The kitchen is the center of the home for many people, but for seniors it can be a hazardous environment with risks ranging from wet floors to poor illumination. Accidents can occur if safeguards are not implemented.
Wearing shoes in the kitchen and periodically monitoring fire alarms are just a few of the things your caregivers can do to prevent accidents. When it comes to meal preparation, basic dishes can help your caregivers get things done quickly.
Easy Go-To Recipes for Caregivers
Whether they are assisting in the preparation of food or making it themselves, your caregivers want a quick, healthy and uncomplicated dish. Here are four simple meals that will ensure your caregivers have food on the table quickly.
Simple Herb Chicken
This lemon herb chicken is simple and tasty. All you need are a few fresh herbs and some chicken. Simple Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe (allrecipes.com)
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is nutritious enough to serve as a main course, and it only takes 30 minutes to prepare. Chicken Tortilla Soup IV Recipe (allrecipes.com)
BLT Bean Salad
This nutritious bean salad combines all the flavors of a classic BLT. It’s a terrific way to use up any leftover beans in the pantry. BLT Bean Salad Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network
Sausage and Pepper Ravioli Skillet
A popular sausage and pepper combination in a quick weeknight recipe that can be ready in 20 minutes. 20-Minute Sausage and Pepper Ravioli Skillet Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network
4 Kitchen Safety Tips for Caregivers
Many accidents can occur when your caregivers are in the kitchen, especially with individuals with decreased mobility and sight. Making sure your caregivers are aware of instances that can cause accidents is crucial. Here are some tips to help your caregivers and their clients:
Get non-slip mats – Kitchens commonly have tile or wood floors that can increase the risk of slipping, especially when wet. Consider getting slip resistant mats, and have seniors wear non-slip shoes when in the kitchen.
Increase the lighting – Reduced lighting can contribute to eye strain and difficultly seeing objects, particularly for a visually impaired individual. A low budget solution is to add under cabinet lighting which could help improve spatial awareness, especially at night.
Routinely check smoke alarms – Fires are an enormous hazard for all ages, but seniors are especially susceptible. Making sure there is a functional smoke alarm installed that is routinely checked can help alert seniors to a situation.
Keep counters clean – If seniors are struggling with limited mobility, keeping counters clean can make their lives easier. Making sure knives and cords are tucked away helps prevent accidents from happening.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Whether assisting in the kitchen or driving clients to appointments, at Lockton Affinity Home Care, we know anything can happen in your business’s daily duties. That’s why we offer insurance policies to protect your professional reputation, property, financial security and more.
Contact one of Lockton Affinity Home Care’s dedicated insurance representatives at (800)-723-9624 or [email protected] to discuss your business’s risks and which policies you may need to be fully protected.