Keeping an elderly family member safe in the kitchen, especially if she has Alzheimer's disease, is a tall order. But by paying attention to some basic areas you can make a big difference.
Reconsider the Garbage Disposal
Some people with Alzheimer's disease can forget what the garbage disposal is all about. As a result, items that should never end up down there get mangled. Even worse, though, is the possibility that your senior might accidentally stick her own hand in the disposal and that's something avoidable if you disconnect it.
Install Locks on Cabinets and Drawers
If there are cabinets that have breakable or otherwise dangerous items in them, latches and locks could be a good idea. These can be good storage locations for items such as cleaning products you need to have in the kitchen, knifes, or anything else that could be dangerous to her.
Remove Any Tripping Hazards
You might have some items in the kitchen that don't seem like a tripping hazard at all. These might include throw rugs, decorative items, and even step stools. The problem is that your brain works a little differently than your senior's brain works now. You might want to reconsider having any of those items in any area that could create a fall hazard for your senior.
Install Safety Knobs on Appliances
Many people with Alzheimer's disease find that it's dangerous to cook because they may not remember that the stove is on. If this is a big enough problem, you might want to restrict your senior's usage of some appliances. Safety knobs and automatic-off devices can help quite a bit.
Plug in a Night Light
Night lights are invaluable if your elderly family member forgets to turn lights on, especially when she goes into the kitchen. You might want to consider one that has a built-in motion detector. That way the light turns itself on when someone walks into the room. If your senior needs more light, she'll be able t see to get to the switch.
Get Rid of Fake Foods
One problem that people with Alzheimer's can face is that off dealing with fake foods. These types of decorative items might have been in your senior's home for years, but in confusion she might forget that fact. It might be a better idea to get rid of those sorts of items completely.
You might also want to find ways to allow your senior to limit her time in the kitchen, especially if she finds it stressful. Home care providers can do the cooking and other kitchen tasks for her, leaving her to enjoy healthy and delicious meals without much effort.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOMECARE IN RIVERSIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Reconsider the Garbage Disposal
Some people with Alzheimer's disease can forget what the garbage disposal is all about. As a result, items that should never end up down there get mangled. Even worse, though, is the possibility that your senior might accidentally stick her own hand in the disposal and that's something avoidable if you disconnect it.
Install Locks on Cabinets and Drawers
If there are cabinets that have breakable or otherwise dangerous items in them, latches and locks could be a good idea. These can be good storage locations for items such as cleaning products you need to have in the kitchen, knifes, or anything else that could be dangerous to her.
Remove Any Tripping Hazards
You might have some items in the kitchen that don't seem like a tripping hazard at all. These might include throw rugs, decorative items, and even step stools. The problem is that your brain works a little differently than your senior's brain works now. You might want to reconsider having any of those items in any area that could create a fall hazard for your senior.
Install Safety Knobs on Appliances
Many people with Alzheimer's disease find that it's dangerous to cook because they may not remember that the stove is on. If this is a big enough problem, you might want to restrict your senior's usage of some appliances. Safety knobs and automatic-off devices can help quite a bit.
Plug in a Night Light
Night lights are invaluable if your elderly family member forgets to turn lights on, especially when she goes into the kitchen. You might want to consider one that has a built-in motion detector. That way the light turns itself on when someone walks into the room. If your senior needs more light, she'll be able t see to get to the switch.
Get Rid of Fake Foods
One problem that people with Alzheimer's can face is that off dealing with fake foods. These types of decorative items might have been in your senior's home for years, but in confusion she might forget that fact. It might be a better idea to get rid of those sorts of items completely.
You might also want to find ways to allow your senior to limit her time in the kitchen, especially if she finds it stressful. Home care providers can do the cooking and other kitchen tasks for her, leaving her to enjoy healthy and delicious meals without much effort.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOMECARE IN RIVERSIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.