The kitchen is often the central gathering place in a home. Family dinners, special occasions, and time together all happen there. Making sure the kitchen stays safe and welcoming matters.

When it comes to kitchen safety for seniors, the risks tend to fall into three areas:

• Fire risk: Cooking is a leading cause of home fires, and many fires start in the kitchen.

• Fall risk: Items stored out of reach, slippery floors, and carrying meals to another room can all increase the chance of a fall.

• Higher vulnerability: Older adults face a higher risk of serious injury or death in a home fire than the general population.

If you want to make the kitchen as safe as possible for an older loved one, focus on three key areas:

• Fire prevention and safety: The primary cause of kitchen fires is unattended food. Seniors should not leave the kitchen when food is cooking. Automatic shut-off devices can help seniors who have memory concerns but still enjoy cooking. Loose clothing, kitchen towels, and potholders can catch fire if they are too close to the stove, so it’s important to keep fabric away from heat and flames. A qualified electrician should also check wiring and outlets regularly, especially in older homes.

• Foodborne illness prevention: As our bodies change with age, foodborne illness can become more serious. Help reduce risk by storing food properly, checking fridge temperatures, reheating food thoroughly, cleaning old items out of the fridge and pantry regularly, and checking best-before and expiry dates.

• Fall prevention: Reaching for items stored too high or too low can affect balance and increase fall risk. Keep frequently used items within easy reach, reduce clutter on counters, use bright lighting, and store heavier items at about waist height. Water is also a common issue in the kitchen. Spills from the sink, a leaking fridge, or pipe leaks can make floors slippery. Adding mats and checking water sources regularly can help.

The kitchen can still be a joyful place. A few intentional changes can help reduce the risk of accidents or illness, and reviewing kitchen safety tips is never a waste of time.

Comfort Keepers Can Help 

Many Canadians aged 65+ need support with everyday activities such as eating, cooking, and getting in and out of bed or a chair. Our trained caregivers can help with these and other tasks, while engaging clients in activities that support quality of life. They can also support physician-approved diet and exercise plans, provide transportation to appointments and community events, and assess a home for safety issues and ways to reduce fall hazards.

To learn more about how we can help, contact us today.

REFERENCES:

Food and Drug Administration. “Food Safety for Older Adults.” Web. 2011.
Aging Care “Kitchen Fires: Make Cooking Safer for Seniors” Web. 2012.
The National Fire Protection Association. “Serve Up Safety in the Kitchen.” Web. 2020.
U.S. Fire Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Fire Safety for Seniors.” Web. 2020.
Caring.com. “Making the Kitchen Safe and Convenient for Seniors.” Web.

Being out in the sunshine is a summertime tradition. Many seniors say being outside is one of the things they enjoy most. But it’s important to practice sun safety, which means protecting your skin and enjoying long summer days safely. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types in Canada. About one-third of all new cases of cancer in Canada are skin cancers, and the rate continues to rise.

For seniors, these prevention steps can be even more important than at any other age. For most people, skin cancer is the result of a series of sun-damaging events that occur throughout life. It makes sense that more years of living can mean more cumulative sun exposure over time.

Between 40% and 50% of Canadians who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.

Every suntan and sunburn has the potential to contribute to future skin cancer. Factor in the increase in outdoor activities that some seniors embrace in retirement, plus the fact that skin can become more sensitive with age, and it’s easy to see why skin cancer may be a concern.

Taking a few precautions to prevent skin damage can allow seniors to continue to enjoy the sunshine with more confidence:

• Avoiding the hottest time of the day – From 10am-4pm, the sun’s rays are often most intense. To reduce sun exposure, seniors can plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening when possible. If heat is also a concern, they should avoid the hottest part of the day and watch for signs of dehydration.
• Having appropriate cover – Planning ahead to ensure shade is available is an important step in avoiding sun damage. For outdoor activities where shade is limited, a wide-brimmed hat or parasol can provide some protection. Sun-protective clothing can also help, such as light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. It’s also important for seniors to develop the habit of wearing sunglasses whenever they’re outdoors.
• Remember to use sunscreen – For seniors spending time in the sun, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential. It should be reapplied at least every two hours, and right after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Practicing medication safety – Seniors should talk to a doctor or pharmacist about their medications before participating in outdoor activities. Some prescriptions can increase sun sensitivity, and additional precautions may be necessary.
• Knowing the signs of skin cancer – Seniors should ask a doctor what skin changes to watch for and whether regular skin checks are recommended. Early detection is important for treating skin cancer effectively.

Comfort Keepers Can Help

For seniors who want to get outside and enjoy the summer safely, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can assist with transportation to appointments and events, help support warm-weather safety at home and outdoors, and support physician-prescribed exercise and activity plans. Our goal is to help clients find joy and comfort in each day, regardless of age.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact Comfort Keepers today.

References

Government of Canada.  “Skin Cancer.” Web. 2018.

Skin Cancer Foundation. “The Sun Keeps Rising: Why Seniors Can’t Skip UV Protection.” Web. 2015.

Aging and Disease. “Skin Cancer Epidemics in the Elderly as an Emerging Issue in Geriatric Oncology.” Web. 2017.

Cancer.Net. “Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Risk Factors and Prevention.” Web. 2018.

American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Cancer.” Web. 2018.It’s also important for seniors to develop the habit of wearing sunglasses whenever they’re outdoors

Stress is part of life for all of us, but for seniors it can have a bigger impact on physical and mental well-being.

Worries and concerns are normal, and as we get older it becomes even more important to build simple stress-reduction habits that are easy to use in daily life. Meditation, deep breathing, movement, and other strategies can help seniors maintain their quality of life and support overall well-being.

Stress destroys cells in the hippocampus, a brain site responsible for memory storage and retrieval.

Why is it critical to manage stress?

Research links stress with both mental and physical health concerns, including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure (hypertension), and changes in immune function. Long-term stress can also worsen existing conditions, which may be especially challenging when the immune system is less efficient.

What can seniors do to manage their stress in a positive way?

Finding small moments of joy can help, and activities that feel meaningful can make stressful periods easier to handle. The skills seniors use to manage stress today can help them feel more prepared for future stress.

Stress Relief Techniques

• Call a friend or family member, or set up a video chat

• Try a short meditation at the same time each day, or when stress starts to rise

• Practise deep breathing and mindfulness exercises

• Plan regular social time, such as a walk with a neighbour or a community group

• Stay active and eat well, with your health-care provider’s approval

• Journal at the end of the day

• Notice one or two good moments from the day

• Volunteer in the community (in person or virtually)

• Make a simple to-do list and check off tasks as you go

• Try gentle yoga or stretching, with your health-care provider’s approval

• Listen to calming music, especially before bed

• Watch or listen to something that makes you laugh

Comfort Keepers Can Help

At Comfort Keepers, we support seniors in maintaining their peace, happiness, and joy at home. Our approach to care is called Interactive Caregiving™, a philosophy centred on four pillars: mind, body, nutrition, and safety.

Our caregivers are selected with one quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care begins in the heart; it helps us understand each client’s needs and provide support that feels personal.

Learn more about our services by contacting Comfort Keepers today.

References
Healthline. “16 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety.” Web. 2018.
Huffington Post. “10 Health Benefits of Relaxation” by Sarah Klein. Web. 2014.
American Institute of Stress. “Improve Memory, Concentration, Productivity, and Health by Reducing Stress.” Web. 2018.
WebMD. “10 Relaxation Techniques That Zap Stress Fast.” Web. 2018.