Geriatric Care Management Blog

In my last posting I spoke to ways to improve the safety and accessibility of the bath for seniors who choose to age in place at home.  Some of the same preventive measures can apply to the kitchen, but the kitchen also poses some of its own unique hazards. 

As with the bath, beware of scatter rugs in front of sinks or food preparation areas.  Areas that may be targets for water or grease spills should have non-slip mats or nothing at all.   Check all thresholds leading to and from the kitchen to be sure there is nothing that may be trip hazard to individuals whose stride may be devolving to a shuffle.  For individuals who may be unsteady on their feet, consider grip bars in key spots as well as check the walkways in and around dining areas to make sure there is enough clearance for easy mobility.  Also look for electric cords or clutter on the floor.

As with all areas of the house, check to see how much wattage can be accommodated by fixtures, and maximize the light while also minimizing the shadows...