| Kitchen Safety |  |
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(Page 3) Cleaning Supplies Kitchen cabinets are often used to store a number of different cleaning materials. These items are often very toxic and can result in severe injury and even death if swallowed. Don't forget to securely store all chemicals after using them. Storage cabinets should have locking devices on them reducing access from children and persons who are memory impaired. Non-food items should be stored in their original containers and marked accordingly. You may also want to consider stop guards on kitchen drawers to prevent persons from pulling them onto themselves. Spoiled or Discarded Food Spoiled foods that are discarded from the refrigerator should be safeguarded to prevent unwarranted access. Outdated or spoiled items often carry harmful bacteria that can cause your loved one to become extremely sick if eaten accidently. If you are caring for someone that is memory impaired be sure to secure all household garbage cans to prevent him or her from rummaging through it. Persons who are memory impaired often have an incredible appetite for food and may rummage threw garbage cans seeking to find eatable items. Many discarded kitchen items that are thrown into garbage cans such as bottles or jagged lid tops may pose serious risk of injury. Spoiled or other contaminated food that is discarded may be harmful if swallowed. If you are caring for someone that is memory impaired or has difficulty chewing their food you should take special precautions to maintain a high level of gum integrity and oral hygiene. Persons with Alzheimer's disease may hoard food in their cheeks and forget to chew or may even forget to swallow food that has been placed in their mouth. If you loved one uses dentures be sure to clean them regularly and safeguard against them being accidently thrown away. Trip and Fall Hazards Kitchen areas usually are full of counter top or cabinet doors that have sharp or pointed edges. These edges can cause serious injury to you or your loved one and should be covered with protective edge guards. Protective guards are usually very inexpensive and can be mounted very quickly. Floor areas in the kitchen should also be evaluated to ensure that floor mats or other coverings are tightly secured. Carpet mats or throw rugs should be secured with adhesive tape to prevent them from moving. Be sure to replace the adhesive backing as necessary. Another important safety measure in the kitchen is the need to wear appropriate foot ware. Proper fitting shoes should be worn in the kitchen area to prevent unnecessary falls as a result of slipping. Wearing socks on slick tile or wooden floors is a major cause of accidental falls. If you need assistance reaching into high and difficult cabinets be sure to use a step stool. Chairs or other pieces of furniture that are used as substitutes may not support your weight or may even move while reaching. Many types of step stools are available on the market today and I recommend one that has an extended handrail alongside to provide you with extra support and balance. Proper Storage of Display China Many people enjoy displaying their favorite collections of fine china or antiques in their kitchen. Usually these heirlooms are sitting on shelves or are loosely mounted on bordering walls. Be sure to safely secure these items to prevent unnecessary injuries as a result of them being knocked off and falling onto someone. |