No matter how much you try to ensure your senior loved ones are safe and secure at home, household accidents can still happen. Many of these mishaps take place in the kitchen.
Some of the dangers in the kitchen include:
Burns by boiling water or liquids
Slips and falls on floors
Cuts using knives and sharp objects
Irritations in the eyes
Accidental fires caused unattended stoves or ovens
While kitchen accidents can happen to anyone, seniors who live independently may be more vulnerable than most. Normal aging causes many changes to the body, such as decreased coordination, muscle loss, vision changes, and minor memory lapses. These changes may catch the elderly off guard and could lead to accidents and injuries in the kitchen. The risks increase if they are also experiencing signs of dementia.
Cooking and Baking Safety Tools for Seniors
New high-tech gadgets make it easy for older adults to get all the benefits of aging in place while reducing the risk of dangerous kitchen accidents.
Here are 10 gadgets to make cooking and baking safer for seniors:
Cut-resistant gloves and finger protectors
Chopping, slicing, and dicing meat and vegetables are some of the most common kitchen activities. Cut-resistant gloves or finger protectors can help the elderly handle knives in the kitchen to prevent nicks or cuts.
Safety cutting boards
Safety cutting boards can also help seniors avoid cuts in the kitchen. These boards come with a rubber surface to prevent it from sliding and also include rounded guides to keep a knife from straying off track.
Vegetable choppers
Knife-free vegetable choppers are available for people who prefer not to use knives. After peeling vegetables, simply place them inside the chopper and press down on the top to guarantee a perfect cut.
Electric can and jar openers
Many seniors have difficulty gripping and opening jars or cans because of conditions such as osteoarthritis. In these situations, electric can and jar openers can help prevent painful gripping and twisting. They can also lower the risk of cuts or other injuries from a sharp can lid or dropped glass jar.
Easy-pour electric kettles
Electric kettles help prevent burns by avoiding hot surfaces to heat water. Easy pour kettles go one step further by using a stand to tip the kettle directly into a mug, without needing to pick it up at all.
Clip-on strainers
Another way to prevent accidental scalding is through clip-on strainers. Simply clip the strainer onto a pan and pour the water out into the sink – no need to hold the strainer in place with one hand and aim with the other.
Kitchen timers
Kitchen timers are useful for older adults who are prone to memory lapses. These gadgets can alert an inattentive cook to the roast they left in the oven or the pasta that’s about to finish boiling.
Automatic shutoff stoves and ovens
Automatic shutoff ovens and stoves can help prevent overcooked food and fires in the kitchen. These are useful for seniors struggling with memory lapses.
Oven rack guards
Oven rack guards can help prevent accidental contact burns. They are made from heat-resistant material and can be clipped onto the front end of the oven rack to prevent a hand or arm from making contact with a hot surface.
Anti-fatigue, nonslip kitchen floor mats
For seniors who spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen, an anti-fatigue and nonslip kitchen mat can be a big help. These floor mats reduce pressure on the feet, knees, and lower back and provide a nonslip surface to stand on. They also alleviate stress on feet and knees.
In-Home Care Can Provide Household Safety for Seniors
Your senior loved one may need more than a gadget to keep them safe in the kitchen. Visiting Angels’ caregivers can serve as a watchful eye and another set of hands to assist with grocery shopping, cooking, and meal prep.
The safety and security of seniors are our primary concerns at Visiting Angels. Your local home care agency can provide you with peace of mind and perform a free in-home safety assessment at your convenience. Our care providers will carefully tailor services to your loved one’s specific safety concerns and challenges.
If you’re interested in more information about non-medical in-home care you can help your senior loved ones by contacting Cecelia Jernegan at Visiting Angels Prescott or Visiting Angels Flagstaff office at 928-458-4729.
Or www.visitingangels/flagstaff or www.visitingangels/prescott.
