How to Make a Kitchen Safe for an Older Adult

Falls are common among the elderly, and although such accidents can occur in any room in the house, they seem to happen more often in the kitchen area. Failing memory, poor vision and poor balance can increase the risk for injury. Just bending over to reach items in low cupboards sometimes causes an older individual to lose his or her balance. Fortunately, there are several commonsense precautions you can take to help make the kitchen safer. Read on to learn how to make a kitchen safe for an older adult.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adequate lighting
• Slip-resistant flooring
• Safe kitchen design
• Counter-top microwave
• Kitchen chairs with arms

1. Place a water-absorbent, non-skid mat in front of the sink. Spills or splashed dishwater can cause floors to be wet and slippery. Textured vinyl or matte-finished wood and laminate flooring are slip-resistant and can help to prevent falls.

2. Make certain that the kitchen is well-lit, using at least 60-watt bulbs to illuminate work surfaces. Lighting should be positioned not to cause glare or shadows. You might want to use frosted bulbs. Additional task lighting can provide for better visibility while preparing meals.

3. Place a microwave oven on the kitchen counter-top rather than mounting it above the stove. This way you will not have to reach to get hot food. Choose a stove top range with the controls in the front rather than across the back. Carefully read and follow instructions for using kitchen appliances.

4. Never try to stand on a chair to reach items on high shelves or cabinets. Don’t store items, which you use often up high. Get yourself a sturdy step stool for the times when you must get something not easily within reach. Slide out trays in bottom cabinets can help you get to items easily without having to bend down.

5. Use kitchen chairs with arms so that you can sit and stand with less trouble. Decreased strength and balance can make sitting and standing more difficult. While many older adults spend a good deal of time in the kitchen, most kitchen chairs are designed with no arms--which is not at all senior-friendly.

6. Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen exit, never close to the stove. In the event that a fire ignites on the stove top, you might not be able to reach the extinguisher.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission nearly one million Americans age 65 and older are injured in their homes each year.
• The kitchen can be a dangerous place for the elderly and disabled.
• Low lighting and glare contribute to many cuts and burns suffered in the kitchen.

[LilacGirl]

on 5/3/2008 Some very good ideas.