To continue living independently at home as we age, being able to safely prepare and cook meals is essential. The kitchen can be one of the most dangerous places in the house, especially for seniors. Fortunately, there are many changes you can make to create a safe and functional kitchen. Consider these 9 tips to make cooking as safe as possible at you or your loved one’s home:
1. Relocate Frequently Used Items
If you need to use a step stool to access kitchenware in upper cabinets or must crouch to get items from lower cabinets, it could be time to relocate them. Move items you use often, such as plates, cups, and cookware, to waist-high level storage areas for easier lifting.
2. Install Automatic Shut-Off Devices for Appliances
If you or your loved one is forgetful or has memory issues, the oven, stovetop, or other appliances could pose fire hazards if left on for extended periods of time. Shut-off devices can manage this concern by automatically turning off the appliance through timers or sensors. There are a variety of devices you can buy to help prevent fires.
3. Utilize Non-Skid Materials
Between doing the dishes and preparing food, spills are a common occurrence in the kitchen, and the resulting slick surfaces can cause you to fall. You can utilize non-skid materials to reduce your chance of falling. Consider wearing shoes or slippers with skid-free soles and buy a nonslip mat to use in front of the sink.
4. Clean Up Clutter
Having too many items on the floor, table, or countertops can make navigating and using your kitchen challenging and unsafe. Remove excess material from these areas by throwing away or recycling unneeded clutter or by storing it in cupboards or other areas in your home.
5. Buy a Functional Timer
Timers are an extremely useful tool while cooking. Buy a timer that enables you or your loved one to take food off a burner or out of the oven on time. For those with hearing or vision loss, there are timers that emit a loud sound or use flashing lights to signify that time is done.
6. Increase Lighting
Our vision decreases as we age, making hazards and obstacles harder to see. Adding bright, ample lighting can help provide more awareness of your environment, especially in high-use areas like the sink, stovetop, and countertops.
7. Label Perishable Items
Managing perishable food items can be difficult, especially if they are hard to reach. Label items with the purchase or preparation date to help you or your loved ones eat the food on time or know when to throw out spoiled food.
8. Mount and Test Alarms
No matter how safe we are, emergencies can happen while we are cooking. It’s important to be prepared when they occur. Make sure your kitchen has smoke alarms installed to warn you of potential fires. Then, test the alarm to ensure it is working. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests you test the alarm every month and replace the batteries once a year. Additionally, consider getting a fire extinguisher designed for seniors to easily use.
9. Take Advantage of Professional Help
You or your loved one can get professional help to ensure you continue to safely cook in your home. CareAparent, an in-home care company serving the Twin Cities metro, is here to help. Our Occupational Therapists can assess potential hazards in your kitchen and with your cooking routine, and then they can make adaptations to reduce your risk of injury. Additionally, our dedicated caregivers can provide transportation to grocery shopping and prepare meals if needed.
CareAparent is certified by Medicare, so you can trust us to keep you or your loved ones safe. Visit CareAparent.com or call 651.702.HOME (4663) to request a complimentary consultation to see how we can help you and your loved one live safely and independently at home.
Walk-In Showers: The Timeless and Practical Choice Walk-in showers not only provide a modern and open feel to any bathroom, but they also come in a variety of styles and designs to complement a wide range of aesthetic preferences. How to Maximize Space with a Walk-In Shower One of the main advantages of walk-in showers is their versatility, as they can be customized to your desired size and style. As you envision your dream bathroom, consider your bathing needs, preferred finishes, shower accessories and available shower unit space. If you have a smaller bathroom space, here are some tips to maximize the space inside your shower. Corner shelves or built-in wall shelving provide convenient storage for toiletries A sliding door can also be a space-saving solution, as it doesnt require extra clearance for the door to hinge open A wall-mounted bench or chair can offer seating without occupying valuable space, making it both functional and space-efficient Design Inspiration: Creative Shower Remodeling Ideas Incorporating unique wall patterns, tiles and colors can drastically transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Take inspiration from Pinterest or interior design magazines for ideas you may want to replicate in your home. The Importance of Durability in Design If you want your new bathroom to look and feel timeless for years to come, selecting a long-lasting material for your shower base and shower walls is essential. KOHLER LuxStone walls unique crushed stone construction provides durability and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, KOHLER LuxStone shower walls are stain-resistant and nonporous, making them highly resistant to mold and mildew and exceptionally low-maintenance compared to other shower wall options, like tile or fiberglass. Remodel with a LuxStone Walk-In Shower When you remodel your bathroom with a KOHLER LuxStone shower, you get to choose from a selection of: Seamless shower walls in various colors, patterns and textures Showerheads and fixtures in a variety of styles and finishes Glass shower doors in frameless barn door, sliding and pivot designs Seamless shelving and storage options Support and stability options, including grab bars, foot ledges and seating Low-threshold shower bases and bathtubs Our dedication to offering a truly customizable shower remodeling experience provides you with plenty of opportunities to make your vision a reality. And, with free design consultations always included, were here to help you every step of the way. The Safety Features of the KOHLER LuxStone Shower If safety and security are major factors in your bathroom remodel, we may have the solutions you have been searching for. KOHLER LuxStone showers offer various adaptable safety features, making a comfortable and secure showering experience more easily accessible. Low step-in threshold allows for easy entry and exit Moveable and built-in seating options ensure that individuals can shower comfortably Integrated grab bars offer extra stability Your New Walk-In Shower from Inspiration to Installation If youre considering updating your bathroom, choose KOHLER LuxStone for a high-quality, low-maintenance shower or bath with start-to-finish remodeling service always included. Call (800) 704-9847 to request your free design consultation today!
Lets face it: theres never a great time to renovate. Opening your space to construction crews, losing access to rooms mid-remodel and enduring the thin but persistent layer of sheetrock dust on every surface of your home make taking the renovation plunge less than appealing. But if youre ready to make a change to your bathroom and remodel your shower, consider scheduling your remodel for the winter months. Read on to learn about the benefits of a winter shower remodel!Construction Crews Are More AvailableDuring busier times of the year, like spring and summer, you may have to wait for construction company availability rather than remodel on your preferred schedule. Designers, plumbers and electricians are also seasonally busy, with much lighter loads during the winter months. Planning your shower renovation for the winter season increases the likelihood that all necessary crew members are available.Your Renovation May Be SpeedierDepending on your renovation plans and the size of your construction crew, you may require special permitting. Just as construction companies are more available during the winter, so too are government officials responsible for permits. Homeowners who plan for a winter shower remodel may acquire their permits more quickly, shortening the length of their renovation.The Cost Of Materials May Be LowerYear-end sales on lumber, tile and other building materials can significantly reduce your renovation expenditures. Its typical for manufacturers to lower costs on premium materials during the winter months to make room for spring supplies. Keep an eye out for discounted materials starting around Black Friday and continuing through the season.It Makes Sense To Prioritize Interior ProjectsWinter weather makes for harsh construction conditions under which to pursue exterior renovations. When the temperature drops, consider addressing your interior to-dos instead. Remodeling your shower during the winter monthswhen its best to minimize your showering anyway to avoid drying out your skin and hairmeans a brand new shower to enjoy when temperatures rise again.Enjoy A Stress-Free, Seamless Remodel With KOHLER LuxStoneWith our expert designers, top-tier features and speedy installation, you can receive a luxury shower without all the hassle of a typical bathroom renovation. Ready to learn more? Contact us today for a free consultation. Request A Free Design Consultationor call (800) 704-9847
As our parents grow older, they may need more hands-on help than their children can provide. According to a 2021 AARP survey, 77% of adults 50 and older want to age in place, staying in their own homes long term and retaining as much independence as possible. With private pay home care services, families can avoid placing their loved ones in a nursing home and help ensure theyre safe and comfortable in their own home. What is Private Pay Home Care?Private pay is the most common way of paying for home care services. This is when the payment comes directly out of pocket, using savings or existing assets to cover the costs of services. Some families are concerned about how to pay for in home care if they dont have existing assets to cover everything. At FirstLight Home Care, we understand that cost matters, so we work with you and your family to fully understand and navigate any third-party payment options. A number of insurance companies will provide home health care insurance, and there are also a variety of benefits and programs you may qualify for, including veteran benefits. What Do I Get Out of My Investment in Home Care? At FirstLight Home Care, care is not one size fits all. We assess your loved ones unique needs and develop a customized plan from our experienced care team. This personalized approach means that home care prices will vary depending on each clients needs. For example, your mom may still live at home and only need about four hours of care per day to help her with daily tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation and running errands. Meanwhile, another family might need a live-in caregiver for a loved one with dementia and requiring full-time support. When taking care of a family member, the cost of caregiving goes beyond the value of paying for food or medications but also the lost time and energy spent in caretaking. Having someone else step in and help as a caregiver is one of the best ways to strengthen your relationship with your family member while also ensuring their physical and mental safety. What Services Can I Expect From Home Care?Aging in place in the comfort of your own home is one of the biggest blessings and one that everyone should be able to experience. With FirstLights senior care services, we allow your loved ones to maintain their independence and keep up with their daily routines. Here are just a few of the ways our caregivers can help at home: Light housekeeping servicesMeal preparationsMaintaining personal hygiene and bathing assistanceContinence and toileting careTransportation to medical appointments and errandsMedication remindersAssisting with walking and mobilityProviding conversation and companyAt FirstLight Home Care, were committed to helping you find the best solution for care services for your loved ones. Request a personalized quote, and well guide you through the process and partner with you to explore all options available for your particular situation. Call us at (612) 473-3227 for more information.
Welcome to CareAparent. A premier provider of in-home care in Minnesota for individuals who would like to avoid the move to assisted living or a nursing home.CareAparent believes most people would prefer to live and age in place in their home as independently as possible for as long as possible. Our job is to make that happen.We offer essential in-home care services throughout the Twin Cities, whenever its needed, to continue enjoying life in a familiar, comfortable environment. Whether you or a loved one needs minimal assistance or certain visits during the week or 24/7 care well be there. Passionate and experienced Caregivers are available 24-hours a day and every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. We will help assess the needs of you or your loved one by creating a client-centered care plan. When you need the best home health care the Twin Cities Metro Area has to offer contact the professionals at CareAparent.Call us at 651-702-4663 Services Provided:Quality Home Health Carehygiene and wellnessHealth HygieneLight HousekeepingMeals and feeding assistanceMeals and NutritionCompanion CareErrands and transportationTransportationRespite careSkilled Nurse VisitsMedication ManagementMonitoring Vital SignsCatheter and Ostomy CaresINR Checks and Diabetes ManagementClinical ManagerHospice SupportPhysical TherapyOccupational TherapyCMe TelemedicineVeteran Services
CareAparent provides in-home care for independent living. Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health, accredited by The Joint Commission, and certified by Medicare, CareAparent offers comprehensive home health care solutions throughout the Twin Cities so clients can continue to enjoy life while living independently and safely at home. For more information, visit CareAparent.com or call 651.702.HOME (4663).
You want your loved one to live independently at home for as long as possible, but you are noticing changes in their ability to complete the tasks required to be safe at home, and you might not know how to best support them. CareAparent is here to be your partner to keep your loved ones safe and independent at home. We are certified by Medicare and licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide care solutions for clients throughout the Twin Cities area. Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to see how we can help!