Here’s a little bit of trivia: How many fires in the home are experienced with cooking as the cause? Answer: A whopping 49%! Where home fire deaths are concerned, cooking amounts to one in five; and 44% of in-home fire injuries are experienced because of cooking.
For the reasons above, and many more, we’re going to concentrate the information below on kitchen safety for seniors. Are seniors the only people who need to concentrate on kitchen safety? Absolutely not! But, if you are 65 years old or more, compared to the population as a whole, your chances of dying in a fire are 2.5 times greater! Those are statistics talking – not a judgment.
Seniors face all sorts of risks. The older we get; the more fragile life seems to become. Why shorten your life by risking an accident in the kitchen? The information below should help not only seniors, but help everyone to concentrate more on kitchen safety. Here are five ways to stay safer in your kitchen.
Fire Prevention
Ideally, so an oven shuts off when unattended, an automatic shutoff should be used. They can be installed if an oven doesn’t already have one. Some models, if an oven is unattended for too long, can even signal family members or a friend. Smoke detectors should be in every kitchen as well as a fire extinguisher that is lightweight and easy to use.
Prevent Illnesses From Food
If you put forth the time and effort to cook something, the last thing you want is to get sick from it! If you’re not careful, however, problems with cross contamination (and more) can occur before you realize it.
Use different colors of cutting boards for fresh meats and vegetables. Store foods at appropriate temperatures for only the recommended length of time. Immediately refrigerate leftovers in tightly sealed containers.
Cooking Made Easy
Simplify cooking by storing everything within reach. The less climbing on chairs or stepstools needed, the better.
Place, at waist level, any heavy items that require excess work and/or balance to move or lift.
Cookware Precautions
So you don’t bump it as you walk by, the handle of all pots and pans should be turned inward (but away from another burner that might be on). To prevent burns, make accessible any necessary potholders or oven mitts. Don’t place decorative ceramic containers on hot burners. They may explode. If using a pressure cooker, use particular caution! They can be dangerous – even deadly.
Accident Prevention
To keep from adding the wrong ingredients, spilling hot food, tripping, and more – particularly in the area of a hot stove – ample lighting should always be used/present. In front of the oven and by the sink, nonslip mats should be placed. Before opening a new drawer or cabinet, close one that is already open.
Looking for a Safe Environment for Seniors? Check Out Discovery Village At The Forum
Naturally, most individuals want to stay active and independent for as long as possible. There may come a time, however, when living in a community setting is preferable for safety concerns and more. When that time comes, and either assisted living or community independent living is preferred, Discovery Village At The Forum offers numerous benefits for seniors.
If you’re looking at senior living communities, check us out. Schedule a tour today or contact us for information.
