If your elderly loved one wants to remain independent in their home, you may have some concerns when it comes to their safety in the kitchen – and rightfully so. The kitchen has many areas of concern for falls and fires – both of which can cause great harm. To help ensure they stay healthy, follow these nine kitchen safety tips to help keep your senior safe and comfortable in their own home.
Safety
1. Buy appliances with automatic shut-off features.
If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, navigating a kitchen may be challenging, but there are appliances and features than can help. Try buying ovens and stoves that automatically turn off after a certain amount of time like
iGuard Stove
and CookStop Automatic Oven Control. Let Aunt Betty keep cooking her pecan pie and give yourself a little peace of mind that she won’t start a fire in the meantime.
2. Have a fire extinguisher easily accessible.
Make sure your senior knows where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it. If the fire extinguisher is in the back of the lower cupboard, it may be hard for those with limited mobility to access it. Have one or two placed around the kitchen in plain sight to ensure they can reach and remember where it is.
3. Keep counters clean and cords tucked away.
Whether or not your loved one is suffering from limited mobility or dementia, keeping counters clean will make their lives easier. Make sure that all knives are secured in a safe spot with
covers
to make sure no accidental cuts occur. Tuck away all cords to prevent them from falling into the sink or getting tripped over.
4. Invest in non-breakable dishes.
As much as Grandma loves her china, cleaning it can be a pain, and it causes potential for harm if she drops it. Shattered glass is difficult to clean up, and adding blood into the mix will only worsen the situation. Save the hassle and bandages by purchasing plates that won’t shatter or chip if she drops her dinner plate on the way to the sink.
5. Keep an eye out for expired food.
If your loved one suffers from dementia, it can be difficult for them to remember if the vegetables in the fridge were from this week or three weeks ago. Rotting food can lead to roaches and other unwanted critters. Make it a point to clean out their fridge every time you visit. Check for past expiration dates and hire an exterminator if you see any signs of bugs.
Comfort
6. Look for mats with cushion and grip.
Standing on hard surfaces may add stress on a senior’s joints, and regular mats can create danger for slips. Look for mats with a gel cushion and a no-slip grip on the bottom. There are plenty of mats on the market that keep your senior standing and comfortable.
7. Stock up on bottle opener grips.
Arthritis is a common disease among the elderly that causes great trouble for everyday tasks, like opening bottles. Help your elderly loved one open containers easily with
bottle opener grips. There are also more permanent options for bottle opening assistance like one that attaches underneath a cabinet. Purchase the option that works best for your senior’s abilities.
8. Purchase weighted utensils for those with mobility issues.
If your loved one suffers from a condition that causes hand tremors, they can easily get discouraged around mealtime. Help them keep their independence by
buying weighted utensils. Many retailers offer utensils to help keep food on their fork and make mealtime a little easier.
9. Move necessary items within reach.
Your mom might not be able to reach the top cupboards anymore, and you don’t want her to climb a step stool to attempt to reach them. Even items placed in the back of bottom cupboards can create risk for a fall. Move all regularly used items to the middle drawers and cupboards.
Your elderly loved one’s safety and independence are equally important. Don’t let them sacrifice one for the other. Whether your loved one suffers from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or arthritis, there are many products on the market to keep them comfortable in the kitchen. By following these 9 kitchen safety tips, your loved one can stay confident in the kitchen and you can keep your peace of mind.