"The kitchen is the hub of the home" rings as true today as it did years ago. With even light meal preparation viewed as a major part of our sense of independence, having a kitchen designed to meet our needs at all stages of life is important.

On the whole, kitchens with their standard sizes and methods of construction do not provide us with the flexibility we need. Cabinets below the counter are hard to get into. Upper cabinets are often too high for anyone short or with limited reaching range. Tasks like peeling potatoes get wearisome from standing for so long. We have all read about the disastrous results caused by the sleeve of a sweater catching fire when reaching across a hot element to turn it off at the rear controls. Oven doors are heavy and awkward; leaning over them to retrieve a hot, heavy dish can be dangerous.

On a positive note, the tide is changing! Some kitchen and appliance manufacturers are addressing these issues and altering their sizing, detailing and design. The following list points to areas where effective planning can increase our ability to function comfortably and safely in the kitchen.

Kitchen Size

In this case, bigger is not always better! Depending on the individual, large preparation counter space and storage areas for seldom used items may not be necessary. Take a look at installing a pantry in place of some of the lower and upper cabinets. Allow floor space (5 foot radius) for manoeuvring a wheelchair. Planning for a small granny suite? Bremm Metal Products Inc. in Prescott, ON makes a very compact, self-contained kitchen unit, called Spaceaide Compact Kitchens in various sizes (1.800.266.0034).

Cabinets

A lower counter height (33") with open space below at the sink, cooktop and preparation work spaces will allow for wheelchair access or for someone to sit and work. All lower cabinets should be pullout drawers with a larger kick space next to the floor. Upper cabinets can be installed at a lower height. A moveable work area or kitchen cart makes transferring of heavy items easier and brings those commonly used items within reach. KraftMaid Cabinetry Inc. from Middlefield, OH (call 1.800.462.6931 for Canadian distributors) carries their Passport series of cabinets incorporating universal design.

Appliances

The dishwasher can be raised to make loading and unloading more comfortable. A flat surfaced cooktop allows for transferring of heavy pots without lifting and controls should be at the front. Raising the oven helps alleviate the bending and lifting required to get items in and out. Frigidaire has developed a side-swing oven door (visit www.frigidaire.com). Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers allow equal access to both compartments. At the sink area, a single lever faucet with a high spout works well in conjunction with a removable board insert. This accommodates filling a pot and sliding it to the cook surface without having to lift it out of the sink. A hot water dispenser at the sink for hot drinks minimizes the need for using the cooktop or electric kettle.

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