Keeping the Kitchen Safe for Your Elderly Loved One

If you’re the caregiver for an elderly loved one, then you probably worry about them cooking in the kitchen. There are many potential hazards, especially in older homes. To help ease your mind, we’ve prepared an infographic with action steps you can take today to reduce the risk of injury.

First, make sure you remove these fall and injury hazards:

1. Instead of using glassware, replace with plastic or stainless steel
2. Instead of using a step stool, provide a grabber/reacher tool (or ideally, make sure everything they need is within reach)
3. Instead of throw rugs, encourage your loved one to wear shoes with good tread while in the kitchen

Second, take these precautionary steps:

• Remove and store unnecessary kitchen items so they can find what they need
• Add more light – overhead and under counter – and use high-watt bulbs
• Ensure all commonly used items are within easy reach
• Make sure all heating elements indicate when they are on – flame, glow or red
• Turn down hot water temperature
• Examine expiration dates on food in refrigerator, freezer and pantry
• Keep the stovetop clear, especially of dishcloths, which can be a fire hazard
• Avoid waxed floors and clean up spills right away
• Clear all clutter from the counter
• Ensure that trash container is not too heavy and easy to empty
• Make sure a fire extinguisher is within easy reach, and your loved one knows how to use it