Cooking Safety for Seniors: Tips for a Safe Kitchen Environment
According to the Fire & Safety Journal Americas, cooking fires account for 48% of all residential fires, with over 150 lives lost and over 3,200 injuries per year. As we get older, the risk of these accidents happening increases, especially if we live alone.
Naturally, you might be worried, and being around other people can help. For example, moving into independent living in Hanford, CA can give you peace of mind.
But if you're not quite ready to give up your full independence, then you should brush up on cooking safety. Read on for some elderly cooking tips and independent living precautions you can use to keep you and your household safe.
Fire and Burn Prevention
As we've just mentioned, cooking fires can be a huge risk, especially if you make meals often. So knowing how to safely use your stove and oven can literally save your life.
Never leave cooking unattended, and use an automatic shut-off stove. Opting for an induction cooktop is safer than an open-flame gas burner too. If you must step away from your task at hand, then set a kitchen timer so you're reminded of the active cooking happening, should you forget.
While cooking, turn the pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills. Also, keep flammable objects away from burners, like dish towels and paper towels.
When handling hot items, always use oven mitts instead of dish towels, as they'll protect your hands better. To prevent further burns, let the foods cool slightly before eating them too.
Lastly, if it's not already, set your water heater at 120 degrees. This will prevent accidental scalding.
Reducing the Risk of Falls and Injuries
Your kitchen's layout can make all the difference in fall and injury prevention. Plus, an added benefit is that you won't have to exert yourself as much while cooking.
First, you should keep frequently used items within easy reach. This lets you avoid excessive bending or reaching.
In addition, the floors should be non-slip and free of obstacles. Clear it of things like rugs and cords; this will make it great for general home safety too.
You should use a step stool with a handle if necessary, and don't stand on chairs, which are unstable. Install grab bars for additional support if needed.
Footwear is important too. Try not to wear slippers or socks on tile floors; wear non-slip shoes with good grip instead.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety
It's easy to see when a fire happens, but you don't want it to get to that point. You should already have smoke detectors in the kitchen, but make sure you test them regularly.
Also, always keep a small ABC-rated fire extinguisher within easy reach, as this can be used in electrical fires (turn off the power source first though) and grease fires. Otherwise, with the latter type of fire, you can smother it, but never use water.
Carbon monoxide is harder to detect, as it doesn't have a smell or look. This is why having a working carbon monoxide detector is crucial. If you use a gas stove or oven, then ensure good ventilation.
Electrical and Appliance Safety
Appliances can indirectly cause fires, as well as electrocution, which makes checking your appliances a key task. Inspect the cords for fraying or damage and replace the devices if you notice any.
Keep the appliances away from water sources to prevent electrocution. When they're not in use, unplug the smaller appliances to minimize your risks.
If you microwave your meals often, then invest in a microwave-safe cover. This can help you avoid splatters and burns.
Safe Meal Preparation
Food poisoning can easily happen if you don't handle your food correctly, and it all starts with washing your hands before and after handling food.
When storing food, have the perishables at or below 40 degrees. Put the raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
In addition, check expiration dates regularly and label your leftovers so you can check them easily. If anything smells or looks unusual, don't risk eating it, even if it's not expired yet.
When you cook meat, use a food thermometer to make sure it's cooked to a safe temperature. Use the following as a reference:
- Chicken: 165 F
- Beef: 145 F
- Ground meat: 160 F
- Fish: 145 F
Adapting for Cognitive and Vision Changes
As we age, our bodies may not function the way we want. Our sight grows dimmer, our hearing starts going, and our memories become fuzzier.
To accommodate these things, make things easier on yourself. Here are a few helpful suggestions:
- Create a routine for meal prep
- Use appliances with automatic shut-off features
- Use bright, glare-free bulbs
- Use large-print labels in the kitchen
- Mark stove knobs with high-contrast stickers
- Use a meal delivery service
If things become unmanageable on your own, consider senior living in Hanford. The floor plans are specifically designed for older adults, and there's helpful staff too.
Emergency Preparedness
One of the most important parts of senior kitchen safety is being prepared for emergencies. It can make a huge difference in the damage both you and your home take.
Having a phone nearby while cooking is optimal. That way, you can call for help immediately. On that note, have a list of emergency contacts easily accessible; preferably, you already have them entered in your cell phone.
Know the basic first aid steps for burns and cuts if you don't already. And if you use a medical alert system, always wear it in the kitchen.
Practice Good Cooking Safety
Cooking brings joy to many people's lives, and you shouldn't have to stop just because you're getting older. Prepping, cooking, and eating all offer differing aspects of fun and passion, but they also come with dangers.
By practicing good cooking safety, you can prevent things like fires, burns, fires, and food poisoning. And as a result, you can maintain your independence both in the kitchen and at home.
The Remington is an independent living community located in a convenient area and it's recently renovated. Get in touch with us today if you want the cooking taken care of while in Hanford senior living.