How to Reorganize the Kitchen for Seniors. Your Ultimate In-House Guide

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where we gather, cook and eat. However, as our bodies age, we become less flexible. This leads to a higher risk of falling, inability to reach things on the top shelf, and other difficulties. It's prevalent for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease; the kitchen can feel overwhelming and confusing for them. This article will look into ways to reorganize the kitchen and make it safe for seniors.

Have Utensils That Are Easier to Grip

The handles on utensils should be large enough so that they are easy to hold and use. It will help prevent slips while cooking or serving food at the table. Also, ensure the handles consist of materials like silicone or rubber, which provide good traction even when wet or greasy fingers touch them. Otherwise, try using a potato peeler instead of a paring knife — it will be easier for arthritic fingers to hold onto than an ordinary knife blade.

Reorganize the Kitchen So the Cabinet Knobs Are Easier to Hold

Make cabinet knobs easy to hold. If your loved one has tremors or other mobility issues, they may find it hard to get a good grip on cabinet knobs. To make them easier to grasp, you can put rubber bands around each handle so they have something extra to hold.

You can also replace knobs with pull handles if your loved one has trouble turning things like doorknobs or faucets because they might have weak hands or fingers that don't work as well as they used to.

Arrange Items for Easy Use(Complementary Items)

Complementary items are those that are used together. It makes it easier to find them without too much movement when kept together. For example, a pair of scissors and a cutting board. A whisk and a bowl. This concept applies to many different kinds of items in the kitchen. If you have two different types of pots (e.g., one for boiling water and one for cooking food), label them clearly so no one gets confused. You may also want to consider buying pots with different colors to easily distinguish them from each other by sight alone.

Reorganize the Kitchen for Easier Access to Frequently Used Items

Cabinets should be organized by frequency of use. Place items used more often at eye level or lower for easy access. For example, if someone regularly uses a frying pan or kettle, they might want these items placed on the countertops. Likewise, suppose someone uses a blender or food processor often. In that case, they may want these appliances stored in an easy-to-reach location, like on an open shelf or countertop, instead of inside a cabinet where they have to open several doors to get at them.

Organize for Safety

Make sure that everything in your kitchen is easy to reach and use. If items are too high up or tucked away, seniors will have trouble reaching them. This can then lead to falls and injuries. Make sure there are no sharp edges on countertops or cabinets — rounded corners are safer for those who experience tremors.

Adjust Drawers and Doors Accordingly

Make sure that any drawers or doors open smoothly without sticking or jumping out at your loved one unexpectedly (which could result in injury). You might also consider removing any drawers or doors altogether if they're not used often enough by most people.

Reorganize the Kitchen for Seniors

Seniors can still enjoy the kitchen with proper organization. You can list these tips and see what makes the most sense for your seniors' condition. Once you have this list, it is easier to see what steps would make it easier to run the kitchen safely. For more personalized and detailed care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, Senior Helpers Chicago/Evanston is equipped to assist. Whether you need 24/7 care for your senior, they will be right there to give the best care.