Many older adults love to make their own snacks and meals, but the kitchen can be a dangerous place. Those who have physical impairments or issues with memory could experience injuries while cooking. Here are a few tips you can use to make sure the kitchen is as safe as possible for your aging loved one.
Light Up the Kitchen
Some homeowners prefer dim lights in the kitchen to create better ambience, but inadequate lighting can be dangerous if you have a senior living in your home. The stove, sink, and counters should be bright enough for your loved one to see what he or she is doing at all times. You can also install night lights throughout the kitchen if your loved one occasionally heads to the refrigerator for snacks and drinks in the middle of the night. Seniors with macular degeneration or other eyesight issues might benefit from frosted bulbs that diffuse the light instead of producing glare.
An in-home caregiver can ensure your loved one eats healthy meals and enjoys a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Label Everything
Gradual cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process, and there may come a point where your loved one forgets to check expiration dates or has a difficult time finding the right utensils. With a pack of sticky labels and a marker, you can easily label all drawers and unmarked containers in the kitchen. This project is especially beneficial if your loved one is in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s or another cognitive disorder. Clear and visible labels can make the kitchen a less frustrating and dangerous place for those who become easily disoriented or confused.
Keep Safety Equipment in the Kitchen
Most modern kitchens have various safety features that prevent potentially catastrophic accidents. At the very least, there should be a smoke detector in the kitchen you test once a month. You can also invest in a small fire extinguisher designed specifically for liquids such as cooking oil. Keeping a first aid kit in the kitchen isn’t always necessary, but some basic medical supplies can make it easier to treat minor cuts and burns. These kits should contain bandages, disinfectant, tweezers, burn salve, and scissors.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Danville seniors can trust and rely on.
Properly Store Your Loved One’s Favorite Products & Utensils
Fall-related injuries are extremely common among the elderly, and these accidents often occur when an individual bends over too low or tries to reach for a heavy item. All of the items your loved one regularly uses should be stored in cabinets that are easy to reach. Many companies also sell pull-out shelves that make items in the back of a cabinet more accessible. Designating a single cabinet or drawer for your loved one’s personal kitchen items is another easy way to prevent mishaps and confusion.
Switch to Plastic Plates & Bowls
Cookware made from glass or ceramic is often heavy, and keeping a grip on these items can be difficult. Plastic bowls, cups, and plates are safer, lighter, and easier to clean. Seniors who have a difficult time holding on to traditional metal utensils might also need heavy plastic forks and spoons with larger handles. These products are a great option for those who have health issues such as arthritis and Parkinson’s.
Safety-proofing an aging loved one’s kitchen while managing other caregiving duties can be challenging. Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Danville families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home. Call Assisting Hands Home Care to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
