In this guest article, we speak to Adam Thomas, an independent design consultant who specialises in accessible, multi-generational and inclusive kitchen design.

Working in partnership with the design team at Symphony, Adam has helped to develop a collection of kitchens for their ‘Freedom Range’ that are accessible and stylish.

He shares some of the features that can be added to a kitchen design and the cost involved to create a truly unique and functional space for people living with disabilities.

At Symphony, we believe everyone should be able to use and enjoy their kitchen.  This is why we created Freedom, to provide accessible, attractive and empowering kitchens.  Our customers can select from a range of specialist designed features combining functionality and style, to create an independent living space.

Often our customers want to cook for themselves and with their family, so with Freedom the design can be truly universal, for all the family to enjoy.

Essential Features Vs Smart Features

Consider essential safety features such as types of appliances e.g.; induction hobs and ovens with Slide&Hide® doors, as well as essential storage features such as i-move pull down baskets within wall cabinets and pull out tables for food preparation; these are essential considerations for any accessible home adaptation. 

Now consider customers with the aspiration to create a kitchen that offers smart  functionality and style, providing a multi-generational living space fit for purpose now and in the future. Smart functional features, such as a variety of work surface space can provide a solution all the family: a standard height worktop with sink, a lowered height worktop and/or an electric rise & fall worktop with induction hob and sink.  Another example is a tall larder to provide the ultimate easy access compact storage, there are many types available such as 360° rotating larders and larders with i-move pull down baskets and pull out drawers.  These are smart considerations for multi-generational households requiring accessible kitchen adaptations.

Achieving the best form of Adaptation

Its only upon gaining an understanding of the client’s needs, such as strength, hand dexterity, reach, turning circles (for wheelchair users), visual impairments, older living scenarios etc, that the best form of adaptation can be achieved. 

Freedom has been designed and developed working in partnership with Adam Thomas Consultancy, Adam has developed a set of design principles that can provide solutions to suit the individual’s accessibility requirements whilst also achieving a solution fit for all the family.

The Kitchen Budget

The average cost of a kitchen requiring modification for accessible needs can vary considerably and this is usually based around the clients disability, their lifestyle and cooking habits and the multi-generational aspect of who else lives in the household.  Its therefore really important to understand that in order to achieve an accessible solution budgets often need to be bigger than with a standard kitchen. To ensure a comprehensive solution is achieved for the client now and in the future, ensuring their kitchen is fit for purpose for years to come, it is worth answering key questions:

1. What do you want to achieve in your kitchen now and in the future?
2. What are the barriers to achieving these aspirations?
3. Which changes are most important / vital to be able to achieve your goals?

A kitchen adaptation can cost up to £25,000 including appliances and fitting for an average sized kitchen, whilst a fully accessible kitchen can cost upwards of £35,000, compared to £15,000 for a typical household kitchen requiring no adaptation.  To learn more about Freedom kitchen features, head to: www.freedom-symphony.co.uk

The Justification

The Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 states that funding is available for facilitating the preparation and cooking of food by the disabled occupant”.

However, from speaking with OT professionals we are aware it is often not easy to fight for kitchen adaptations as the thought is that “care” provision can meet the need. However, in reality this is not real life, clients want to be independent in their own homes. And have the ability to cook for themselves and their family and friends, even if it’s the simplest of meals and making a hot drink. 

We highly recommend customers looking to seek advice; speak to an Occupational Therapist who can carry out a needs assessment.  The OT service professionals are fully trained and qualified to provide support in a variety of circumstances; whether it be a social services, private homeowner or a medico legal enquiry. Explore more by heading to the OT Service or by following Kate Sheehan via the OT Service social media.