Kitchen Ideas for the Elderly

My 77-year-old mother loves to cook and has had several kitchen-related accidents over the past year. What are some tips for making the kitchen safer and more practical for seniors without a major, expensive remodel?

There are several small improvements and simple changes you can make to make your mom's kitchen safer and more user-friendly. Here are some tips for different aspects of the kitchen, depending on your mom's needs:

Light: If your mom's kitchen lighting needs improvement, replace the old ceiling light fixtures with bright new overhead lights and add LED lighting under the upper kitchen cabinets to brighten the kitchen countertops.

floor: If you have rugs in your kitchen, consider replacing them with non-slip floor mats to reduce tripping and slipping, or using gel mats that are cushioned and comfortable for standing for long periods of time. Gel Pro and Wellness Mat We offer a great selection.

Cabinets and drawers: To reduce bending and reaching, organize your mom's kitchen cabinets and drawers so the items she uses most are within easy reach. You can also make lower cabinets and pantries more accessible by installing pull-out or rotating shelves, or by installing pull-down shelves in upper cabinets. Rev-a-shelf.com) so you don't have to climb up on a stool to reach things on high shelves. We also recommend replacing knobs on your cabinets and drawers with “D” or “C” shaped pulls, which are easier for arthritic hands to grip than knobs.

faucet: If your mom has a screw-handle kitchen faucet, replace it with an ADA-compliant single-handle faucet or a touch, motion or digital smart faucet. It's easier to operate, especially if she has arthritis in her hands or grip strength issues. And to be safe, set the hot water tank temperature at 120 degrees to prevent water burns.

Microwave and countertop safety: If your mom's microwave is installed on top of the stove, consider moving it or buying a mini countertop microwave so she can put food in and take it out without reaching over the counter. And if you're worried that your mom will forget to turn off the stove, there are auto-shutoff devices you can buy and install to prevent fires. iGuardStove ((iGuardFire.com) makes the best smart shutoff devices for gas and electric stoves. Also, to prevent microwave fires, there is the SmartMicro microwave shutoff made by Pioneering Technology (Pioneer Tech).

If you are thinking about upgrading your mom’s appliances, keep some of the features mentioned here in mind.

refrigerator: French door refrigerators that open down the middle are great for seniors as they allow easy visibility and access to the contents, while adjustable height shelves with pull-out doors and water and ice dispensers on the outside of the door are also very convenient.

Stove or countertop: Look for one with controls on the front, so mom can turn it off without reaching for a hot burner. Also, make sure the controls are easy to see. Flat-surface electric or induction burners, or continuous grates on a gas stove, also make it easy to slide heavy pots and pans from burner to burner. Also, ask if the burners turn off automatically.

oven: Ovens with self-cleaning features are a plus, and consider side-swing door models, which make it easier to get into the oven since you don't have to lean over a hot swing-down door. Also consider wall-mounted ovens that can be installed at mom's preferred height so she doesn't have to bend over.

dishwasher: Consider a dishwasher with a pull-out design for easy access, and if possible, install it 12 to 24 inches above the floor so you can load and unload dishes without bending over.

washer and dryer: Front-loading washers and dryers with pedestals that raise the height by about 24 inches also reduce back strain and make them easier to access.

Questions about seniors can be sent to Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior.”