Kitchens are one of the most dangerous areas of a home for anyone, but this is especially true for seniors. Mobility or balance problems and hearing or vision impairment can make a kitchen hazardous, as can cognitive issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Risks for those over age 65 include such things as fires, falls, and injuries from cuts or burns and even food borne illnesses.
Creating a safe kitchen takes a little planning, but putting in some time to assess potential problems can create a much safer environment for a senior. Think about who is using it and what their capability or limitations are:
- Are they using a cane or wheelchair?
- Can they see well enough to know if the stove is on?
- Are their hands steady enough to use a knife without hurting themselves?
- Do they have memory problems or other cognitive declines?
- Are they using a step stool to get things out of high cabinets?
- Are they eating spoiled or contaminated food?
We’ve provided kitchen safety tips and information, broken down into several categories. Hopefully, this will make it easier for you to decide what is best for your senior loved one’s particular needs.
Read more about kitchen safety products:
Auto Shut Off Devices For Stoves
We review several devices that you can install to automatically shut off a stove if it’s left on for a period of time. This is a great way to keep your home safer from a possible kitchen fire.
Best Kitchen Chairs For Seniors
Many homes have kitchen tables with chairs on rollers – sadly these can be very dangerous for seniors. Check out the types of kitchen chairs that we recommend to keep older adults safer in the kitchen.
Can Opener For Seniors (Manual)
There are many different types of manual can openers that we can all use but seniors should take a little more precaution and use can openers with a Safe Cut feature and also ones that allow for a good and easy grip.
Best Jar Openers For Arthritis
It can be truly difficult to open tight jar lids when you have arthritis or weak hands. These jar openers make it much easier (and less painful).
Eating Utensils For Arthritic Hands
If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis and it’s affecting their hands – it will most certainly affect how they eat. There are some wonderful adaptive utensils that can help to make eating easier and less painful.
Electric Stove Shut Off Devices
Automatic shut off devices are a great tool and sometimes necessary tool for homes with older adults, especially if one or more of the residents suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Fire Safety Devices
Cooking fires are the #1 source of home fires and injuries from a home fire. Having these fire safety devices that are usable by the residents can not only save someone’s life but may also save the home itself.
iGuard Stove Protection Device
iGuard is a product that can address multiple issues to improve kitchen safety – especially for households with seniors.
Kitchen Fire Blankets
The fire extinguishing blankets are inexpensive, easy to use and perfect for small fires. They come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for the kitchen, the garage, by the outdoor grill, etc.
Rangesafe Safety Knobs
Stylish gas stove safety knobs to help keep not only children, but older adults safer in the kitchen.
Safety Knobs For Gas Stoves
If you are looking for a variety of gas stove safety knobs – then check out the ones that we recommend.
Senior Friendly Kitchen Cabinets
There are so many wonderful products these days that make kitchen cabinets senior friendly. Here are just some of the ones that we recommend.
Touchless Faucets
For anyone suffering from severe arthritis or any other illness or trauma that has affected their ability to use their fingers and/or hands – a touchless faucet can be a blessing.
