Depending upon the type of assisted living Villanova or senior housing facility a parent moves into in the Villanova area, he or she may still have some comforts of living in their own apartment unit. If this is the situation, it is important to ensure that the home is set up to be as safe as possible. Some of the older facilities may require some updating and if allowed by the complex, it may be possible to renovate a parent’s new home.
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in a home for an elderly parent. It can pose tripping, fire, electrocution and laceration hazards. If renovations are allowed, the kitchen should be the first area of the home to focus on.
Appliances
Inspect and make sure that all current appliances are safe and secure to operate. It may be necessary to install new models of appliances to ensure the safety of a parent. Newer models are designed to safely operate and have other precautions to ensure they are not misused.
To help them spend less time in the kitchen cleaning up, make sure there is a working dishwasher in the kitchen. It is also a good idea to create an organized working space. That way they can store everything in a designated place and remember where it is.
Cabinets
It should be easy for the parent to reach into the cabinets and get what he or she needs. By installing pull-out shelves, it makes it possible to take advantage of all the space in a cabinet and have it easily pull out so it can be accessed. It is also important to install the upper cabinets at a height they can easily be reached. If that is not possible, consider installing pull-down shelves to make them easily accessible.
Knobs
The knobs on cabinets can often be difficult to grasp for some elderly parents. Replace all knobs with those that can be easily grabbed and pulled on. Suggested knobs include those that are in the shape of the letter D and those that are cup-shaped.
A newly renovated kitchen will offer a safe environment for a parent to cook in. The renovation may also help create an organized space where the parent can find everything he or she needs on a daily basis.
