Kitchen Safety Concerns for People with Dementia
Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more than trying; it can be unsafe.
Cooking and eating are basic daily functions for us all, and since we strive to provide as normal an existence as possible to our loved ones with dementia, if you share a home, sharing the kitchen may need to be part of the experience. However, safety for everyone must be taken into account.
Since the national Alzheimer’s Association specializes in tricky issues that can have a steep learning curve for family caregivers, I contacted Ruth Drew, MS, LPC, the Director of Family and Information Services for the organization.
Drew says that taking a person-centered approach can be effective in addressing the issue of kitchen safety in the home of a person with Alzheimer’s. “Some people with Alzheimer’s are happy to be part of the action, which could mean washing dishes, helping mix cookie batter, or peeling carrots,” she said.
While family caregivers already know about the personal history of their loved one, if a hired caregiver is involved, he or she should get to know the background of the person.
“Asking questions such as what did the person with Alzheimer’s used to enjoy, what does this person like to do now, and what is this person capable of doing today will help guide family members and caregivers in making decisions about safety, including how a person with Alzheimer’s can continue to be active in the kitchen,” Drew said. “Depending on the level of function of the person with Alzheimer’s, you may need to take measures to ensure safety for everyone in the home.”
Drew suggests that caregivers secure knives and other sharp implements in drawers with safety locks, put toxic chemicals in cabinets with safety locks, remove knobs from stoves, position the person with Alzheimer’s away from a hot stove, and lower the hot water…
Helpful Tools:
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
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