Seniors often need to modify or reorganize areas of their homes as they get older so that they can still comfortably do the things they need to do to live safely at home. The kitchen is one area that needs a lot of modifications so that seniors can safely and easily cook meals for themselves. Changing health conditions like arthritis and weakening muscle strength can make it difficult for seniors to do the things that they used to do in the kitchen. An elder care provider can be a huge help for seniors when it comes to cooking meals. These easy kitchen changes and modification can also help seniors as they age in place: 

Install a Pot Filler 

One very common struggle that seniors have in the kitchen is carrying a pot full of water from the sink to the stove, especially if the kitchen is large. An elder care provider can move pots full of water when they are visiting, but seniors need to be able to safely fill a pot when they’re alone too. A pot filler by stove is a fantastic modification to make for your senior loved one. A pot filler is a small faucet placed near the stove so that your senior loved one can fill a pot and put it right on the stove without having to carry it a long distance.  

Put The Microwave On The Counter 

In many seniors’ homes the microwave is built in either above the stove or underneath the counter. Both locations can be difficult for seniors to reach, especially if they are holding a plate or container of food. Reaching for a hot plate either higher than the stove or lower than the counter can also be a recipe for disaster. Replace the built-in microwave with a small counter top microwave that your senior loved one can easily reach.  

Get A Toaster Oven 

Toaster ovens are very versatile and can be used to heat up many different things. Buy your senior loved one a high-quality toaster oven and put it on the counter so that your senior loved one can easily make toast or heat up meals without having to use the oven. The oven door can be heavy and difficult for some seniors to grasp, and lifting a heavy pan or baking sheet out of the oven can be too much for seniors with poor grip strength. A toaster oven is a great solution that will make it much easier for seniors to make meals.  

Hang Utensils Lower  

All of the pots, potholders, mugs, and utensils that are hung up need to be moved so that they are within easy reach for your senior loved one. Many seniors have trouble reaching up high as they get older and arthritis can make it difficult for them to grasp items hung on the walls. Use a pegboard to create a much more manageable hanging station where everything that your senior parent needs can easily be reached.  

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Riverview, FL please contact the caring staff at Healthy Services Of Tampa, Inc today. 813-932-9922