As the baby boomers are reaching retirement, there is a growing trend of homeowners wishing to remain in their current homes for many years to come. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) are trained to offer specialized knowledge of home designs and modifications that help our clients achieve this goal. KDP is pleased to offer the CAPS designation and aging in place solutions to assist our clients who are remodeling their homes with a focus on meeting their needs now and well into the future.
Firstly, there are many ways to make homes more functional for a growing and vibrant aging population. Take a look at a brief list of examples of Aging in Place Solutions that we have used to assist our clients in remodeling their kitchens and baths:
1. First, Microwave placement is critical. Food from the microwave can be quite hot so having a safe landing zone for food is essential. Many aging-in-place homeowners are switching to microwave drawers that are installed at the top of a base cabinet, so hot food can go right onto the countertop above.
Microwave drawer in kitchen island
2. Next, the Placement of frequently used items in the kitchen is also important. Nancy’s designs reflect the “eyes to knees” concept of keeping most frequently used items in the easiest to reach places. For example, the top two drawers of base cabinets and the lowest shelf of wall cabinets are key storage areas. In the photo below, we utilized a middle cabinet drawer with full extension soft-close undermount glides for plates, bowls and mugs. This allows the homeowners to access stacks of heavy plates without reaching overhead to a wall cabinet.
Full extension drawer for plates and bowls
3. Also, effective use of lighting in the planning stages of a project provide wonderful benefits for years to come. In kitchens, we always recommend lighting underneath wall cabinets so that light shines on the countertop area, where so homeowners generally do tasks. In addition to lighting, contrast of cabinets and countertops, can assist homeowners who may have issues with their eyesight.
Under cabinet lighting
In bathrooms, we also recommend a variety of types of lighting with dimmer switches and low output lighting for night lights.
Bathroom lighting
KDP is excited to offer this new specialized level of service to our clients. Nancy has earned specialized certification in both Marketing & Communications Strategies for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS I) and Design/Build Solutions for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS II). We invite you to give us a call to start planning your next project today.
