Kitchens are often considered the "hearth of the home" and many of us have spent hours enjoying meal preparation and conversation in the comfort of the kitchen. Food, its* been said, is our common ground; our universal experience. The ability to prepare and enjoy meals allows us to meet our nutritional needs and can increase the feeling of independence and self-confidence.
However, as we age meal preparation can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Here we are going to address some of the problems and potential solutions to preparing meals and maintaining a safe and enjoyable kitchen environment.
Luckily, many of the tools and suggested changes are inexpensive or low/no cost to help make the kitchen a safer place and are offered to you by Caregifters.
Let*s take a brief look at the major parts of the kitchen:
SINK/FAUCET. The area under the sink should have the ability to be open to accommodate a wheelchair, stool or other chair. A single-control extended faucet provides ease of access and one-handed use. A spray nozzle and a long hose is also a good idea. As an example, pots can be filled on the counter so they don*t have to be lifted out of the basin when full.
STOVE. Controls for the stove are ideally located in the front or on the side of the cook top which reduces the potential for getting
burned or catching clothes on fire by reaching over hot burners or pans. If reduced vision is an issue, commercial templates are available with high contrast, raised letters. Or, you can mark often-used settings with a high contrast color. Large number timers are also a good idea.
REFRIGERATOR. A side-by-side refrigerator has the in-the-door storage advantage. It provides full height of the unit for both sections, making easy access for wheelchair or walker users.
CABINETS. One of the first things to consider is to rearrange items to provide easier access. Every effort should be made to reduce reaching and bending. It is recommended that Items stored high on shelves be moved to lower shelves. If that is not possible, use of a step stool with a handrail should be available as an option. As a rule, the heavier the item, the closer it should be placed to the counter. For base cabinets, drawers are preferable to shelves. It*s easier to find things in drawers eliminating the need to bend over or stoop down to find things in the back of cabinet shelves.
PREPARATION AND KITCHEN AIDS. Many items are available from Caregifters to help with meal preparation. Here are a few guidelines to help when choosing tools and appliances. Remember, there are many items that are designed for single-handed use, too!
Slicing, dicing, grating and cutting are a large part of working in the kitchen and pose potential danger. Many specialty knives, cutters, cutting and carving boards are available to reduce slipping while cutting and improve the grip and strength required to cut or chop safely.
Cheese and vegetable grater models are also available to make food preparation easier. Many of these items have suction bases or clamps that may be secured to the counter..
Keep in mind that if tasks in the kitchen can be accomplished while sitting down it makes it easier on the cook. Meal preparation can take some time and using a chair reduces fatigue as well as stress on the legs, feet and back. Stools with long legs and wheels are available through Caregifters, although a simple "office" or "drafting" type chair with wheels can work if the cabinet heights will accommodate them.
PLATES/CUPS/UTENSILS. One of the best products to help with maintaining independence around the issue of eating are modified plates, cups and utensils. Many of these items are helpful for one-handed eating such as dishes with slightly recessed centers or divisions that create a ridge where food can be pushed onto a fork or spoon. Other alternatives are food guards that can be attached to existing plates. Non-skid bases or non-slip mats also help.
An assortment of modified cups and glasses that have weighted bases, T-handles or pedestal bases may be considered. Modified eating utensils can also be used. Some have large handles for comfort and improved grip while others haveweighted handles to help manage tremors.
Some can be easily bent to make eating easier.
FLOOR. Throw rugs have no place in the kitchen. If one is necessary, use only textured non-slip mats that cling to the floor. To avoid slips and falls, be sure the floor is free of grease and debris and don't wax the floor.
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