Your kids have gone and you are looking ahead to a happy, retired life in a home that you want to reflect the way you live.
Who Do You Call To Help You Redesign Your Home For Healthy Aging?
Jeannette Knudsen Allied ASID and her Gilbert firm Design for a Lifespan LLC helps people create intelligently designed environments for healthy aging. Her niche of interior design emerged as she watched the dynamics happening between her parents and her grandparents. She said she saw their roles switched as her mother and father began taking care of her grandparents.
Like many people, Jeanette’s grandmother absolutely loved her home and didn’t want to leave it. She eventually lived to be 98 and lived in her home until she COULD NOT return. One of the problems was that as she grew older and frailer, her home was no longer a safe place for her.
Ultimately because of a fall that resulted in a fractured pelvis, Grandma could not return to her home. Jeanette discovered concepts of universal design and aging in place as she trained to be an interior designer. Because these really spoke to her heart, she chose to practice the type of design that makes a true difference in individuals’ lives. She now eats, sleeps and drinks this all the time.
As many people think about remaining in their homes as they age, Jeanette has some tips to help them consider pointers that can help them remain in their homes for a longer term. In this post, we focused on the kitchen because not only is it used for so many aspects of each day, it is also a place where folks tend to gather.
Kitchen remodels actually can be very involved, but when your kitchen is designed with keeping the aging in place, universal design, or an entire lifespan in mind, it can be beautiful and seamless. Jeanette encourages keeping things in mind that will make it easy for everybody to use the kitchen.
Here Are Five Points Jeanette Offers For People To consider As They Remodel Or Upgrade Their Kitchens For A Home They Hope To Grow Old In:
- A standard height for work spaces in the kitchen is 36 inches. Consider creating one part of the kitchen with a lower workspace. This way, if someone must use a wheelchair or must work while seated, they can still reach the area and help in the kitchen.
- Lighting is critical. As you create these different spaces, plan for adequate, well-appointed lighting that will keep the work spaces bright and clear.
- Counter tops should have a matte finish so that when under lighting under the cabinets is turned on, no reflection or glare will show on the counter tops.
- When selecting flooring, be sure it is non-slick. If your tile is shiny and uneven, it can be treated with aftermarket products that that will prevent slippage. These sealing agents do not damage the look or feel of the floor but can protect from future falls.
- As you plan your new kitchen, be sure adequate spacing exists around appliances so that all spaces can easily be reached for effective cooking and cleaning.
Jeanette may be reached by contacting her at 480-695-1360, via email at Jeanette@designforalifespan.com or visit her website.
