A new kitchen range aimed at helping the elderly and less abled to live independently in their homes has been launched by one of the leading manufacturers working in affordable and social housing Rixonway Kitchens.

Rixonway has launched its ‘ULTIMA’ range as official figures point to a growing elderly population with record numbers living to 100 years old and beyond.

Rixonway Kitchens Operations Director Nick Greenall explains: “Making adaptations to our existing ranges enable us to provide a product that is suitable for all and is aesthetically pleasing. Rixonway allows residents to create a tailor made kitchen to their specific requirements offering the same high quality retail experience enjoyed by all, with a wide choice of colour options, door handles and kitchen accessories through the ULTIMA range.”

In the development of the range, adjustable items such as pull down baskets, trolley units and varying cupboard heights, including ‘rise and fall’ units make working in the kitchen easier.

Catering for dual abilities, the ‘rise and fall’ units allow for the height to be adjusted manually or electrically, enabling the user to enjoy cooking and working in the kitchen, using all the worktops and appliances alongside an able bodied person. Electrical sockets have been moved to the edge of the work tops rather than being wall mounted allowing easier access.

Rixonway also developed units that are placed on hanging rails to allow the kitchen to be totally tailored to the user.

Greenall explains: “The hanging rails are ideal for social housing accommodation as the kitchen can also be adapted on a change of residency, therefore cutting down costs for the social landlord by removing the need to completely refit a kitchen. These features directly mirror to the Government’s aim to tackle social housing for the ageing population amid fears that much of the UK’s existing housing stock is inaccessible or unsuitable.”

“In order to create the range we consulted various disability groups such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Rixonway Kitchens’ frontals, worktops and handles were appraised for effective colour contrast which is one way in which the ability to detect different surfaces can be achieved. The RNIB believes that simple design features, such as this make it easier and safer to move about the kitchen helping people live independently for as long as possible.”

The range also received a Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) gold certificate covering BS6222 part 2 Level H 2009 & BS EN14749 as well as ergonomic evaluation.