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ADA Accessible Kitchen Sinks & Design for Aging in Place
Important Considerations for Making a Kitchen More Accessible
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. 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.
Dino's parents, Lee and Rosalinda Rachiele at
Lee's 100th birthday celebration.
Accessible Kitchen Sink Designs: Enhancing Home Mobility
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.
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.
Many "accessible" sinks available today are simply shallow adaptations of standard sinks, featuring centrally located drains and lacking both aesthetic appeal and functional effectiveness. The sink industry has a golden opportunity to better serve older individuals or those in wheelchairs 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.
By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65. This demographic shift means that more than 20% of the U.S. population will be of retirement age, increasing the demand for age-friendly housing.
U.S. Census Bureau
Why Aging in Place is Cost-Effective and Preferred by Many
- A 2018 AARP survey found that 76% of Americans age 50 and older prefer to remain in their current residence as long as possible, and 77% would like to live in their community as long as possible. This preference drives the need for modifications that support aging in place.
- The cost of these modifications varies widely, but investing in home modifications can be significantly less expensive than the costs associated with assisted living or nursing home care. For example, the average cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home can exceed $80,000 per year, whereas home modifications might range from $10,000 to $60,000.
Consider A Copper Sink!
Copper's natural antimicrobial properties make it an excellent material for sinks, especially beneficial for older individuals who may have delicate health. Uncoated and properly maintained copper surfaces, including sinks, have been proven to effectively kill bacteria such as E. coli and viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the agent causing COVID-19. These health benefits are supported by EPA research, which highlights copper's ability to continuously neutralize harmful microbes. For more detailed information on the EPA's findings, you can access their press release.
This photo showcases one of many kitchen transformations featuring an accessibility sink 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. This is not the sink for the Kotter Family.
