Designing a Kitchen for the Elderly

My mother has moved in with us and we quickly saw many changes we would need to make. I added an island between the counter space and the refrigerator because Mom usually uses a cane and that only leaves one hand free unless she has something else close by to hold on to.

Also her water bottles, Ensure, and soda pop all have to have one bottle with a loosened cap so she can open it. Milk has to be bought in half gallons so she can lift it and it has to be placed on the door so she can reach it.

All her favorite snacks need to be at eye level which is not on the top shelf but the shelf below that.  This is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to taking care of your elderly parent.  

Also, as a caregiver, be prepared for one thing: even though you are continuously serving, helping, assisting, bathing, and feeling the weight of being responsible for your mom or dad, he or she may not actually think you are doing much at all.  And there is nothing that can be done about that. 

Remember, our children didn't think we did much for them either.  Caregivers are so undervalued.  I never realized what care giving meant until now.