Dear Wise Seniors: 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?
— Asking Daughter
more:Want peace of mind for your aging family members? Smart home devices can help
For enquiries please contact: There are several small improvements and easy 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 prevent tripping and slipping, or consider using gel mats that are cushioned and comfortable for long periods of standing. GelPro.com and WellnessMats.com offer great selections.
Cabinets and drawers: To reduce bending and reaching, organize cabinets and drawers in Mom's kitchen so the items she uses most often are within easy reach. Installing pull-out or swivel shelves can also make lower cabinets and pantries easier to access, and installing pull-down shelves in upper cabinets (see Rev-a-shelf.com) means you won't have to stand on a stool to reach items on higher shelves. We also recommend replacing cabinet and drawer knobs with “D” or “C” shaped pull handles, 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 Mom's microwave is installed on top of the stove, consider moving it or buying a mini countertop microwave so she doesn't have to reach over the stove to put food in and take it out. And if you're worried Mom will forget to turn off the stove, there are automatic power-off devices you can buy and install to prevent fires. iGuardStove (iGuardFire.com) makes the best smart power-off devices for gas and electric stoves. And to prevent microwave fires, there's the SmartMicro Microwave Power-Off Device from Pioneering Technology (PioneeringTech.com).
more:Too old to garden? Here are some tips to keep your hobby going
Shopping for home appliances
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 drawers 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. Consider models with doors that open to the side, making it easier to get into the oven since you won't have to lean over a hot swinging door. Also consider wall-mounted ovens that can be set 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 rise about 24 inches also reduce back strain and allow for easier 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 NBC's “Today” show and author of “The Savvy Senior.”
