Kitchen remodeling for a cognitive disability

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If you have an aging family member who is starting to show dementia symptoms, it may be time to plan for kitchen remodeling for a cognitive disability. This is especially crucial if the person used to frequent and cook in the kitchen and still wants to continue this routine even after the onset of dementia symptoms or Alzheimer's disease. Keeping watch over your loved one may be sufficient at first, but taking thorough measures to prevent accidents is important.

Discuss kitchen remodeling for a cognitive disability with an area contractor! Get free quotes!

Individuals with cognition disabilities may forget that they have switched on the oven or the gas range, which can lead to accidental fires. While removing electrical appliances in the kitchen can help avoid accidents, it may also affect the quality of life of other members of the family. If possible, replace old and substandard kitchen equipment with appliances that feature an automatic shut-off function.

You can also remove the kitchen appliances' knobs and install hidden circuit breakers and gas valves during a kitchen remodeling for a cognitive disability. If you're not familiar with such tasks, hire a contractor skilled in electrical and kitchen remodeling. You may use Reply! to locate a licensed electrical contractor in your area. If you're planning a major residential renovation, search for a professional general contractor who can complete the job.

Store sharp kitchen and cooking utensils in a safe and secure location.

Install locks on drawers, so they can't be opened easily. If your loved one's condition is still on its early stages and he or she can still perform several kitchen tasks, you can organize the kitchen drawers so that finding the needed items is easy.

Disconnect or disguise the garbage disposal switches, as some people with disabilities may accidentally throw inappropriate things dow the disposal.

Installing gas and smoke detectors in the kitchen can help put off and prevent accidental fire from an overheating kitchen appliance. If you already have these installed, make sure that their alarms are loud enough to be heard outside of the house. If the person with dementia or Alzheimer's disease is alone, someone from the outside can still respond and take appropriate actions after hearing the alarm.

If you're not under budget constraints, install a close circuit television, or CCTV, in your kitchen to monitor and observe a loved one. Motion sensors on the kitchen walls and refrigerator are helpful devices, especially if the ill person is showing moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, like wandering around. These devices can also be installed on various parts of your house during a residential remodeling or a kkitchen remodeling for a cognitive disability project.

Kitchen remodeling for a cognitive disability should accommodate the incapacity of people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The project should address the needs and limitations of these people to make them feel as safe and secure as possible. Discuss ideas with a qualified contractor today.

Photo credit: NancyHugoCKD.com via Compfight CC.