Creating Accessible Kitchens For Tulsa Seniors Since 1945
Since our founding in 1945, Allied Plumbing Service has been committed to improving the homes and lives of Tulsa residents. Over our 75+ years of service, we've witnessed firsthand how proper home modifications can dramatically enhance quality of life, particularly for seniors wishing to maintain their independence. The kitchen, as the heart of the home, presents unique challenges for older adults with changing physical abilities. Standard kitchen designs often feature hard-to-reach cabinets, poor lighting, and layouts that become hazardous as mobility decreases. Our Aging in Place kitchen remodels address these challenges, creating spaces that accommodate changing needs while preserving the warmth and functionality that make kitchens central to home life.
The ability to prepare meals independently is a crucial factor in successful aging in place. Beyond basic nutrition, cooking provides cognitive stimulation, sensory enjoyment, and opportunities for social connection when sharing meals with family and friends. Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves struggling with conventional kitchen layouts or even abandoning cooking altogether due to inaccessible designs.
Our team of plumbing and remodeling experts works to eliminate these barriers through thoughtful modifications that anticipate needs and adapt to changing abilities, allowing seniors to maintain their culinary independence and continue enjoying home-cooked meals safely. Call us at 918-744-1000 or message us online to schedule your consultation today!
Key Kitchen Modifications For Safe & Accessible Aging In Place
Our Aging in Place kitchen remodels typically include these essential accessibility features:
- Variable Height Countertops & Work Surfaces – We install countertops at multiple heights to accommodate both standing and seated food preparation. This might include a 30-inch high section for comfortable wheelchair access alongside standard-height surfaces, allowing for flexibility as needs change. We carefully select durable, non-glare countertop materials that provide visual contrast with cabinet edges to help those with declining vision.
- Accessible Sink Configurations – Our kitchen remodels feature sinks with knee clearance underneath, shallow basin depths to minimize reaching, and side-mounted or touch-activated faucets that eliminate the need for grasping or twisting. We often include pull-out spray features positioned to minimize strain and adjustable-height sink systems when appropriate for households with users of different abilities.
- Pull-Out Shelving & Accessible Storage Solutions – We replace traditional fixed shelving with full-extension drawers and pull-out shelves that bring contents to the user, eliminating the need to reach deep into cabinets. Our designs incorporate easy-grip hardware, touch-latch systems, or D-shaped pulls that don't require fine motor control, alongside lower cabinet heights that reduce the need for step stools or excessive reaching.
- Enhanced Lighting Systems – Proper lighting is crucial for safety and functionality. Our kitchen remodels feature layered lighting solutions including under-cabinet task lighting to eliminate shadows, adjustable-intensity overhead lighting to accommodate changing visual needs, and illuminated switches and controls that are easily locatable in low light conditions.
- Side-Opening Appliances & Accessible Controls – We install side-by-side refrigerators or models with bottom-mount freezers, wall ovens at appropriate heights to eliminate bending, and induction cooktops that reduce burn risks. All appliances feature front-mounted controls with large, high-contrast displays and simple operation that accommodates dexterity limitations.
- Open Floor Plans With Safe Clearances – Our kitchen redesigns create clear pathways with adequate turning radius for walkers or wheelchairs (typically 5 feet minimum), slip-resistant flooring with no thresholds or transitions that could cause tripping, and strategically placed support features disguised as design elements, such as islands with integrated grab bars or decorative railings that provide stability while moving through the space.
Enjoy Professional Aging In Place Solutions From Certified Specialists
As Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), our team brings specialized training and expertise to every kitchen remodel we undertake. This nationally recognized certification ensures we understand not just the technical aspects of accessible design, but also the emotional and psychological importance of maintaining independence in the home. We stay current with the latest innovations in universal design and adaptive equipment, offering solutions that seamlessly blend accessibility with attractive, contemporary kitchen aesthetics.
Our approach goes beyond simply installing accessible fixtures. We take time to understand how you use your kitchen, your cooking habits, and specific challenges you may be experiencing. This personalized assessment allows us to create custom solutions that address individual needs while anticipating future requirements. We often work alongside occupational therapists to ensure our modifications support therapeutic goals and maximize functional independence.
Don't let an outdated kitchen design limit your independence or enjoyment of home cooking. Contact Allied Plumbing Service today at 918-744-1000 or message us online to schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Aging in Place Specialists. Our experienced team will help you create a kitchen that supports your changing needs while maintaining the style and warmth that makes your house feel like home. With our expertise gained since 1945, we're uniquely qualified to transform your kitchen into a space that enhances your ability to age in place safely and comfortably.
