Kitchen Safety for Seniors

Practical tips to reduce the risks

A kitchen can be one of the home’s most dangerous areas, especially for seniors. Cooking and electrical fires, spills, and spoiled food are just a few of the hazards your aging loved one faces. Luckily, steps can be taken in order to eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, the chance of an accident.

One important first step is to have an electrician check the fuse box or circuit breakers to ensure that the wiring in the kitchen is done properly. Be certain that no outlets or switches are unusually warm to the touch. You can also protect your elder from electrical overload with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Make sure all outlets and switches have cover plates, and that any extension cords are not overloaded.

Replace any electrical cords showing signs of wear and tear, and make sure they are removed from high-traffic areas, where your elder may trip on them. Small appliances and their cords should be moved away from sink areas and hot surfaces and unplugged when not in use. The sink, range, and countertop areas in the kitchen must have adequate lighting. You may want to install under-cabinet lighting to help with this.

As far as stove safety goes, make sure the gas stove has an automatic shut-off feature, in case the pilot goes out. You can have someone from the gas company check this for you if you’re not sure. Check to see that the kitchen ventilation system or range exhaust is functional. If the stove has removable knobs, replace them with permanent knobs. This will ensure that they don’t get lost, and that they’re always placed correctly. It’s better if the oven controls are clearly marked and located on either the front or side of the oven, so your elder won’t have to reach over the burners to operate the oven. If this is not the case, consider investing in a new appliance. Also, make sure there is a working smoke detector in the kitchen, and check the batteries at least twice a year.

While cooking, your elder must avoid wearing loose sleeves, which can easily catch fire. Suggest that he or she wear short sleeves, or fasten long sleeves back with elastic bands. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure that your elder knows how to use it properly. Make sure potholders and oven mitts are easy accessible, but located away from heat sources. Also, remove any towels or curtains that are hanging near the stove, where they may catch fire.

When it comes to organization, store all appliances, dishes, and silverware within reach. Consider installing some sturdy, easy-to-reach shelves if cabinet space is limited or too high. Knives should be stored safely in their own drawer or in a block. Also, use unbreakable dishes when possible. There are some adapted equipment items that can be useful in the kitchen, including a Swedish cutting board, a liquid level sensor, and a push/pull kitchen ruler for the oven.

Keep a sturdy stepladder in the house, one with a handrail, to reach higher cabinets. This should be used sparingly, though. Everyday cooking items should be within reach without the use of a ladder.

As for other fall hazards, spills should be cleaned up immediately, using nontoxic cleansers. Check the refrigerator for leaks that could create puddles and eventually rot wood floors. To reduce spills, use pots with handles on both sides as much as possible.

Finally, for toxicity issues, keep an eye out for signs of roaches, ants, or vermin infestations. Hire an exterminator if needed. Once a week, go through food in the refrigerator and throw out anything that is expired. Go through pantry/cabinet items once a month.

Once you implement these changes, your elder’s kitchen will be well on its way to being a much safer place.

By Dr. Marion
Elder Care Made Easier Blog

[A version of this blog originally appeared on Dr. Marion’s Web site.]