.

17
Garbage Trash

• Good waste disposal system
• Two different containers, one for garbage one
  for recyclables. Place containers on pull-out
  wire shelves and store receptacles under sink or
  in nearby cabinet.
• Plastic stackable containers for recycling.
• A small bucket placed in the sink will save from
  bending and reaching over (1, p 85).
• Trash compactors reduce volume of trash, making
  it easier to carry (1, p 84).
• Garbage disposal in sink (1, p 84).
• To allow for leg room under sink, locate disposal
  at rear of sink or on one side of a double sink.

(4, p 131).
18
Countertops

• Standard countertop height is 36 above the
  finished floor, this includes a 4 toe kick (1, p
  88).
• The ideal countertop height is typically 6 below
  your elbow, measured while you are standing (1, p
  89).
• Adjustments can be made to customize the height
  of the work surface in the following ways (1, p
  89).
• Have cabinets custom built to suit the users
  preferred height.
• Have standard built cabinets and remove the
  toe-kick, reducing the height to 32.
• Taller cooks can replace the 4 toe-kick with a
  6-8 toe-kick.
• Install an electrical, adjustable countertop in
  at least one section of the work area. An ideal
  spot for this would be beside the sink where
  there are no cabinets underneath.
• Minimum is 28 and maximum is 40, with a
  motorized unit (see sinks too).

(4, p 118).
(4, p 117).
19
Countertops cont.

• Counters must be well lit by installing
  fluorescent bulbs under the hanging cabinets. A
  wooden valence can be added to conceal the
  fixture (1, p 90).
• Choose proper surface materials (1, p 90).
• Choose a matte finish to reduce glare.
• Light colors offer greater visual contrast with
  the food and utensils.
• Use durable, even surface materials and avoid
  tile.
• Provide an array of trivets or metal grills on
  counter to receive hot utensils.
• Consider a laminate countertop with a 1/8 lip,
  no-drip edge.

(4, p 107).
(4. p 115).
20
Storage Units

• Standard height is 18-24 from top of counter,
  but consider 12-15 instead, which makes second
  shelf more accessible (1, p 91).
• Motorized cabinets are available (1, p 91).
• Frameless cabinets provide more storage space for
  small kitchens (1, p 91).
• Use hinges, such as knife hinges that allow
  doors to open flush to cabinet, eliminating doors
  sticking out
• (1, p 91).
• Magnetic touch latches allow cabinet doors to be
  opened with minimal strength (1, p 91).
• With non-magnetic latches use colorful, easy to
  see and grasp, C handles (1, p 91).
• Doors may be removed from cabinetry all together
  making it easier for the frail or visually
  impaired (1, p 91).
• Cabinets can be fitted with pull out shelves or
  wire baskets to avoid bending and reaching
  towards the back of the shelf (1, p 91).

(4, p 105).
(4. p 115).
21
Storage Units cont.

• Storage space must be easily reachable and
  accessible for those with limited mobility and be
  aesthetically pleasing (1, p 91).
• Hang upper cabinets with commercial brackets to
  make height adjustment easy at a later date (1, p
  91).
• Lazy Susan- Useful on stationary shelves (1, p
  91).
• A walk-in pantry, if space provides, is a handy
  alternative to cabinets hung around the perimeter
  of kitchen (1, p 91).
• Pots and pans, used frequently, should be hung on
  a wall or rack near the range, but not above it
  (1, p 92).
• Narrow, 6-8 shelves may be installed under the
  upper cabinets for easy access to frequently used
  items (1, p 92).
• Divide 12 shelves horizontally with 5 wire
  shelves to increase shelving space (1, p 92).
• Use a wall-mounted, magnetic knife holder, or a
  free-standing butcher block for cutlery (1, p
  92).

(3, p 56).
22
Floor Safety

• Choose a flooring material that is not slippery
  when wet (1, p 94).
• Select a flooring that has a friction rating of
  more than 0.6.
• Linoleum and vinyl floors (1, p 94).
• Easy and less fatiguing to stand on for long
  periods of time.
• Must have matte finish.
• Wooden floors (1, p 94).
• Beautiful, natural and easy to maintain.
• However, can be very tiring to stand on for long
  intervals.
• Use a matte finish.
• A vinyl mat may be used in front of a sink or
  work area to reduce fatigue and serve as a non
  slip surface (1, p 94).
• Caution must be made since it is not flush with
  the floor.

23
Lighting and Electrical Safety

• Install light switches and electrical outlets no
  higher than 48 from the floor.
• Proper lighting will increase visibility (1, p
  95).
• Look for fixtures that accept long lived, easy to
  change bulbs (1, p 95).
• Control glare by applying polyester film over the
  windows, adding blinds inside or hanging awnings
  outside (1, p 95).
• Install surface mounted cable raceway at the back
  of the counter or under the cabinets to increase
  the number of electrical outlets available for
  small appliances at a minimum expense (1, p 95).
• Be sure all outlets, especially those near water,
  are ground-fault-interrupt outlets to avoid the
  possibility of shock (1, p 95).
• Have the electrician relocate the fuse box or
  service panel to an accessible area in the
  kitchen or nearby hallway (1, p 95).

24
Fire Safety

• Place a smoke detector just outside the kitchen,
  away from ordinary cooking smoke (1, p 93).
• Place a fire extinguisher within easy reach of
  the cooktop (1, p 93).
• Hang pot holders, towels and other flammable
  items away from the stove (1, p 93).
• Install automatic shutoff timers on electric
  stoves (1, p 93).

25
Smart Aging Kitchen Gadgets and Ideas

• A step-stool with an extra high rail to grab and
  non-skid steps are much safer than a conventional
  step-stool (1, p 96).
• Color contrasted cover plates for electric
  switches make it much easier to see wall switches
  (1, p 96).
• Electric can opener or non-slip cloth called a
  grip enhancer to open cans (1, p 96).
• To prevent food from sliding off the cutting
  board, attach two wooden pieces making an L-shape
  in the corner (1, p 96).
• Add suction cups or non-slip mats under mixing
  bowls (1, p 96).
• Oven dial turner with an L-shaped handle and
  plastic prongs fits over any dial up to 1 ¼ (1,
  p 96).
• An adjustable-height dining tray/table with
  casters is much safer and easier to move food
  than carrying one hot plate at a time (1, p 96).

26
Specific Physical Conditions Mobility
Limitations

• Change small knobs on drawers and cabinets to
  large C handles and fit round knob water faucets
  with large-handled adapters (1, p 116).
• Put a Lazy Susan in refrigerator and storage
  cabinets (1, p 116).
• Add narrow shelves below upper cabinets for
  easier access and less reaching (1, p 116).
• Add shallow pantry shelves along one wall (1, p
  116).

(1, p 117).
(1, p 117).
27
Specific Physical Conditions Wheelchair Users

• Countertop heights at a maximum of 32 from floor
  (1, p 124).
• Knee space of 32-36 beneath cooktop, besides the
  oven, and under the sink (1, p 124).
• Aisles of no less than 42 (1, p 124).
• Upper cabinets with slide out shelves hung no
  more than 12 above countertop (1, p 124).
• A clear space in front of appliances of at least
  30 by 48 (1, p 124).
• Eight inch toe kick on cabinets to accommodate
  wheelchair footrest (1, p 124).
• Side by side refrigerator/freezer to provide
  easier access to a range of items (1, p 124).
• Angled mirror above cooktop to allow seated cook
  to see into pots (1, p 124).
• Provide pull out cutting boards (1, p 124).
• Base cabinets with pullout drawers on full
  extension gliders. The sides of drawers should be
  cut low so the entire contents of the drawer are
  visible when fully extended (1, p 124).
• A cooktop with controls in front of the unit (1,
  p 124).

28
Specific Physical Conditions General Frailty

• Consolidate appliances in one area to cut down
  constant moving about (1, p 129).
• Keep often used items on countertops, on narrow
  shelves under the cabinets, or in drawers under
  the countertop to reduce bending and reaching (1,
  p 129).
• Organize the kitchen space so that often used
  items are accessible, and repetitively used
  appliances are easy to reach (1, p 130).

29
Specific Physical Conditions Visual Limitations

• Outline the edge of the countertops with tape or
  paint in a color that contrasts with the work
  surface (1, p 133).
• Use full spectrum fluorescent lighting under the
  upper cabinets (1, p 133).
• Use color contrasted handles on doors (1, p 133).
• Provide doorless open cabinets (1, p 133).

30
Specific Physical ConditionsImpaired Memory and
Thinking

• The kitchen is potentially dangerous for
  Alzheimers patients because dementia can create
  hazards (1, p 137).
• Camouflage the garbage disposal switch with
  fabric, a contrasting color or a box (1, p 137).

31
Kitchen Checklist (10).

• Knee space under sink and near cooktop
• Lever type faucets and door handles- no round
  knobs
• Variable height work surfaces 28-45
• Contrasting border treatment on countertops
• Stretches of continuous countertops for sliding
  heavy objects
• Full-extension pull out drawers
• Pull out shelves in base cabinets
• Adjustable height shelves in wall cabinets
• Full height pantry cabinets for up and down
  storage
• 30-48 approach area in front of all appliances
• Front mounted controls on appliances, easily
  marked and easily grasped
• Cooktops with staggered burners to eliminate
  dangerous reaching
• Glare-free task lighting and work surfaces

32
Kitchen Checklist cont. (10).

• Range and sink area well lighted
• Range not located under window with curtains
• Kitchen wall cabinets not too high
• Lighting on countertops enough for meal
  preparation
• Light switch near door entrance
• Door thresholds are removed or low and beveled
• Windows easily opened from inside but securely
  lockable
• Loose rugs have non-skid backing and are not in
  high-traffic areas
• No exposed bulbs in lamps for glare

33
Interview Questions

• Demographics
• 66 male
• 65 male
• 82 female
• 64 female
• What are your hobbies?
• Tennis, fishing, carpentry
• Ballroom dancing
• Golf, knitting
• Reading, crafts, travel, family
• Do you like to cook?
• Yes
• Yes
• Not really, rather eat out, cooked many years and
  never really enjoyed it
• Yes, but not as much as I used to

34
Interview Questions cont.

• How often do you cook?
• 3-4 times a week
• Breakfast once or twice a week, my wife cooks the
  rest
• About 4 times a week, always breakfast and coffee
  at home
• 4 times a week
• Do you have many people over for dinner?
• No
• About once or twice a month
• No not lately, need to do that
• Just holidays and birthdays
• How many people are in the kitchen at one time?
• 2
• 1 at a time
• 1 usually but can fit more
• 1 regularly, but when gathering, about 6

35
Interview Questions cont.

• What do you like best about your kitchen?
• Lots of space
• Lots of counter space
• Lots of space, convenience of appliances
• Convenience of appliances
• What do you like least about your kitchen?
• Tile floor is too hard of a surface
• Nothing
• Moving fridge to clean
• Oven is too small
• What would you change about your kitchen?
• A wood floor would be nice
• Nothing
• Nothing
• Would like a double oven in kitchen

36
References

• Bakker, R. (1997) Elder design Designing and
  Furnishing a Home for Your Later Years. New
  York, NY Penguin Group.
• De Chiara, J., Panero, J., Zelnik, NM. (1991)
  Time Saver Standards for Interior Design and
  Space Planning. New York, NY Mcgraw-Hill, Inc.
• Garee, Betty. ed. (1979) Ideas for Making Your
  Home Accessible.
• Bloomington Accent Special Publications.
• Mace, R.L. (1991) The Accessible Housing Design
  File. New York, NY Van Nostrand Reinhold.
• Pile, J. (1995) Interior Design. New York, NY
  Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
• Seniors housing A development and management
  handbook (1987). National Association of Home
  Builders of the United States. Washington D.C.
• Taira, E.D Carlson, J.L. (1999) Aging in Place-
  Designing, Adapting and Enhancing the Home
  Environment. New York, NY Haworth Press, Inc.

37
References cont.

• Internet Websites
• www.woodbin.com/ref/furniture/cabinets.htm
• www.cs.wright.edu/bhe/rehabengr/kitchens/floor.htm
  
• www.cdc.gov/niosh/nasd/docs2/as29300.html
• www.ilc.asn.au/newsletter/kitchendes.pdf