Appliances used in the kitchen, such as the stove, toaster and microwave oven, have the potential to cause harm if not used in the manner intended. Serious injury or death can occur as a result of electrocution or fire. Cleaning products and some food products can also be hazardous.
Consider these features in a kitchen which may support independence and safety:
- Clearly labelled or ‘see through’ containers
- Labels and signs, glass panels, open shelving or removed cupboard doors to locate cupboard contents
- use of contrast and camouflage to highlight and disguise
- D shaped handles on drawers
- Easy cookbook and shopping lists
- Shallow depth fridge with the freezer underneath
- Simplified appliances eg, microwave with dial or large clear buttons, kettle with safety auto cut off and retractable cord, signs with step by step instructions for use of appliances
- Induction cook top
- Safety features - oven guard, isolation switches, regularly checked fire extinguisher, fire blanket near your stove / oven, wireless smoke detector, electric or gas auto cut off safety device for the stove / oven, knob covers, thermo mixing valve or hot water cut off device to prevent scalds, plug in gas alarms, Vigil electric or gas stove isolation system, gas detector/ cut off device
- Safe chemical storage - appliance locks, ‘Mag’ locks, velcro strips, lockable cabinet, automatic medication dispenser
- Flood prevention and detection eg, water overflow prevention device for the sink, pressure release plug, tap caps, slip resistant flooring
Some of the ideas are simple and inexpensive, whilst others require professional installation and are more costly. For professional advise regarding your circumstances and needs, please contact the Independent Living Centre on 1300 885 886.