Staying Safe As We Age In Place
For many older adults, their goal is to be able to stay in their home for as long as possible – to “age in place.” Studies show that the two most “dangerous” rooms in our homes are the kitchen and bathroom – no surprise there! This month, let’s take a look at 5 simple changes we can make in our kitchens to facilitate a safe and enjoyable time in our homes.
Good Lighting – As we age our eyesight tends to weaken; installing bright lighting in the kitchen can help prevent eye strain, and accidents. Think about bright overhead LED lights, task lighting under the overhead cabinets that will illuminate your workspace, as well as lights that are activated when you open your cabinet drawers and doors.
Non-Slip Flooring – If you undertake just one suggestion to make your kitchen safer, please do this: GET RID OF AREA RUGS IN THE KITCHEN (and bathroom too, please). Even those with rubber backing can be a tripping hazard. If you currently have slippery tile in your kitchen, consider replacing with a textured tile, or even hardwood if your budget will allow.
Accessible Storage – Consider the items you use most often and move them to cabinets that are within easy reach. Try to avoid stretching and reaching into those high overhead cabinets. Installing pull-out drawers in lower cabinets helps make larger items easy to see and reach. Similarly, a Lazy Susan can help with access too. Finally, replacing an overhead microwave with a microwave drawer provides easy access to hot items and decreases spills and possible burns.
Safe Appliance Usage - Familiarize yourself with the proper use of kitchen appliances, especially if you've upgraded to newer models. Follow manufacturer instructions diligently to avoid accidents and consider appliances with safety features like auto-shutoff.
Easy To Grab Handles – Change out small knobs on cabinets and stoves in favor of larger knobs and handles. Arthritic hands will have an easier time navigating with easy to grasp handles.
With just a few changes, you can ensure your kitchen continues to be a place of enjoyment no matter your age. If you’d like more information or help with any of the above suggestions, be sure to reach out to us, we’d love to help!
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