Addressing Kitchen Safety and Independence Issues When Your Loved One has Parkinson’s disease
Elderly Care in Kentwood MI
Living with Parkinson’s disease can be an incredible challenge, but that does not mean that your parent cannot continue to enjoy an active, engaged, and independent quality of life. With a few 
simple modifications to their home and in the ways that they handle things, your aging parent can still live the lifestyle that they desire and maintain their normal daily routine even as they are moving through the progressive stages of the disease. In fact, doing this as much as possible can help to keep their body more in their control and their mind sharper, enabling them to stave off the more debilitating effects of the disease for longer so that their aging years are their most beneficial.
One are of the home where the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can become particularly problematic is the kitchen. Here a senior who is suffering from the tremors or stiffness that are common with PD can find themselves facing challenges with tasks that were once second nature. This can greatly diminish their ability to care for themselves or even just to engage in the tasks that they consider integral to their daily life. Fortunately there are simple ways that you and your parent’s elderly care provider can modify these tasks in order to help your loved one keep up with them better.
Use these tips to help you address kitchen safety and independence issues for your aging parent with Parkinson’s disease:
- Balance weight. It may seem that with a person who is dealing with tremors, stiffness, or muscle weakness that you should choose items that are lightweight so that they are easier for your parent to grip. While this can make it easier and safer for your parent to pick up potentially dangerous items such as a pot of coffee or a large cooking pot, it can also have the reverse effect. Something that is too light may actually worsen the tremors and make it even more difficult for your parent to hold. Look for items that have enough heft that they feel stable and secure in your parent’s hand, but that are not so large that your parent will not be able to handle them. Think a single-cup coffee maker and individual-sized cookware rather than foam coffee cups and microwave plates.
- Make cabinets more accessible. Knobs can be very difficult for a senior with Parkinson’s disease to use effectively. Replace them with handles so that your parent can more comfortably and easily open their cabinet doors.
- Arrange for accessibility. Bending over or reaching for something can result in a serious fall for a senior with PD. Arrange the kitchen so that commonly used items such as cookware, spices, oils, and basic ingredients are readily accessible. Offer a long-handled grabber for items that must be kept slightly out of reach.
- Remove loose floor coverings. Loose floor coverings such as rugs in front of the sink can slide or bunch up under your parent’s feet, leading to falls. Remove these coverings and either leave the floor bare or replace them with slip-proof mats that adhere to the floor. This can help provide traction if the floor is made from a slippery material, especially in front of the sink where the floor may get wet and even slipperier.
If you or someone you know needs help with elderly care in Kentwood, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Source: http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-well/safety-at-home
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