“I’ve lived in Needham for most of my adult life,” Jean said. “We moved here after we got married. This is where we raised our family. We have had good times, and we’ve had hard times, and through it all, this has been where we’ve had our home. And I intend to stay in this home as long as I can.”
More than 9 out of 10 seniors state that they’d prefer to live in their own homes as long as they can, rather than moving into senior housing, assisted living, or a nursing home. To make this a practical option, home design matters. Having a home that’s easy for a senior, who may have mobility issues, changes in their balance or vision, or other health concerns to navigate, to live in is the pressing design issue of our age.
Our specialty is kitchen remodels. When we work with our clients, we always ask about their goals and aspirations for the property. Knowing that a homeowner wants to stay in their home through their senior years can guide kitchen design in many ways.
For example, a kitchen designed for a senior who wants to age in place may feature wider doorways and aisles than is typical. Countertops may be lower. Drawer pulls and cabinetry hardware can be selected for ease of use as well as style. Lighting may include both area lighting and task lighting options to make it easier to see and prepare food. Flooring choices are made with an eye to preventing slips and falls as well as easy maintenance.
That being said, it’s important that a family kitchen feel and look like a family kitchen, rather than an impersonal, institutional space. Our experienced team of Needham kitchen designers work closely with you to understand your personal aesthetic and lifestyle. The result – a one of a kind kitchen you’ll enjoy using for a long, long time.