Aging in Place Kitchen Design: Touchless Kitchen Faucet

As the population ages, more and more individuals are choosing to age in place, meaning they plan to live in their own homes as they grow older. To accommodate this growing trend, there has been a shift in kitchen design to include features that promote accessibility, safety, and ease of use. One such feature that has become increasingly popular in aging in place kitchen design is the touchless kitchen faucet. In this article, we will explore the benefits of touchless kitchen faucets and why they have become a new standard for aging in place kitchen design.

Aging in Place Kitchen Design

How can I make my kitchen accessible for elderly?

Making your kitchen accessible for the elderly is important to ensure their safety and comfort while they prepare meals. Here are some tips to help you make your kitchen more accessible:

• Install non-slip flooring: Slippery floors can be dangerous for seniors, especially those with mobility issues. Consider installing non-slip flooring or adding slip-resistant mats to reduce the risk of falls.
• Lower countertop heights: Standard countertop heights may be too high for elderly people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Installing lower countertops or adjustable-height countertops can make it easier for them to prepare food.
• Use pull-out shelves: Pull-out shelves are easier to access than traditional cabinets, which require bending or reaching. Installing pull-out shelves can make it easier for seniors to reach items without straining.
• Install Touchless Kitchen Faucet: Touchless kitchen faucets are operated by motion sensors and do not require gripping or twisting knobs. That’s making them easier to use for seniors with arthritis or limited hand strength.
• Install lever-style handles: Knobs can be difficult to grip and turn for elderly people with arthritis or limited hand strength. Lever-style handles are easier to use and require less effort to operate.
• Provide adequate lighting: Adequate lighting is important for seniors who may have vision problems. Install bright, non-glare lighting fixtures, and consider adding under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work surfaces.
• Install easy-to-use appliances: Look for appliances that are user-friendly and have large, easy-to-read controls. A microwave with a large digital display and simple push-button controls can be easier to use than one with a complex keypad.
• Provide seating: Seniors may need to take breaks while cooking or preparing meals. Providing seating in the kitchen can give them a place to rest and make the kitchen more accessible overall.

The Top Benefits of Upgrading to Touchless Kitchen Faucets:

1. Easier to Use

Touchless kitchen faucets are designed to be easy to use for people with limited mobility or dexterity. They can be turned on and off with a simple wave of the hand, eliminating the need for twisting or gripping a handle. This feature can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or other conditions that affect their hand movements.

2. Reduces Risk of Falls

As people age, their balance may become more precarious, making them more susceptible to falls. Traditional kitchen faucets with handles can be challenging to use, especially for those with balance issues. Touchless kitchen faucets eliminate the need for reaching or leaning over the sink to turn the water on or off, reducing the risk of falls.

3. Promotes Hygiene

Touchless kitchen faucets are also more hygienic than traditional faucets, which require touching the handle with dirty or wet hands. The automatic sensor in touchless faucets ensures that the water is turned on and off without touching the faucet. As a result it reducing the risk of spreading germs and bacteria.

4. Saves Water

The automatic shut-off feature in touchless kitchen faucets helps conserve water by turning off the water when it is not in use. This feature is especially important for people with memory issues who may forget to turn off the faucet, leading to water waste and higher water bills.

5. Compatible with Smart Home Technology

Touchless kitchen faucets can be integrated with smart home technology, making them even easier to use for the aging population. They can be voice-activated or controlled through a smartphone or tablet, allowing the user to turn the water on and off without having to physically touch the faucet.

Common FAQ

How to organize kitchen cabinets for elderly?

You may also want to think about using lazy susan trays, full-extension slide shelving, sliding wire organizers, and pull-down shelves to make your kitchen more accessible to older adults. These features make it easier for them to access items by pulling the shelves towards them, rather than having to crouch down to look inside lower cabinets or use a step stool to reach higher cabinets. By incorporating these features, you can make your kitchen safer and more convenient for elderly individuals.

What height should kitchen countertops be for elderly?

About 30 inches. If your elderly parent uses a wheelchair, it’s important to make the kitchen more accessible by adjusting the countertop height. The standard height of 36 inches may be too high for someone in a seated position, so lowering it to about 30 inches can be more comfortable and practical. Additionally, choosing countertops with rounded edges is a good idea to prevent accidental bumps and injuries. It’s also recommended to select materials like quartz or granite, which are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that the kitchen stays hygienic and safe for the elderly person.

Conclusion

In conclusion, touchless kitchen faucets have become a new standard for aging in place kitchen design. They promote independence, reduce the risk of falls, enhance hygiene, save water, and fit with various styles. If you are looking to create an accessible, safe, and easy-to-use kitchen for aging adults, consider adding a touchless kitchen faucet to your design.