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<\/a><\/p>\nCabinets can be particularly frustrating when aging in place is a priority.\u00a0 Replace lower cabinet doors with large, deep drawers.\u00a0 \u00a0This helps a person easily get what they need without reaching in and trying to pull things out from the back of the shelf.<\/p>\n Rev a shelf<\/a>\u00a0 makes some really innovative solutions; such as, pull down shelves that can be installed in the uppers.\u00a0 This also keeps them off a step stool, which can be dangerous.\u00a0\u00a0We built a custom home for an Italian couple where the woman was 4′ 10″ and she rolled out homemade pasta every day.\u00a0 They wanted the kitchen island very low to make this easy for her.\u00a0 She also had had hip replacements, so we did all the cabinets with roll out drawers and pull down shelves so she didn’t have to bend down.\u00a0 The small appliances that she used everyday (espresso machine, pasta maker, Kitchenaid mixer)\u00a0 had places on the counter with outlets in the right spots so she could leave them out.\u00a0 When they went to sell, people didn’t like the low island but they lived in the house for over 20 years and the entire family benefited from that low island, so who cares, right?\u00a0 \u00a0A custom home is all about creating an environment that enhances and facilities your lifestyle, so it was worth it to them to make the kitchen function specifically for her needs. The cost to put in a new island was small compared to the use they got out of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure there is knee space in the cabinet area where a person can sit down to get ready.\u00a0 Also, if a person is much shorter or taller than the average, their vanity can be made to a specific height to minimize stooping or counters that are too high.<\/p>\n Appliances can pose a danger to the elderly if they are not well thought out.\u00a0 The controls need to be easy to read and the appliances should be located where one can see, open and put things in and out safely.<\/p>\n Induction cooking can be a great choice for aging in place<\/em>:\u00a0 So, gas cooking has been all the rage with the professional chefs and foodies who love to cook but there’s a new game in town (actually not new but recently embraced) and it is very safe for young and old!\u00a0 Induction is the cooking method of choice for many high profile chefs these days.\u00a0 What makes it so safe is that it heats the cooking vessel by magnetic induction but the cook top does not get hot.\u00a0 So, when the pan or skillet is removed from the top, there is no heat and that makes it a safe option.\u00a0 Also, gas can sometimes be left on when people start getting forgetful but with induction, once the pan is removed, there is no conduction of heat.\u00a0\u00a0Frigidaire explains induction cooking<\/a>.<\/p>\n Also, many appliances can now be connected to an app on ones phone, voice activated, controlled from a distance, etc., etc.\u00a0 \u00a0While it may not be easy for all people to learn a new way of operating appliances, it can be a great thing for family members to be able to check and make sure things are turned off, etc., from a distance.<\/p>\n Doorways and hallways are very important for those who aging in place is important.\u00a0 If they can’t navigate with a wheelchair or walker, it is very difficult to stay at home.\u00a0 \u00a0 Also, the areas around the toilets, sinks, laundry, etc. need to receive consideration.\u00a0 Areas should allow for walkers and\/or wheelchairs to have plenty of access.\u00a0 5′ x 5′ turn around spaces are needed in areas such as kitchens, in front of bathroom sinks, toilets. etc. .\u00a0 Use 36″ min. interior doors to allow for 32″ of clearance.<\/p>\n By age 75, a person needs lighting that is twice as bright as younger people. Lighting is a very important issue.\u00a0 \u00a0Here are just a few tips on lighting that we implement in our homes.<\/p>\n Instead of handles that twist, which are difficult for people with arthritis to navigate, choose levers.<\/p>\n<\/a>BATHROOM CABINETS<\/h1>\n
APPLIANCES<\/h1>\n
DOORWAYS & HALLWAYS:<\/strong><\/h1>\n
ELECTRICAL<\/h1>\n
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DOORKNOBS & FAUCETS<\/h1>\n