The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms, but it can also be one of the most dangerous areas in the home. A senior loved one’s decrease in physical and mental health may make keeping the kitchen safe an important task for family caregivers. Take a look at a few things caregivers can do to make the kitchen safer for their loved ones.
Maintain Appliances
When working in the kitchen, it is common for seniors to use appliances and other cooking devices. However, when those devices are not in use, they should be unplugged and moved away from wet areas such as the sink. Make sure you clean appliances regularly, especially the exhaust hood in the oven. The microwave should only be used when food is inside. If your loved one is unable to use certain electrical appliances, make sure those items are not in the kitchen. You should also upgrade appliances regularly to ensure you have the safest and most up-to-date versions.
Minimizing hazards is the first step toward ensuring your senior loved one’s safety. In the long run, you may need to hire an in-home caregiver to help your loved one prepare meals. In Albuquerque, NM, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Remove Clutter
Get rid of clutter on the counter, in the entranceway, and throughout the kitchen area. Removing clutter can lower the risk of slips, falls, cuts, and other serious accidents and injuries for seniors. When the cabinets are not in use, close the doors. You should also clean the floors in the kitchen on a regular basis to prevent your loved one from falling due to food and beverage spills. In addition to removing clutter, you can make the kitchen more senior-friendly by installing lever-handle faucets and accessible cabinets.
Removing clutter from the home is just one of the many duties of a family caregiver. If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality at-home care, Albuquerque Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Use Less Glass and More Plastic
Due to poor muscle strength, lack of balance, and limited dexterity, seniors have a higher chance of dropping glass appliances and jars, which could lead to serious accidents. Plastic objects and devices weigh less, making them easier for your loved one to hold and move around with. If the plastic objects were to fall, they likely won’t break as easily as glass.
Install Safety Equipment
Various types of safety equipment can alert your loved one when there is a fire and other issues. Some of the safety equipment you can install in the kitchen includes:
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Extra lighting
- Safety gloves
When installing electrical devices, make sure the batteries are replaced regularly so they work correctly and detect potential health hazards. You should also test and dust the detectors and other systems on a monthly basis. Make sure your loved one knows how to use the safety equipment in case he or she is alone during an emergency situation.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Albuquerque seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. To learn about our professional in-home care services and how they can benefit your aging loved one, call us at 505-798-0800 today.
