Cooking can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience, and many individuals find themselves at home in the kitchen. However, with age, certain cooking activities can become difficult and even dangerous to complete. If your aging loved one enjoys spending time in the kitchen but you’re worried he or she may injure him or herself while cooking, check out the following ways to enhance kitchen safety.
1. Create Layers of Adaptable Lighting
Having a well-lit kitchen is essential for ensuring user safety. This is especially true for aging adults who have a difficult time focusing in dimly lit environments. In addition to having a bright overhead light, consider installing under-cabinet lighting, track lighting, and wall sconces, which can be used to illuminate different areas for specific cooking activities.
2. Make Adjustments to Kitchen Appliances
Countertop appliances should be unplugged when not in use and should never be placed near the sink. Use red and blue stickers or pens to highlight oven controls so your loved one can clearly read the various settings.
Aging adults who need assistance around the kitchen and help with daily tasks can benefit from having in-home professional caregivers. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Columbia families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
3. Add a Seating Area for Chopping & Cutting
Food prep is often best accomplished by seniors while in a seated position. Long periods spent standing can result in dizzy spells and other problems. Consider investing in a rolling prep station that can be placed or pulled near the kitchen table. You can use this station to safely organize knives, cutting boards, and other cooking utensils so your loved one doesn’t have to walk far while carrying any of the items.
A professional in-home caregiver can help your loved one safely prepare nutritious meals and maintain a high quality of life. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading homecare services agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
4. Adjust Storage Areas
Redesign storage areas so bending and reaching are minimized. Purchase a turntable or lazy Susan that can provide easy access to spices in cabinets or additional comfort when eating at the table. You may also want to consider installing pull-out surfaces that adapt counter heights to the needs of the user.
5. Establish Limitations
One of the most important parts of kitchen safety is educating your loved one about his or her personal limitations. When motor skills and vision decrease, aging adults must know which activities require assistance and which can be done alone. When help is needed, consider hiring a caregiver who can assist with safe and nutritious meal preparation, dishwashing, and other household chores.
Hiring an in-home caregiver can ensure your loved one’s safety. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Columbia seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
