How To Modify The Countertops Around Your Home For Seniors

As people reach their golden years, safely and easily accessing parts of their homes can become an issue. Older adults are opting to age in place rather than relocate to long-term care facilities, making it essential to ensure comfort and freedom in their homes. With kitchens and bathrooms being a vital part of the living space, home repairs for seniors often include modifications to the countertops in these rooms. Here are ways to customize counter spaces and allow senior citizens to perform daily tasks more comfortably. 

Replace Sink Faucets

Sinks are an integral part of counter space, and faucets make a difference in how a sink is used. Single-handle faucets are the most accessible kitchen-friendly faucet to use for those with limited mobility in their hands and wrists. Unlike double-handle faucets, single-handle faucets only require one movement to release water and adjust the temperature. Easy temperature adjustment is important since seniors are at risk of injury from scalding hot water due to their slower reaction times. 

For bathrooms, a hands-free faucet offers the most accessibility when using the sink. These faucets work better in bathrooms than in kitchens because bathroom sinks are generally only used to wash hands and brush teeth; there is no need to leave the tap on for an extended period, such as filling a kitchen sink with water to soak dishes. One downside of a hands-free faucet is the inability to set the temperature while in use, so make sure the temperature control on the faucet is already adjusted to your needs prior to use. 

Here are three options for sink faucet materials, as well as their pros and cons:

• Brass, one of the most expensive but most durable options
• Stainless steel, which provides a sleek look and is less expensive than brass
• Plastic, the cheapest option but is usually suggested only as a temporary faucet solution as it breaks easily

Regardless of the material chosen for a faucet replacement, our repair services in Winnipeg will make sure the faucet is installed in a way that provides comfort and ease of use. 

Modify Countertop Edges and Location

Older people may experience lower vision levels that put them at greater risk for bruises and falls, caused by bumping into countertops that jut out into the room or that have sharp edges. Modifying countertop corners to have rounded edges can prevent these injuries, as can adjusting the size of countertops.

If the senior homeowner uses a wheelchair or walker, we have the experience needed to adjust the width and location of counter spaces to ensure that the device can fit anywhere the user needs to go.

Adjust Countertop Height

Having kitchen and bathroom counters at a level that works with an older individual’s height is vital for preventing strains and other injuries. If sinks and cabinets are too high, seniors may need to use a step stool and put themselves at risk for a fall. If counters are too low, people may develop hip and back problems from repeated stooping and kneeling. Adjusting the height of countertops is also crucial for those who use a wheelchair, as this makes certain that all cabinets and appliances above and below the counters are easily accessible.

If adjusting the height of countertops is too long or expensive a process, consider installing pullout shelves or tables for placement of the most commonly used items in your kitchen or bathroom. 

These are popular methods of customizing countertops to accommodate the changing needs of senior citizens. Our specialists at Handyman Connection are available to help seniors decide which modifications will work best for them and their homes and put this plan into action. Take the next step by contacting us today.