Kitchen Design

LT17

Hello all. I have RA affecting multiple joints. I am planning on doing a kitchen remodel and would love to get any hints or tips you may have on general layout and design features that could make life easier.
Many thanks

frogmorton

One old friend on here had an eye level oven which the door opened not outwards but inwards she reckoned that was very helpful. I'd love my worktops at the right height for me (the previous owners were tall I am not!). Plenty of plug sockets at your height too and those pull down shelves for higher cupboards would be useful. I have a friend whose worktops were all wheelchair height with some having space underneath so she could get over the worktops. Hers was designed by an OT, but her property was a council one so maybe that was relevant? Not sure sorry.

Just a few ideas to start with @LT17 sure others will be able to help far more.

Welcome too to the forum sorry that was very rude!😊

Toni x

jamieA

Hi @LT17

I can't offer much in the way of kitchen design other than say to have as much worktop space as possible as well as as many power sockets. I enjoy cooking. I've got a number of free standing electric devices - can opener, food mixer, food blender, coffee bean grinder, toaster and freestanding one cup hot water dispenser. They all take up counter space and need power. I'd looked into possibly fitting one of these fancy kitchen taps that can provide boiling and chilled water but the cost is eye watering. I'd agree with @frogmorton that an eye level oven would be a good idea.

Ellen

@LT17

Just wondered whether you'd benefit from a referral to an Occupational therapist?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/who-will-treat-you/occupational-therapist/

Your GP or Rheumatologist can refer you if you think they may be able to help.

Best wishes

Ellen.

LT17

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/725673#Comment_725673

Thanks Ellen. I’ve seen an OT before and got splints etc made. The advice around functioning in the kitchen was limited to telling me what aids I could buy. It may be worth another referral though 🤷🏻‍♀️

stickywicket

I like @Ellen 's idea of consulting an OT. There might be a wait vut they are very knowledgeable and helpful. Do you have a Disabled Living Centre relatively nearby? (I know Leeds and Edinburgh do)

The trouble is we're all disabled differently. I hardly ever disagree with @frogmorton but her dream of an eye level oven would be my nightmare. I wouldn't be able to reach it! My best ever oven had a shelf which could be easily fixed or unfixed to two different heights on its door. So much easier for putting heávy casseroles in and out.

Be careful of drawer and cupboard handles. Big differences there. THere are also ( if you can afford them) cupboards wHich pull down.

My latest delight is a kettle with its own tank of water. It dispenses cups of boiling water. Different levels for different sizes of mugs. Just add a tea bag. And milk. Perfect.

LT17

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/725627#Comment_725627

Great Thankyou . I intend on getting even more gadgets / equipment so yes you’re absolutely right -can never have enough worktop space

KC1

my mum swears by her air fryer. She can cook so many meals in it and hardly uses her oven now. She also uses a George Foreman grill. They take up counter space and plug sockets so agree with others re lots of worktop space. Also corner cupboards you can pull out so you can reach th8ngs at the back.

Worth having a chat with a specialist if you can so things can be at the right height and reach for you. Enjoy bringing it all together.