There is a reason that the vast majority of elderly adults report that they want to remain in their own home throughout the rest of their lives. \u00a0The home is where you are most comfortable and at ease. \u00a0It is familiar and feels safe. \u00a0For an elderly adult, they might have spent many decades in their home and could have shared the environment with their partner. \u00a0This creates memories that they cherish and that they do not want to leave.<\/p>\n
As a family caregiver, you can help your parent to remain in their own home for longer by making meaningful modifications to their environment. \u00a0These modifications can help them to maintain a higher level of function and accessibility within the space while also boosting safety, security, and comfort. \u00a0One area of the home where this is particularly important is the kitchen.<\/p>\n
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Use these tips to help improve home safety and accessibility in the kitchen:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Ensure easy accessibility of cabinets.<\/strong> You do not want your elderly loved one to have to reach, climb, or attempt otherwise risky maneuvers just to get inside their cabinets and access what they need inside. Move items that are used most frequently to the cabinets that are most easily reached and large or heavy items to the lower cabinets.<\/p>\n \u2022 Use \u201clazy\u201d features.<\/strong> Features such as Lazy Susans and pull-out cabinets allow for more storage in cabinets and allow for easier access to the things inside of them, eliminating reaching and pulling.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Simplify use of the faucet.<\/strong> Seniors with pain, stiffness, or loss of range of motion in their hands can have difficulty using traditional faucets. This can even result in them accidentally scalding themselves with hot water. Simplify the use of their faucet by installing a touch-style version. This eliminates the need to use knobs or handles.<\/p>\n