According to StudyFinds.org, a recent survey of 2,000 Americans found that the average American spends 1,000 hours in the kitchen. For many, cooking is not just a necessity; 73% of polled participants say they enjoy doing it at least sometimes.
If you also love cooking and are considering moving to an independent living community, you’ll be happy to know the best ones have apartment homes equipped with kitchenettes. So you can still enjoy making your favorite concoctions.
However, always remember that cooking safety is just as crucial in your new cozy home.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right page. The caring experts at GreenTree At Westwood, our senior living community in Columbus, IN, have shared kitchen and cooking safety for seniors, so please read on.
Invest in Non-Slip Floor Mats
According to MSDManuals.com, around one in four adults 65 and older report falling yearly. Missing steps on the stairway isn’t the only cause; slipping in the kitchen can also be a factor.
So, to lower your fall risks, consider furnishing your independent living apartment home, including the kitchen, with anti-slip and anti-fatigue mats.
Anti-slip mats feature materials that improve grip on kitchen floors. They can be especially crucial in preventing slips and falls caused by fluid spills (like oil!) on shiny floors. They also make for ideal bathroom additions to enhance overall elderly home safety.
Anti-fatigue mats, which provide a cushioned, supportive surface, are also helpful tools for improving kitchen safety for elders. They help reduce the stress on older adults’ backs and legs that can arise when standing and walking for prolonged periods.
Get a Food Thermometer
As people age, their immune systems become less efficient at recognizing and eliminating harmful germs. As a result, older people are more likely to get sick due to pathogens (disease-causing organisms) in food. Indeed, according to the U.S. CDC, adults 65 and older are at a higher risk for food poisoning and foodborne illnesses.
So, one of the most crucial senior cooking precautions is ensuring you cook food thoroughly. A food thermometer can help you achieve this goal, as it allows you to confirm that you’ve cooked meat to the proper temperature. FoodSafety.gov has a nifty guide you can use as a reference for safe cooking temperatures.
Remember FIFO
FIFO stands for “First In, First Out.” It’s a storage and usage system integral to safe meal preparation.
In FIFO, the “first in” part refers to food that has been in storage the longest. You must use it before anything newer (“first out”) and prevent it from going bad and becoming waste.
Other key elements of FIFO include:
- Storing food in seal-tight containers
- Organizing food by their use-by or expiration dates
- Marking food without use-by or expiration dates with their dates of purchase
- Placing the “oldest” food in front
- Storing the same types of food together (e.g., grains with grains, spices with other spices, etc.)
FIFO does more than help minimize food waste. It also allows you to enjoy food when it’s fresher and prevents mold and pathogen growth.
Store Heaviest Items at Waist Level
One of the best tactics for preventing kitchen accidents in your senior apartment home is to store the heaviest kitchen supplies or tools at waist level. It helps reduce accident risk by eliminating the need to reach overhead. If you have to do this, you risk dropping the heavy item and injuring yourself or, at the very least, facing property damage.
Another way this storage tactic works is by keeping you from crouching too low to retrieve heavy items below your waist. Crouching or bending awkwardly can put unnecessary stress on your knees and back.
Never Leave Food Cooking Unattended
According to SierraNewsOnline.com, cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires and injuries in the United States. Of these incidents, unattended cooking is the primary culprit, causing almost 90% of all kitchen fires.
So, to avoid fires, never leave your cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn the stove or oven off.
Keep Fire Hazards Away
Keep your cooking area clean and organized, and ensure towels and paper products are far from open flames. Your attire can also be a fire hazard, especially if it’s loose, as it can easily catch flames. Wear short sleeves or roll them tightly whenever you cook to keep them as far from the fire as possible.
Slice and Stir Like a Pro
When slicing food with a knife, curl your fingers inward and use your fingertips to grip the food firmly. Positioning your fingers like this can help minimize the risk of knife injuries by keeping them away from the sharp blade.
Another cooking safety tip is to stir food away from you. It is especially crucial when handling food with boiling liquids.
Don’t Delay Calling Maintenance Personnel
Providing access to expert maintenance personnel is one of the top benefits of a reputable independent living community. For instance, GreenTree At Westwood has a professional team providing housekeeping and regular home upkeep. Our staff is also at your service if you need emergency maintenance.
So, take advantage of your independent living community’s professional home maintenance perk by informing them about potential problems with your kitchen. For example, call them immediately if you have a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm issue. Do the same if you have a concern regarding your kitchen appliances or any other system in your apartment home.
Then, while the maintenance professionals work on your kitchen, you can enjoy your community’s chef-prepared meals optimized for senior nutrition.
Enjoy Your New Kitchen With These Cooking Safety Tips
While your retirement community may offer delicious, nutritious meals prepared by culinary experts, you can still cook your favorite food for yourself or your friends in the comfort and privacy of your apartment home. As long as you follow our cooking safety tips, you can enjoy this activity while reducing the risks of accidents and injuries.
If you’re ready to discover your Columbus, IN, senior living options, we encourage you to explore our beautiful retirement community, GreenTree At Westwood. From our tastefully and well-equipped apartment homes, numerous on-site amenities, and a full calendar of engaging senior activities, we offer all these and more to our residents.
Call us today to book your visit and see why area residents choose us as their next home!
