According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the home is the most common location for an accident. Falls are noted to be the most common of accidents, which can result in serious injury for anyone of any age, though the risk of falling increases as we get older. For seniors who wish to live independently in their own home, safety is essential for both minimising accidents and elevating quality of life. In the kitchen, innovative design solutions can minimise burns, slips, and falls. From the power of technology and lighting solutions to burn prevention, there is no shortage of options when aiming to elevate kitchen safety.
The Role of Efficient Lighting
Modern kitchens have evolved to put safety at the forefront of design, with Shyamala Prabhu, Principal Architect at Aakruti Architects and Designers explaining it best. “The modern kitchen has evolved in a way to take care of all age groups. For example, appliances with a soft touch and soft closing are very safe even for senior citizens to use.” Prabhu points out the value of technology within the kitchen, noting that appliances that respond to voice can be particularly beneficial to older individuals who wish to maintain independence within their kitchen. Technology enables seniors to set a timer, operate smaller appliances (like a coffee maker), and even turn on lights with their voice or the touch of a button, making the modern kitchen immensely accessible for those with limited reach or those who experience a disability.
Additional design choices can further enhance the accessibility and safety of a kitchen. Lighting, for example, can go a long way when creating a kitchen that keeps safety at the forefront of the design. While it may sound relatively simple, it can enable individuals to see hazards like clutter and dropped items better. Efficient lighting can also allow an individual with poor eyesight to read a recipe better, which can further prevent any mishaps. In addition, specialised lighting solutions can illuminate those ‘always dark’ areas or corners of the room. Recessed or track lighting is often used when installing accent lighting. In the kitchen, accent lighting can make a significant difference when better illuminating the countertops throughout the day and night. Drawer lighting can also make a difference, especially when it comes to cluttered drawers or containing sharp utensils.
Proper lighting can also supplement smart organisational strategies, making favourite products more accessible and visible. For example, products geared towards safety and independence in the kitchen — like Anti-Slip Cutlery Grips or Antimicrobial CupCaps can easily become lost or misplaced in the kitchen. A designated drawer with lighting or even a small basket on the counter, however, can be illuminated for easy access while providing the items with a designated place. The same can be said when keeping practical items like Anti-Slip Cup Holders and Anti-Slip Coasters within reach, making a nighttime tea much safer and accessible.
From Burn Prevention to Fire Safety
Burns are a common injury that can generally be avoided when considering kitchen safety. Innovative kitchen solutions, such as Extreme Super Grip Adhesive Mats, are ideal when carrying a tray of hot tea or soup. However, diving deeper into kitchen design can further prevent injury. For example, one Houzz article points out that keeping your microwave at counter height is best for your back, as it eliminates the need to bend or reach over your shoulders. This can also prevent injury when heating food, enabling you to grip plates and cups without spilling.
Non-slip floor mats can further add to burn prevention within the kitchen, especially when considering how often hot items, liquids, and food are shuffled about from countertop to stove. When choosing the right non-slip floor mat, it’s imperative to factor in comfort and safety, especially if you enjoy spending plenty of time in the kitchen. Slip-resistant anti-fatigue mats are a consideration when enhancing kitchen safety while supporting the back and feet. When it comes to the stove, installing high-heat limiting burner covers and an in-hood extinguisher that can contain a stove top fire are both significant considerations in addition to a kitchen fire extinguisher.
Encouraging Healthy Activities — the Kitchen Garden
Integrating plants within the home can promote independent living, especially when outdoor gardening presents challenges (an uneven walkway, pain associated with kneeling, etc.). On the other hand, caring for indoor plants presents an excellent opportunity to stay active and engaged in a hobby. That said, even the presence of plants within the home brings to light an array of benefits. For example, plants in the home or office are scientifically proven to make you feel more comfortable, soothed, and natural, according to one study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology. Healthline goes on to identify several additional advantages of plants within the home, noting that they may boost productivity, provide therapeutic benefits, and may even help you recover from illness faster.
To accommodate seniors who experience health conditions that can make movement difficult (like arthritis), mindfully designing a safe and green kitchen is essential. One way to do this is by elevating individual plants or an indoor garden to prevent the need for bending down and minimise the risks of tripping and falling, while incorporating a nearby plant-care station (with arthritis-friendly shears, for example) can encourage regular and pain-free gardening. A straightforward solution is to keep a small herb garden on the counter, using a non-slip mat to secure the plants while keeping the greenery central to the kitchen sink for easy watering. The same idea can be applied should you choose to designate a drawer to gardening supplies. Tenura grip strips and rolls can also be helpful to store and organise supplies while guaranteeing that everything stays put.
Moving extra plants to the living room is another solution, especially if your kitchen doesn’t allow for the safe integration of plants. In smaller spaces, utilising vertical space is key in keeping plants off the ground in a way that minimises clutter. This is particularly important when keeping in mind the fact that according to the RoSPA, more accidents occur in the lounge or living room than anywhere else in the home. With that in mind, a macrame plant hanger is an excellent solution and can even be made right from home with the help of a kit. A shelving structure is another great way to confine the plants to a specific indoor gardening area while minimising the chances of tripping over anything.
Safety is a must when trying to maintain independence at home as we age. The kitchen is just one area of the home that can result in cuts, burns, and other injuries, highlighting the importance of smart home design. Simple solutions such as proper lighting and the safe integration of hobbies offer several options for those looking to enhance safety at home.