The seniors in our lives are very special people. Quite often, we go to them to seek the type of knowledge that can only be attained by many years of experience. As well, our aging parents represent the foundations of our families. So many of them make excellent grandparents, helping to mould and shape the futures of our children.
Naturally, it’s important to keep our seniors safe. As they age, they tend to lose strength and have issues with balance. This is why it’s so important to invest in appropriate mobility solutions. Senior safety is of paramount importance. Especially when it comes to particular rooms of the house, safety measures and precautions must be taken.
If we’re not careful, the kitchen can be a very dangerous place.
Obviously, kitchen appliances and utensils can be the causes of major injuries if not used with caution. On APlaceForMom.com, a number of kitchen safety tips are provided. They include keeping floors clean and uncluttered so as to not present any tripping hazards.
In addition, the site recommends that you illuminate work areas; mark “on” and “off positions on appliances clearly and with bright colours; store sharp knives in a rack; use a kettle with an automatic shut-off; store heavier objects at waist level; store hazardous items separate from food and avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.
“Cooking fires are the number one cause of fire injuries among older adults,” informs the Canada Safety Council, “Emphasize that they must never leave cooking food unattended. If they need to step away, they should turn off the stove. Keep lids nearby so that if the pan catches fire, they can carefully slide the lid on it and turn off the stove. Mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and check the pressure gauge monthly.”
It’s important to cater to the needs of dementia sufferers.
Of course, it’s important to modify your kitchen depending on the needs and the health condition of your elderly loved one. The Alzheimer Society of Canada reminds us that with dementia, individuals experience decreased balance and reaction time; visual-perceptual problems; physical limitations that make it more difficult to walk; memory; judgment; and insight.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada goes on to recommend some very specific precautions that should be taken in the kitchen if you live with an elderly loved one who suffers from dementia. “If you are concerned about the person using the stove, install a hidden gas valve or circuit breaker that prevents it from being turned on. Or consider removing the knobs from the burners,” they advise.
Kitchens are also known for their slippery surfaces.
Like bathrooms, kitchens are generally constructed with tile floors. These can present slipping hazards for those who aren’t quite steady on their feet. The number one mobility problem for seniors and disabled persons is falling. A fall can result in broken bones or injuries, or worse, a ‘fear of falling’ mindset, deterring a person from participating in daily living activities you enjoy.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we get to the root of the problem by addressing the unique needs of each of our clients. We proudly offer a number of mobility solutions that include wheelchairs, power scooters and walkers. For more information about the mobility solutions offered by Advantage Home Health Solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
