Continuing with the room-by-room safety discussion, kitchens are considered the second most dangerous room in the house for seniors. As a nurse, my concerns include the environment, food, appliances, equipment and proximity of everyday items. Things to consider include floors, reflectiveness of surfaces, presences of curtains, and the presence of C02 monitors and fire-extinguishers. Decluttering counters and cabinets, moving every-day items to lower cabinets and replacing breakable with non-breakable dishes and removing no longer needed cookware, and appliances are other ways to improve safety. One of the most important concerns however, is the quantity and quality of food. As individuals get older and senses decline the ability to see mold on food, read expiration dates and smell when food has spoiled becomes increasingly difficult.
