Tips for Keeping Your Elderly Loved One Safe in The Kitchen

It is important to do what you can to make your elderly loved one’s home safe and secure. However, it can be a little difficult to make certain rooms safe for the elderly. The kitchen is one of the rooms that can seem tougher to keep safe. You don’t have to completely tear apart or rearrange your elderly loved one’s kitchen to make it a safe place for them. As a family caregiver, you and your home care services provider can make some simpler changes to your loved one’s kitchen.

 

Home Care in Chadds Ford PA: Senior Safety

Home Care in Chadds Ford PA: Senior Safety

 

Getting Rid of the Sharp Edges

There are many objects in a kitchen that can have sharp edges. Some of these things include cabinets, countertops, and shelves. These edges can be extremely dangerous, especially the ones on countertops. Many elderly people have gotten bruises from running into the edge of a countertop. Many others have even been seriously injured from these sharp edges. This is why you and home care providers can work together to make sure all the sharp edges in your loved one’s kitchen are sanded down or covered up. This will help to ensure the kitchen is safe for your elderly loved one.

 

Getting Them Good Oven Mitts

It is important to make sure your elderly loved one has good oven mitts. This is often overlooked. Many elderly people have gotten seriously burned, even when using regular potholders. It is essential to get your elderly loved one high-quality oven mitts that will cover their entire hand. Silicone mitts are a great solution. They offer heat protection that can protect your elderly loved one from burns. These can usually be purchased online or in most department stores.

 

Putting the Microwave in a Different Place

Many elderly people use their microwaves to reheat food or for minor cooking tasks. If your elderly loved one uses their microwave on a regular basis you should consider putting it in an accessible spot. You should choose a spot where your elderly loved one doesn’t have to reach up to get their food. A waist-level shelf or cabinet would be a great idea. The countertop is another option. This will help your elderly loved one prevent back strains. It will also decrease the risk of them being burned from spilled food or hot dishes.

 

Placing Down Mats

One of the best ways to keep your elderly loved one safe in the kitchen is to put non-slip rubber mats on the floor. This will help prevent your elderly loved one from slipping and falling while they are in the kitchen. If the mats get moved, you or the home care providers can put them back where they need to be when you visit your elderly loved one.

 

Home Care Conclusion

Before you start making any changes in your elderly loved one’s kitchen, it would be a good idea to talk with them about any changes that you plan to make. Together, you can create a safer kitchen for your elderly loved one.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Chadds Ford, PA, and the surrounding area please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544

 

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/check_for_safety_brochure-a.pdf

Ibrahim & Mariama Suma-Keita