Room by Room
Kitchens
For many of us the kitchen is a focal point of the home. A place for cooking, eating and socialising together with friends and family. In the AFAH house its where we all come together each day and is key to family life. As we age, simple tasks in the kitchen can become more difficult, so keeping it a safe and enjoyable space is worth some consideration.
Kitchens
Kitchen modifications can be made to help us overcome obstacles and hazards, and keep our independence while continuing to enjoy cooking for us and for others. These modifications might be as straightforward as adding non-slip mats or as intricate as adding pull-out shelving and adjustable height counter-tops. In this way, as people age, the kitchen can become a safer and more welcoming place.
As always, the goal here is to stay out of care or hospital as long as possible. Having a kitchen that works for us under any circumstances might well be a deciding factor on if, or when, we have to leave our home, so its worth putting some thought into its design and contents.
Lighting
As we know, every area of the house can benefit from better lighting. The kitchen is no exception. Replacing regular switches with Rocker Switches is advisable in all areas of the house. As is reviewing the type, and brightness, of bulbs being used. Motion sensors places in strategic areas can make sure the floor and counters are well lit, avoiding potential trips.
Illuminate counters and keep shadows from obstructing visibility, use under-cabinet lighting.
To conserve energy and avoid accidents, install motion sensor lights that turn on when someone enters the room and off when they depart.
Make items stand out by employing color contrast, such as black knobs on light cabinets and vice versa. (NHS Dementia Guide)
Invest in a voice-activated or smartphone app-controlled smart lighting system to make operating easier.
Consider installing task lighting over essential locations like the stove, sink, and workspaces to offer focused illumination
FALL PREVENTION – Lighting can be key to reducing falls
What We Like
Relish Radio
Relish Radio
Blending a retro-nostalgic aesthetic with a contemporary modern finish, this radio is a family favourite. Every detail represents research and refinement. From the clear colour contrast that provides greater visibility and ease of use for visual impairment, to unique button tones that help people identify features based on sound, Relish Radio minimizes confusion and maximizes independence.
Koto Radio for Dementia
Koto Radio for Dementia
Made for people with Dementia this super simple radio can really help. They Say “The gold standard music player for people with dementia. Designed after years of research and trialling this MP3 player is known worldwide for its ease of use and benefit to people with dementia.”
Make Storage Accessible
A simple way to upgrade your kitchen is by re-evaluating the placement of items. Place frequently-used items, such as cookware, in lower or waist height cabinets that are more easily accessible. Should a wheelchair ever become necessary, this early organisation will be one less thing to adapt to.
To assist with heavier items, consider adding pull-out landing boards or spring-assisted shelving.
To save space, store dishes and baking sheets vertically by adding dowels to your current cabinets. You can also purchase pre-made inserts at home stores. Additionally, consider using Lazy Susan trays, full-extension slide shelving, sliding wire organizers, and pull-down shelves.
It’s safer for older adults to pull shelves towards them, rather than having to stoop down to search for items in lower cabinets or use a step stool to reach higher cabinets.
Round pull knobs can be difficult for an arthritic hand to handle. Replace pull knobs with wide drawer pulls (these are sometimes called D-shaped pulls).
You may also want to consider a touch drawer system, where the door can pop open from being pushed.
Where dementia is an issue, toxic materials, such as bleach and cleaners, can be locked away using cupboard door locks.
Flooring
For elderly or dementia patients, non-slip flooring is a perfect adaption. Installing a rubber floor with texture and bounce will make your kitchen feel safe and secure, as well as comfortable.
Utilising non-slip kitchen-specific tiles or mats is an additional choice. They are available in a wide range of hues and designs, allowing you to pick one that complements your decor while offering the highest security level. You won’t have to worry about additional bother because they are also simple to keep and clean.
Sinks & Taps
Low Sinks
We lose a little, or sometimes a lot, of our balance as we age. Looking for objects can be difficult since we might not be as solid on our feet as we previously were. We can lower the possibility of falls in the kitchen by installing a low sink.
Ensure the sink is at a convenient height for sitting, typically 30 inches off the ground. Consider installing a sink with a shallow basin so you can wash dishes without reaching too far. Importantly, lower sinks are an insurance for if we find ourselves having to use a wheelchair either permanently, or after an illness or injury.
Lever Taps
If you want something low tech, simple, cheap and Lever-style taps can be easier to handle. By nature they are easier to open and close and rarely become stiff or unmanageable.
Motion Sensor Taps
You may consider installing motion-activated faucets. This can spare you the tiresome and perplexing task of fumbling with knobs or pumps. Leaving a faucet running can cause water damage and pose safety hazards such as electrocution and slipping.
Hand and Foot Activated taps
Hand and Foot Activated taps A simple and manual way to control water with those with certain mobility issues such as arthritis. They tend to use less water and are never left on to overflow or waste water.
Temperature regulator
Consider installing a temperature regulator on your tap to prevent burns and scalds. This gadget will ensure that the water never becomes too hot for those with delicate skin or poor pain tolerance.
Hands-free soap dispensers
Hands free soap dispensers are a simple but easy way to avoid fumbling with bars of soap or slippery bottles.
Smart Water Monitor and Shut-off
These can turn your water on/off from the app manually, or will automatically turn off the water for you to protect the home from catastrophic water damage. They have the added advantage of showing how much water you’re consuming daily and set conservation goals to encourage saving water and money for your home
Burner Alert Stove Reminder Discs and upgraded knobs
A Burner Alert Stove Reminder Disc is a small thin plastic disc that attaches to your GAS or Electric stove knob to remind you your burner is on. It emits audio and visual alerts anytime the stove knob has been turned “ON”. The alerts are a preset sequence of audio beeps and flashing lights. The sequence of alerts will continue until the knob has been turned to the “OFF” position. The beeping intervals occur at startup and then at 3 minutes, 9 minutes, 15 minutes, and then every 15 minutes until the knob is turned OFF.
Stove knob Locks
You can also add Knobs that will send a message to a mobile phone if left on for too long.
More Useful Items
Utensils with easy-grip handles
To make utensils simpler to hold and manage, look for ones with larger handles or textured grips. They come in different sizes and shapes, from vegetable peelers to spatulas.
Electric can openers
Using a manual can-opener incorrectly can be dangerous and annoying. The work can be made simple with electric can openers.
Talking stopwatches
When cooking, a timer can be helpful, but people with memory problems may forget to set it. When it’s time to check on your food, a talking timer might serve as a reminder.
Large print labels
If you have difficulties reading small print, large print labels might help you discover what you need in your pantry or identify ingredients.
Cutting boards
These can be used with one hand: Some cutting boards have a built-in clamp that keeps your food in place while you chop with just one hand. This may be particularly helpful if you have a restricted range of motion in one arm.
Small Induction Hobs
Potable, safe and easy to use, these devices can get people away from their large cooker, and give them something easy to manage
Here is a summary of what to plan for your kitchen:
- Add Extra Lighting.
- Make Lights Accessible.
- Omit Narrow Spaces.
- Install No-Slip Floors.
- Remove Sharp Edges.
- Lower Countertop Heights.
- Get the Right Door and Drawer Pulls.
- Plan Door and Drawer Storage.
- Think about Technology that can help
TOP TIP – What is your Insurance Policy on House Fires?
Appliance malfunctions that result in house fires are typically covered by insurance policies. However, insurance policies generally do not cover fires caused by incorrect operation, negligence, or inadequate maintenance.
If a senior forgetfully leaves the stove on and a fire occurs, the insurer may refuse to compensate any claims. It is therefore essential to review your insurance policy to determine what is covered and take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of fire in your home if your policy does not provide coverage.