The majority of people hope to stay in their homes as they get older. Unfortunately, sometimes that presents a challenge because of medical conditions that make some aspects of living alone difficult, and sometimes impossible. One of the things that can become hard for seniors is cooking, and for some it can even be dangerous. However, there are some changes that can be made to the kitchen that allow your older adult family member to age in place. The following are some ways you can modify the kitchen to make it easier and safer for seniors to use.
Increase Lighting
Brighten up the kitchen with extra lights. More lighting can help older adults to read labels, measurements, and recipes more easily. It can also prevent injuries that could happen while cutting foods.
New Flooring
Some kinds of flooring are harder to stand on for long periods of time, such as tile floors. Vinyl, linoleum, cork, and wood are softer surfaces that can reduce hip and back pain. You can also add spaces where the older adult can sit while they prepare foods.
Install Pull Out Shelving
Pull out shelving can make it easier to get to things at the back of the cupboard, eliminating the need for seniors to get on their hands and knees to reach the back of lower cabinets. In upper cabinets, it may reduce or eliminate the need to climb up on a chair. Speaking of climbing on a chair, discourage your aging relative from doing so. If they cannot reach upper shelves and it’s not possible to rearrange the kitchen to avoid using them, purchase a safe step ladder. Make sure it has handles to hold on to and sits securely on the floor.
New Door Pulls and Faucets
Faucets with knobs that turn can be difficult for arthritic or weak hands. Lever type handles are sometimes easier. Better yet, install a touchless or one-touch style faucet. As for cabinet and drawer hardware, handles are easier to grasp than knobs.
Sometimes even with all these modifications, an older adult still isn’t able to manage cooking on their own. They may lack the cognitive skills, have physical challenges that make it too difficult, or they might find cooking for one just too much hassle. That’s where home care can make a big difference in your aging relative’s ability to remain in their home. Home care can assist the older adult to cook if they like cooking but need help with certain parts. Or, a home care provider can do the cooking on their own. Home care services are flexible so that your loved one gets just the care they need.
Sources
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56039514/list/kitchen-confidential-10-ways-to-promote-aging-in-place
https://ageinplace.com/at-home/aging-in-place-home-ideas/kitchen/
https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-01-2011/aging_in_your_own_space.html
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.