Last September, we discussed the growing need for accessible and universal building design as Baby Boomers age.  Seniors are becoming increasingly reluctant to leave their homes, choosing instead to change their homes to better accommodate their evolving needs and limitations. This number will only grow.  According to a survey conducted by AARP, eight out of ten over the age of 45 would like to stay in their homes as long as they possibly can.

Wider doorways (to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers), lowered shower thresholds, and easy-maintenance cement house sidings are becoming increasingly implemented in today’s home design and remodeling plans.  While they can be a little pricier, they would be far cheaper than the possible medical costs that can arise without them.  A slip in the shower could have both long-term financial and health costs.

The kitchen is a room that sorely needs an accessibility makeover, as some disabled or elderly people’s only option is to order food instead of being able to prepare it themselves.  One German designer, Dirk Biotto, is tackling this growing trend of kitchen accessibility with his latest product: the ChopChop.

The ChopChop is the ultimate in function meets design and really takes into consideration the physical challenges that disabled or elderly people face when trying to prepare a meal.  Biotto says on his website that for people with physical limitations, preparing their meals “often becomes a hurdle and struggle with which they have to deal with every day. ChopChop is therefore designed in terms of universal design philosophy and provides help for disabled as well as not-disabled people for preparing daily meals and working in the kitchen.”

The back wall features a peg board, allowing plates, bowls, and various utensils to be hung within reach and in plain sight.  The sink is sloped, allowing heavy dishes to be slid into it rather than lifted.  The faucet is flexible to allow easy use.  A vice on the right side will hold a jar or bottle tightly, so someone with one hand or limited use of his or her hands could still open the container without having to hold it at the same time.  And, of course, the entire unit is height-adjustable.

The compactness and design of this unit would also make it ideal for tiny apartment living for anyone, physically limited or not. Another great concept behind the ChopChop is dual-functionality.  A slotted drying rack slides over the sink, allowing a person to wash the dishes and set them out to dry with minimal movement.  Grooves and pockets carved into the table surface provide a wide variety as well, such as holding round food items to keep them from rolling, or providing a stop when slicing a loaf of bread.  A slicer is built into the work surface, and has a built in drawer beneath it to catch sliced fruits or vegetables easily and with minimal mess.

Comfort, design, and accessibility are always on our minds. If you have any questions on how a more accessible design could improve your life, we would love to discuss your options.