Although you want to encourage your elderly loved one to use the kitchen to prepare healthy meals and snacks so he or she can remain independent, it’s also important to stay safe while doing so. A kitchen can pose many risks for a senior, so here are some tips to protect your loved one from the most common kitchen dangers.
Avoid Using Throw Rugs
Throw rugs can raise the risk of falls, especially if your loved one has failing eyesight or limited mobility. If your loved one still chooses to use throw rugs, you should warn him or her about the danger they pose and instruct your parent to pick up his or her feet when walking to reduce the risk of tripping. Kitchen throw rugs should also have nonskid backings on them so they firmly adhere to the floor.
Quickly Mop Up Spills
Spills should be quickly mopped up to prevent slip and fall accidents in the kitchen. If the spill is water, simply drying the area is sufficient. However, oil or grease spills need to be properly cleaned up with a degreasing agent so the floor is free of any slick spots.
Aging adults who need assistance around the kitchen and help with daily tasks can benefit from having in-home professional caregivers. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Richmond seniors can depend on.
Organize Cords
Organize the cords in the kitchen by tucking them behind appliances and counters. Keep extension cords secure and away from any open areas to prevent falls. You can use a staple gun to attach cords to the baseboards along the walls so they aren’t in the way.
Make Items Accessible
Move the kitchen items your loved one uses most often—either higher to prevent the need to use a stepladder or lower to keep your parent from having to bend over too far to reach them. Remove any clutter in the kitchen to reduce the chances of your loved one being hurt.
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 Richmond, a leading elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Don’t Wear Baggy Sleeves
Cooking over an open flame when wearing long baggy sleeves poses a fire hazard. Your loved one should wear clothing that won’t accidentally come into contact with the heat sources on the stove. Though burns and clothing fires can still occur with electric cooktops, they’re much more likely to occur with gas stoves.
Keep Fire Extinguishers in Working Condition
Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible and in proper working condition. Make sure your loved one knows how to use them properly and understands how to check the gauges to ensure the canisters are still full. Small lightweight fire extinguishers may be easier for your loved one to handle than heavier large models.
Check Food Expiration Dates
Consuming foods beyond their expiration dates can lead to foodborne illnesses. Your loved one should be reminded to check expiration dates on the foods in the refrigerator and pantry before eating them. Make sure to inform professional caregivers and family members if your loved one is more susceptible to food poisoning because of preexisting medical conditions, weakened immune function, or prescription medications that impair healthy gastrointestinal flora.
Hiring an in-home caregiver can ensure your loved one’s safety while he or she ages in place. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Richmond senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (804) 600-0002.
