Senior safety and accessibility design takes center stage in August.
By Nicholas Tamarin
World Senior Citizens Day on Thursday, August 25, is a time to honor the contributions of older adults—and to recognize the importance of creating home environments that allow them to live safely, comfortably, and independently. In the kitchen and bath, thoughtful design choices can make a world of difference for seniors.
Senior-friendly design is about blending form and function in ways that empower independence. NKBA | KBIS member brands are leading the way with innovative products that combine safety, accessibility, and style—proving that functional spaces can still be beautiful.
This Senior Citizens Day, let’s celebrate not just the lives of older adults, but also the environments that help them thrive. Here’s how NKBA members are helping to shape safe, accessible homes for today’s aging population:
1. Accessible Kitchen Layouts
Designing kitchens with seniors in mind means prioritizing ease of movement, ergonomics, and reduced strain. Wellborn Cabinet offers pull-out shelves, soft-close drawers, and adjustable-height cabinetry that make storage accessible without bending or reaching. Paired with GE Appliances’s wall ovens and side-opening doors, meal prep becomes safer and more comfortable.
2. Slip-Resistant, Low-Maintenance Flooring
Falls are a top safety concern for seniors. Mohawk Flooring and Shaw Floors offer slip-resistant surfaces that provide both traction and cushioning, reducing the risk of accidents while adding warmth and style to the space.
3. Easy-to-Use Faucets and Fixtures
For seniors with arthritis or limited dexterity, touchless or single-lever faucets can make a big difference. Delta Faucet and Moen lead with motion-activated kitchen and bath faucets that reduce effort while promoting hygiene.
4. Barrier-Free Showers & Walk-In Tubs
The bathroom is where many slips and falls occur. Kohler and American Standard offer low-threshold and barrier-free shower systems with built-in seating, textured flooring, and integrated grab bars. Jacuzzi walk-in tubs provide safe bathing with watertight doors and quick-drain systems.
5. Strategic Lighting for Safety
Good lighting isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a safety essential. Häfele offers undercabinet and toe-kick lighting to improve visibility, especially at night, while Kichler Lighting delivers layered illumination that minimizes shadows and glare in high-use areas.
6. Comfort-Height Toilets & Adjustable Counters
Comfort-height toilets, available from brands like TOTO and Duravit, make sitting and standing easier for those with mobility limitations. Adjustable-height kitchen counters from Liebherr ensure work surfaces are accessible whether seated or standing.
7. Smart Home Integration for Peace of Mind
Voice-controlled appliances and lighting systems from Samsung, Bosch, and LG help seniors operate their homes with ease while enabling family members to monitor safety remotely.
Ready to Upgrade?
Explore more kitchen and bath innovations from NKBA member brands at nkba.org.
