Dementia a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. It’s a general term often for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It’s important to make sure those suffering from dementia are safe at home, especially in the kitchen.
JEVS at Home’s Nurse Kim shares her tips that can keep you or your loved ones safe:
- Add child-proof latches on cabinets with breakable or dangerous items like glasses and cleaners
- Use safety knobs on stoves or burners
- Check the smoke detector frequently
- Install a carbon monoxide detector
- Remove artificial fruits and vegetables so they do not confuse them with edible food
- Insert a drain tap in the sink
- Remove slippery kitchen mats or rugs
- Schedule regular fridge cleanings to remove expired food
- Label cabinets, kitchen cabinets, and drawers to help identify items
- Remove sharp objects, like knives, from the kitchen
- Invest in jar or bottle openers
