7 Tips for Senior-Proofing the Kitchen

Kitchens often have extreme temperatures, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces, which could make them dangerous places for seniors. However, you can take certain measures to make the kitchen senior-proof. To make sure your aging loved one is safe in the kitchen, follow these steps. 

1. Be Mindful while Cooking

If you’re cooking, try to be cautious about where you place things. Turn pot handles inward so your loved one won’t accidentally brush against them and knock hot food onto him or herself. Place knives far back on the counter to prevent them from falling on your loved one’s feet.  Making the home a safe place for a senior you’re caring for can be difficult, especially when these tasks are managed alone. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

2. Put Timers on the Stove

Forgetful seniors may cause fire risks by leaving the stove or oven on. You can install a timer that shuts an appliance off if it hasn’t been used for a set time. In some cases, it might be helpful to set timers that prevent the stove or oven from being used at all during certain hours. 

3. Label & Store Cleaners Carefully

If your loved one has dementia or another memory-related condition, he or she may wander into the kitchen for a snack and accidentally eat something hazardous. Put large labels on soaps, cleaners, and detergent packets so your loved one can see they’re not food. 

4. Reduce Water Temperature

Sink faucets are typically set to have a high maximum heat level, but your loved one could accidentally scald him or herself. You can lower the maximum heat level at the hot water tank. It may also be helpful to install a lever handle for the sink, since these types of handles are easy for seniors to control.

5. Make Storage More Convenient

You can reduce your loved one’s likelihood of breaking stacks of heavy dishes or pulling a muscle by storing things at a height between waist and shoulder level. If your loved one’s home doesn’t have enough storage space at these heights, consider installing drawers that pull out and down.  Consider taking a break from your caregiving duties to organize and declutter your loved one’s home. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Irving respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

6. Replace Glass Items with Plastic Ones

Glass items can easily break in an accident. Glass is difficult to clean up, and your loved one could end up getting cut on a hidden shard days after breaking the item. Try using plastic instead of glass for cups, plates, and bowls, and use metal baking sheets instead of glass casserole dishes. 

7. Remove Tripping Hazards

Slipping and falling near hot food or knives can be dangerous. If the kitchen has any rugs, remove them or attach anti-slip stickers to the backs of the rugs. Try to tuck up long tablecloths that hang down to the ground, and place step stools away from walking paths.  Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one’s safety at home. Irving home care service professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Call Home Care Assistance today at (817) 591-1580 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.