Home Care in Avon, IN – Use these as a Starting Point for Keeping Your Loved One Safe in the Kitchen

Many senior adults stay alone and they use their kitchen to prepare meals themselves. There are many safety risks associated with the use of kitchens by older people. Seniors using the kitchen are prone to accidents and injuries and it is necessary to consider the safety of our loved ones when they live alone. To make the kitchen safe for them, here are a few strategies you can implement:

Fire Prevention

One of the main problems that can arise when seniors become forgetful when cooking is kitchen fires. Here are the tips to prevent fire in the kitchen:

• Make sure that fire extinguisher is installed and it is in working condition. Your parent should be able to use it easily
• It is necessary to install smoke detectors
• Store provisions at convenient heights for your parent to have easy access to the supplies they need
• Do not wear loose fitting clothes while cooking
• Use an oven mitt or hot pad to take hot pots off the stove
• Provide good light in cooking area
• Use fire proof curtains

Fall Prevention

Another major cause of worry is the risk of a fall in the kitchen. To prevent falls in the kitchen the first thing you need is bright lighting. The cabinets in the kitchen should be easily accessible and well-organized. Try to use unbreakable pots and glasses. It is better to avoid the use of rugs in the kitchen. Make sure the kitchen floor is not slippery.

Food Poisoning

Many seniors prefer to use pre-cooked food or food from restaurants, as they are unable to cook meals every day. Therefore, the risks of food poisoning are greater. It is necessary to store meat and vegetables in separate containers. Make sure the chopping boards are clean. Give extra care while using food from restaurants. Do not re-heat restaurant food and consume it. It is better to opt for freshly prepared food, if they want to maintain proper health. Check the date of expiry of the food items while purchasing and help your parent go through their fridge and clean it out on a weekly basis.

It’s natural to worry about your senior’s health and safety in the kitchen. So much of everyone’s lives involve around food and nutrition. Making the kitchen a good place to be and a place to cook healthy meals is important. You should think about hiring home care for your senior to give them help with shopping for groceries, preparing and eating food. Their caregiver can be in the kitchen with them to help.

The caregivers at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is an elder care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Avon, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.