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Most seniors want to continue living their lives independently in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Not only is their home familiar to them, but it likely represents a sense of security, safety and comfort. With the right changes and additions to the home, most seniors can continue living autonomously and safely for years to come. This post will focus on additions to the kitchen, the heart of every home, I will present you some of the best gadgets for seniors in the kitchen in 2020.
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Choosing The Right Kitchen Devices
The kitchen has always been the hub of household activity; families gather here at mealtime and the contemporary kitchen is no different. It is the centre of the household where just about everything that happens is centred. This is why it is important for seniors to have a kitchen that is functional, practical and comfortable. Some amenity may mean little to young people, but are invaluable for the elderly. Here are some of the things that you can do to your kitchen in 2020 that will make it comfortable and easier to use.
Some Ideas For Modifying The Kitchen
There is no doubt that most elders need to have things around them which make it easier for them to perform everyday tasks that they once naturally did without a second thought. The kitchen is the epicenter of this and that is why some aging modifications to the kitchen can help seniors in several ways.
Before we move on to the specific gadgets that seniors can use in their kitchens, there are some modifications that you need to make to the kitchen to make it comfortable and user-friendly. Here are some of the ideas.
1. Stools And Chairs Must Be Well-Padded
Seniors tend to have very little range of motion which can cause pain and making it uncomfortable for them to stand for long periods. Some cooktops can feel very hot too. Luckily, manufacturers now offer well-padded stools and chairs that are very comfortable for seniors, especially when they sit for long periods and can be adjusted to fit them well. Additionally, hip fracture is a common concern among the elderly, and having comfortable seating options can help prevent further damage or discomfort.
2. Raised Shelfs Are Also A Good Idea
Seniors have a hard time bending down or reaching up a height to grab items from the shelves. This can be very uncomfortable and painful for them. A few well-placed raised shelves will bring everything they need in reach and comfort.
3. Sturdy And Reliable Counters
Personally, I cannot stand cluttered and cluttered counters. They are one of the worst things about every kitchen. I mean, why can’t people be organized. But that’s just me. For seniors, however, cluttered counters can be a real problem; not only are they clunky to operate, but they also seem to have a mind of their own, constantly trying to find new ways to swing and shake and move around. So, seniors must make sure that they invest in counters that are not just functional but stable and durable too. This will give them confidence when performing tasks that require a lot of movement and precision.
4. Less Lights In The Kitchen
I have to be honest with you, in the kitchen, I like my place to be full of light. I mean, there’s no other way to work there. Well, seniors may have the same opinion. But there is a flipside to that where the kitchen is their centre of operations. Too much sunlight can cause a lot of problems when you are trying to cook and keep foods fresh and well-taken care of. The best way to deal with this is to keep the lights low in the kitchen with some overhead lighting that can be easily dimmed.
5. There Must Be Good Ventilation
Airflow in the kitchen can be a big deal. It can make a huge difference to the environment and atmosphere in the kitchen. It can have a huge impact on the way that you cook and store food. The best way to provide good ventilation is to have windows that go up and down easily. This will help to keep the kitchen airy and fresh.
6. Bluetooth Speakers
These are a great way of providing entertainment for a senior in his/her kitchen. If you are a person who is always on the go and don’t have time to pay a visit to your seniors, try placing a wireless speaker in their kitchen and tune in to their favorite radio station or jukebox. And you can be sure that they will enjoy this simple but thoughtful gesture.
7. Lighting for Every Corner
It is important to have well-timed lighting in the kitchen for the elderly. They struggle with lighting and as a result, most batteries run dry. But the best way to fix that is to install LED lights wherever you can so that they aren’t bothered by having to change batteries often.
8. A Spacious Refrigerator
Controlling the temperature of the refrigerator can be very helpful for the elderly. They tend to damage their food if they keep it in a cold environment for long periods. Make sure that you provide them with a big enough refrigerator for them to keep their food cool for longer.
9. A Big Freezer
The freezer is the most important place in a refrigerator. So, make sure that you get the biggest one that you can without compromising on the other appliances that you’ll need to store. An easy-to-use freezer will help to keep the food fresh even in harsh conditions.
10. A Dishwasher
A wash and dry machine will make the life of a senior so much easier. It will be a life saver for them. It will not only reduce the burden on them, but also save them a lot of time. This way, they will be able to spend more time doing the things they love.
11. Automatic Coffee Maker
This is a great gadget for seniors as it will help them to wake up and get active with their day. The coffee maker can be used to brew a wide variety of drinks which makes it easier for them select the best for themselves.
12. Robust Sinks
Very often, sinks are the most overlooked part of the kitchen. They can be very dangerous too. So, make sure that you invest in a durable and reliable sink. This will ensure that seniors are allowed to perform several tasks that require a lot of movement and precise movements without worrying about hazards or accidents.
13. Refrigeration And Freezer Shelves
As I mentioned in the section above, storage is a big deal in the kitchen. The best way to expand your storage space is to invest in top quality shelves for the refrigerator and the freezer. These shelves can help you keep your food fresh for longer and keep the atmosphere in the kitchen fresh and good.
14. Sinks With Drawers
Drawers are very useful in a lot of cases as they help to keep your useful items on hand and close to hand. This is very useful when you are working with hot ingredients and you need something quickly. These drawers will help you, grab those items quickly while also keeping your work area neat and tidy.
Unger Reacher Grabber Tool
This product was recommended by Muhammad Mateen Khan from PureVPN
Also called a reacher grabber, a grabber stick, or a pick-up tool, a reaching stick is an extendable stick with a grabber at the end that allows you to reach things. This is perfect seniors who can’t reach items on shelves or who can’t bend over to pick items up off of the floor, especially those with back or neck issues, arthritis, or who are confined to a wheelchair.
VicTsing Upgraded Mini Oil Diffuser
This product was recommended by Jennifer Willy from Etia
VicTsing Upgraded Mini Oil Diffuser is a mini version diffuser that doesn’t occupy much space. It can be easily placed on any table while reading/working/sleeping.
Magic Opener’s Bottle Opener
This product was recommended by Jennifer Willy from Etia
Magic Opener’s Bottle Opener has been designed to open most soda plastic bottles and water bottles with small and standard caps, among other functions. No Effort is required to use this magnificent patented magic bottle opener tool.
Pivit’s Button Hook Zipper
This product was recommended by Jennifer Willy from Etia
Pivit’s Button Hook Zipper Pull Helper allows you to have maximum control and comfort as you use the button hook to secure buttons on your clothing. There’s no button or buttoned up shirt too big or too small for this convenient arthritis pull hook gadget, so you can use it to secure small buttons on your shirt and large buttons on your jeans.
Professional Grade 14″ Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Holder
This product was recommended by Jen Breitegan from Organizenvy
My kitchen gadget recommendation for the elderly is a magnetic knife rail that can be attached to the refrigerator or the wall between the cabinet and countertop. It’s a great place to hang metal cooking utensils and commonly used pots and pans because it’s easily accessible. It keeps everything They use the most within reach and eyesight. No more bending down to look in cabinets for the omelet pan, or rummaging through drawers for lost measuring spoons— they’re right on the wall next to the stove!
Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat
This product was recommended by Amy Duncan from KindMommy
This one is a must if the seniors in your family are extremely active in the kitchen. An anti-fatigue floor mat is perfect for elders who indulge in a lot of cooking and cleaning as it provides a stable surface to stand on and reduces pressure and provides relief to the knees, feet and lower back from long hours of standing in the kitchen.
Over The Sink Colander Strainer
This product was recommended by Megan from The Oregon Dietitian
This over the sink colander strainer can be set right over the sink, so you don’t have to worry about trying to hold a collander while pouring your food into it! The handles are expandable, so it fits most sinks. It makes washing veggies, straining pasta, and rinsing grains so much easier! Plus, it’s dishwasher safe!
Automatic Jar Bottle Opener
This product was recommended by Mark from FoodFireFriends
The elderly struggle sometimes, of course, but there are plenty of gadgets out there to help. This jar opener, for example, was made for people who suffer from arthritis. It’s automatic and can also be used for bottles
Techost Smart Gas Leak Detector
This product was recommended by David Lewis from Kitchen Ambition
Most gas stoves are designed to run continuously if a flame is left unattended, or if the burner valve isn’t fully closed when placed in an off position. The Techost Smart Gas Leak Detector is a great solution for seniors at home and on the go. The device is able to detect and alert owners to the presence of a variety of combustible gasses in their kitchen with both sound and light alarms. Even better, this device works with Alexa and will notify your phone if gas is detected while you’re away.
