Alzheimer’s kitchen safety
Alzheimer’s kitchen safety is a very serious issue. The kitchen is probably the most dangerous room in the house for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. Look around your kitchen, think of it as needing to be childproofed. Eventually your loved one will not be able to judge what is safe. Even cleaning products should be removed to an area that is not easily accessed by them.
Many of the appliances we use daily could potentially cause harm in the hands of someone with this disease. Prevention is the number one way to prevent accidents. You have to think ahead about the “what ifs”.
“What if she tries to wash the toaster while it is plugged in”? Keeping your appliances unplugged, will prevent that from happening. Completely removing small appliances from the counters is the best way to avoid injuries. Place them in a cabinet or closet out of sight.
All sharp objects must be viewed as dangerous, and should be kept in a locked drawer.
Many safety items are now available to help create a safer environment for your loved one. Childproof locks for kitchen cabinets and drawers work very well for Alzheimer’s kitchen safety.Most are easy to apply and the cost is very reasonable.
Place a safety lock on every cabinet and drawer in your kitchen which you don’t want them to get in.
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Alzheimer’s Kitchen Safety: Prevent the Injuries!
The stove is another dangerous area. The knobs on the stove can be removed and kept in a locked drawer.If you don’t want to remove the locks, there are stove safety knob covers available. They fit over the knob and make it very difficult to turn the knob for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Decorative covers over the burners works very well to deter them from the stove. When cooking, always turn the handles to the back of the stove. If they are out of the way it will help prevent knocking them off. People with Alzheimers may not be able to sense hot and cold well. They can get burned and not realize it or understand it.
Keep counter-tops clear of any items which could potentially cause harm.
Never leave any type of medicine out. They should all be locked in a cabinet. Over the counter medicines such as tylenol, antacids and cough drops can cause harm if to many are taken. They are better left out of sight.
Helpful Items
Stove Knobs
FIre safety is always a concern when someone with Alzheimers in the home. These knobs help deter loved ones from gripping the knobs.
Cabinet Safety Locks
The Safety 1st OutSmart flex lock helps you keep them out with the first ever decoy button. Your loved one will think that the decoy button opens the lock, but pushing it has no effect.
Table Corner Protectors
These covers help soften corners of tables to prevent injury in the event of a fall or bump into the table.
Car keys should be kept in a locked drawer or somewhere out of site.
Kitchen floors can be slick for someone walking around in socks and rugs are a trip hazard. If your loved one spends much time in the kitchen, a kitchen chair with arms is a wise investment. The arms on the chair will make it easier for them to get up and down and will keep them from sliding off the side of the chair.
Place a drain screen in Kitchen sinks to prevent any small items accidentally being placed in the sink. Glasses and breakable dishes should be put out of reach. Non-breakable dishes and cups are your best choice for meals
Emergency numbers should be posted in plain sight in your kitchen, for you to see quickly in case of an emergency.
Any doors to the outside should have a double lock on them. Often a small lock at the very bottom or the very top of the door will deter someone with Alzheimer’s from going outside, because they will usually just look at locks which are eye level. A gate to the kitchen can prevent someone who wanders from entering the kitchen.
Alzheimer’s kitchen safety takes a little time and effort but it is well worth it. The safer your environment, the more independence your family member will have and the easier your life will be.
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Hi, I’m Larea, a Certified Dementia Specialist and Registered Nurse with 30 years of hands-on experience helping dementia patients in various settings, from hospitals to nursing homes and hospice. Drawing on personal experiences with my family members and patients over the years, I’m here to help guide you on your caregiving journey.