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As we age, our homes must evolve to meet our changing needs. In recent years, new home construction and remodeling projects are increasingly incorporating living spaces designed for elderly parents, allowing them to reside with family yet maintain their independence. A critical, yet often overlooked, aspect is the kitchen sink design. A properly designed custom sink can play a pivotal role in ensuring that kitchens are not only functional but also accessible for individuals as they age or for those with mobility challenges.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where we spend a significant amount of time preparing meals and gathering with loved ones. For seniors, the ability to use the kitchen safely and comfortably is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. However, standard kitchen sink designs often fail to consider the unique needs of older adults.
Over the past 25 years, I have been able to perfect custom sink designs that increase accessibility for individuals using a wheelchair or who may have other mobility issues. Every individual has unique needs, and a custom sink can help address them. As my mother aged, she needed to sit more often while preparing meals. A custom apron front sink (farm sink) allowed her to reach the sink far easier than if she had an undermount sink, as the bowl area was roughly 3" closer to her.
Most undermount sinks have 3-5" of countertop in front of the sink. This can make it very difficult for some users to reach the bottom of the bowl. In general, an apron front sink is lower than the countertop. If an apron front sink is designed properly to assist someone in a seated position, the apron will be thinner than traditional farmhouse sinks. This allows the user to easily reach into the bowl. Rounded top edges on the apron offer a comfortable resting area for the arms. Lowering the apron height by several inches allows easier access to the bowl. An efficient workstation sink design and custom accessories allow food to be prepped in the sink rather than on the much higher countertop. For most of my sink design career, I have made it a point to personally communicate with every family that invests in one of my sinks. This communication allows for a very customized, one-of-a-kind sink design solution. I believe this direct interaction is essential to creating a sink that is not only ergonomically comfortable but also efficient and fun to use. This specific facet of custom sink design has been my passion from the start, and nothing brings me more joy than significantly enhancing someone's daily life through my work.
The role of copper is also a benefit. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, hence, the often delicate health of an older individual may benefit from this feature. Copper, if uncoated and clean, has been shown to kill bacteria such as E. coli and MRSA. You can read more about the EPA findings by reading this press release here
Sadly, many "accessible" sinks on the market are merely more shallow and offer little aesthetic or functional value. The sink industry has a golden opportunity to better serve older individuals by offering designs that are both functional and beautiful. Everyone deserves a sink that enhances their dignity and ability to contribute to household life. As a small company, our reach is limited. That is why we openly share our designs, unpatented, with the hope that larger manufacturers will join us in this mission. Our approach demonstrates that it's possible to merge compassion with craftsmanship, resulting in sinks that empower our elders and those with mobility issues to lead joyful and dignified lives through their ability to maintain their daily routines.
This photo showcases a kitchen transformation featuring an accessibility sink by Rachiele Custom Sinks, tailored for a wheelchair user. Our customer mentioned that he usually rests his arms on the sink apron and asked if we could round it for added comfort. We happily accommodated his request, rounding the apron and adjusting its height for optimal accessibility. The result is a kitchen where he can now comfortably prepare meals right at his sink.
Rachiele Custom Sinks
2360 Clark Street Suite E Apopka, FL 32703 Email - Office@Rachiele.com
407-880-6903 Office - 407-576-8581 Cell
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