Kitchen Safety for Older Adults

Why older people are at greater risk

• Slower reflexes and weaker balance. Falls on wet or greasy floors are common; see preventing falls.
• Reduced sensation. Diabetes, neuropathy and ageing blunt the sense of heat, so burns go unnoticed until damage is done.
• Thin, fragile skin that burns deeply and heals slowly.
• Weak grip and tremor, making pots, kettles and knives harder to control.
• Poor vision, so that knobs, labels and edges are hard to see; see low vision home safety.
• Memory problems, leading to forgotten pans, unlit gas and kettles left to boil dry; see dementia home setup.
• Reduced sense of smell, so a gas leak or burning food may go unnoticed.
• Loose clothing, such as sari ends, dupattas and long sleeves, which can catch fire.
• Medicines that cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Breathlessness and fatigue limit time standing.

Fire and gas safety

Gas cylinders and stoves.

• Switch off the regulator after cooking, not only the burner knob.
• Check the hose for cracks and the connections for leaks at regular intervals; replace hoses at the recommended interval and use an approved hose.
• Keep the cylinder upright, in a ventilated area, away from heat and electrical sockets.
• Never use a lighter or match to test for a leak. Use soapy water on the connections and watch for bubbles.
• If you smell gas: do not switch any electrical device on or off, open windows and doors, close the regulator, leave the room and call the gas supplier's emergency line or 112. See smoke and gas safety for older adults.
• Keep a gas leak detector where available.

Open flames and loose clothes.

• Roll up or tuck in sleeves, and keep sari ends and dupattas away from the burner. Wear a close-fitting apron or short sleeves while cooking.
• Do not reach across burners.
• Keep tea towels, paper and plastic away from the stove.

Fire extinguisher and fire blanket.

• Keep a small fire blanket within reach of the stove, and an appropriate extinguisher, and learn how to use them.
• For a pan fire, turn off the heat if safe, and cover the pan with a lid or a fire blanket. Never use water on an oil fire.
• If the fire spreads, leave and call 112.

Smoke alarms. Fit them near the kitchen, and test them regularly.

Auto-off appliances. Appliances that switch off by themselves, such as auto-off kettles and cookers with timers, are the single best protection for forgetful cooks; see auto-off kettle and stove safety.

Induction cooktops are safer than open flames for many people, because there is no flame and the surface cools quickly, but they need suitable pans and clear instructions.

Never leave cooking unattended. Use timers, and do not leave the kitchen with the stove on.

Burns and scalds

• Use the back burners for large pans, and turn handles inward so they cannot be knocked.
• Use oven gloves with long cuffs, and never a wet cloth, which conducts heat.
• Keep hot drinks and soups away from the edge and use lidded cups.
• Carry hot items on a trolley or a walker tray; do not carry a full pot in unsteady hands; see mobility aids in the kitchen.
• Let steam escape away from the face when lifting lids, and open pressure cookers only when fully depressurised.
• Keep the kettle low and stable, with a short cord.
• Mind microwave steam and hot containers.
• Check temperature of hot food and drinks before eating, if sensation is reduced.
• First aid for burns: cool the burn under cool running water for about 20 minutes, remove tight items, cover loosely with clean cling film or a non-fluffy dressing and seek medical help for anything more than a small, superficial burn; older adults should be seen promptly. Do not use ice, butter, toothpaste or ointments. See hot packs and older skin for burn first aid.

Slips, trips and falls

• Wipe spills at once, and keep a cloth within reach.
• Use a non-slip floor or mats with a firm grip; avoid loose rugs and mats with curled edges. See anti-slip tape and coatings.
• Wear shoes with grip in the kitchen, not socks or loose slippers.
• Keep the floor clear of bags, pets and clutter.
• Good light over the work area and floor.
• Use a sturdy step stool with a handrail for high shelves, never a chair; better, store items at waist height.
• Sit to prepare food on a high stool with a back and arms, if standing tires; see sitting for long hours.
• Use a reacher for light items on high shelves; see reachers and grabbers.

Knives and sharp tools

• Keep knives sharp, since blunt knives slip.
• Use a chopping board with a non-slip mat or spikes.
• Cut away from the body and keep fingers tucked.
• Store knives in a block or on a magnetic strip, not loose in a drawer.
• Use food processors and choppers with guards, and unplug before cleaning.
• Use pre-cut vegetables when hands are weak or shaky.
• Consider a rocker knife or safety knife; see jar openers and kitchen aids.

Electricity and water

• Keep electrical appliances away from water and the sink.
• Check cords and plugs for damage; replace frayed ones.
• Use sockets that are easy to reach, avoiding extension cords trailing across floors.
• Switch off at the wall when not in use.
• Use a residual current device (RCD) for safety.
• Dry hands before touching switches.
• Do not use water heaters (geysers) without proper maintenance; see safe use of heaters and geysers.

Food safety

Older adults are more at risk of food poisoning, which can cause dehydration and serious illness.

• Wash hands before handling food.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
• Cook thoroughly, especially meat, fish and eggs.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly, and eat them within a day or two.
• Check expiry dates, and throw out food with off smell or mould.
• Keep the fridge cold, below about 5 degrees Celsius if you have a thermometer.
• Reheat food until piping hot.
• Wash fruit and vegetables.
• Use clean water, boiled or filtered where needed.
• Take care in hot weather, when food spoils quickly.
• Label and date stored food.

See diarrhoea and dehydration in seniors for what to do if illness strikes.

Dealing with forgetfulness

If your parent sometimes forgets that the stove is on:

• Use appliances with automatic shut-off.
• Use timers, with a loud alarm, and a habit of setting one whenever cooking.
• Install a gas shut-off or a stove guard, and consider a smart plug.
• Use a microwave or an induction cooker with a timer.
• Stick a reminder sign near the stove, in large print.
• Arrange for meals to be delivered or prepared in batches, to reduce cooking.
• Have a family member check regularly.
• Ask the doctor about memory changes; see memory and brain health.
• If safety cannot be assured, restrict stove use with an agreed plan; see dementia home setup.

Lighting, layout and ergonomics

• Bright, even lighting over counters, the stove and sink; under-cupboard lights reduce shadows.
• A logical work triangle between fridge, sink and stove, with short distances and clear counter space.
• Heavy items at waist height; lightweight items on higher shelves.
• Frequently used items on the counter or in easy reach.
• Large-print labels on jars and tins.
• Contrasting colours between counters, floors and utensils to help vision.
• A phone or alert device within reach; see panic pendants.
• Ventilation: an exhaust fan or open window to clear smoke and fumes.

A monthly kitchen safety check

Use this list once a month.

• Gas hose, regulator and connections: no cracks or smell.
• Stove knobs and burners working and clean of grease.
• Smoke alarm tested; fire blanket and extinguisher in place and in date.
• Electrical cords, plugs and sockets in good order.
• Floor and mats: non-slip, dry, no curled edges.
• Lighting: bulbs working, no dark corners.
• Knives sharp and stored safely.
• Fridge temperature and food dates checked.
• Cleaning products stored away from food and out of reach of children.
• Kettle and appliances auto-off functioning.
• Emergency numbers displayed: 112, the gas supplier, a family contact.

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist can assess kitchen safety and ability and recommend aids and changes; see occupational therapy home assessment. Ask the doctor if your parent has repeated near-accidents, burns, forgotten pans or weight loss. A fire safety officer or gas supplier can inspect equipment. Our care advisors can arrange a home safety visit and suggest aids and meal support.