Top Tools to Encourage More Independence in the Kitchen

By Jamie Shapiro | August 10, 2016 | Comments Off on Top Tools to Encourage More Independence in the Kitchen

Senior Care in Deerfield IL

The kitchen can be a challenging place for an elderly adult, and may leave them feeling as though they do not have the independence that they once did. They may not be able to manage tasks that they used to, or you might feel concerned that they are no longer safe handling all of the activities that they are accustomed to doing in the kitchen. This does not mean, however, that they should not be encouraged to do as much as they can on their own. Maintaining as much independence as they can is important to supporting their self-esteem, keeping their mind sharp, and encouraging them to stay as active and engaged as they can as they age in place.

 

Some tools that your parent can use to maintain more independence in the kitchen include:

  • Single cup coffee maker. Coffee is a favorite beverage among many people, and many studies have shown that it can be good for their health as well. Brewing an entire pot of coffee, however, can be both wasteful and dangerous. Weakness, loss of range of motion, and tremors can make it difficult for your parent to pick up a whole pot of coffee. This can cause them to tip the coffee onto themselves, causing serious burns. A single cup coffee maker means that they can still brew their own coffee, but only need to pick up the one cup rather than the whole heavy pot
  • Food processor. Cutting food can be dangerous for a senior who has limited mobility in their hands or deals with pain and stiffness. A single slip can result in a serious cut. Instead, a food processor allows your parent to cut and chop the ingredients for their meals without the danger
  • Oven gloves. Burns sustained when putting food into the oven or taking it out can be extremely painful, and put your parent at serious risk of an infection. Traditional oven mitts and potholders may not be enough to protect them. Oven gloves can resist extremely high temperatures and fit more securely to the hands, allowing them to protect their hands more effectively.

 

Starting a senior care arrangement for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them when you are seeking ways that you can encourage more independence and autonomy for your aging loved one. This senior home care services provider can be in the home with your loved one as much as is necessary for your parent’s specific needs, and create a customized approach to care and assistance tailored to their individuality, goals, and preferences. Especially if you are not able to be in the home with them as often as you would like to be, or feel that they need, this can empower your parent to take on more because it gives them the flexibility, time, and support to handle tasks even if they need to modify them to make them accessible. In the kitchen this can mean helping with challenging preparation tasks, guiding your loved one through the steps of cooking, and take on steps that might be too difficult for them.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Deerfield, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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