Visiting Angels Shares 6 Tips for Kitchen Safety

Cooking is one of the healthiest and most relaxing hobbies you can get into, and it’s no surprise that many people love cooking well into their elderly years. Cooking allows seniors to control exactly what’s going into their food and gives them a chance to unwind with a simple activity. But cooking can sometimes have a risk as well. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends care when cooking as an older adult, and our team at Visiting Angels wants to emphasize safety. If you or a loved one is interested in cooking, here are some great tips to make sure everyone stays safe.

Look into auto-shutoff devices

Though a bit pricey, auto-shutoff devices can save your life. By shutting off when a certain temperature or time is reached, these devices can prevent accidental fires and other accidents.

Maintain a clean kitchen

Everyone likes a clean kitchen, but Visiting Angels believes that keeping your cooking space clean is extremely important for seniors. Seniors have a higher chance of being hospitalized for foodborne illnesses, so keeping a clean kitchen and ensuring all foods are cooked properly is essential. Wash your hands and counters frequently, and make sure to cook all meat to the correct temperature.

Use induction cooktops

If possible, use induction cooktops rather than gas or electric. Food cooks faster, pans are easier to clean and the heat turns off when pots are removed from the cooking surface.

Keep an eye on the electricity

Making sure all of your cords are straightened out and that seniors don’t have any dangerous, open electrical outlets is essential for kitchen safety. Visiting Angels recommends making sure that your open outlets are covered with plastic and that cords aren’t hanging on the floor.

Preventing falls

Falls are one of the most common ways that senior citizens get injured, and the kitchen is no exception. Between high shelves, tons of cords and sometimes-wet floors, the kitchen can be a haven for dangerous falls. Consider keeping your tallest cabinets out of use, and be sure to check the floor periodically to make sure no water is there to cause a dangerous slip.