by Immersion Active,

  • Remove spices or medicines from the counter tops and keep cleaning supplies in a locked place.

  • Remove scissors and knives from counter tops and drawers. A person with Alzheimer’s may hurt himself or others with these dangerous items.

  • Remove all items that cause confusion.

  • Disguise the garbage disposal switches.

  • Put all the garbage out of sight.

  • Put labels on the cabinets.

  • Install a shut-off valve (for a gas stove) or a circuit breaker for an electric stove so you can disable it when you leave the kitchen.

  • Remove burner knobs and tape the stems or install knob covers.

  • Use a lock-out switch on the electric range so it can’t be turned on except by you.

  • Use an aluminum cover over the top of the stove, or use burner covers.

  • Replace the pilot on a gas stove with an electric starter.

  • Lock the oven door.

  • Use safety latches on doors and cabinets.

  • Install gates, door, or Dutch doors so the kitchen can be closed off but you can still see and be seen.

  • Install an automatic turn-off on the faucet.

  • Install a governor on the hot water faucet (or turn down the valve under the sink) to control the amount of water that can be used.

  • For a faucet spout that swings outside the sink itself, install a brace that keeps water in the sink at all times.

  • Hide or get rid of dangerous small appliances.

  • Turn off appliances by unplugging them, turning off circuit breakers, or removing fuses. Install smoke detectors (but not near the stove).

  • Use an electric teakettle that has an automatic shutoff.

  • Use a single-lever faucet that can balance water temperature.

  • Provide an area away from the knife drawer and the stove where the person in your care can help prepare food.

  • Ask the gas company to modify your stove to provide a gas odor that is strong enough to alert you if the pilot light goes out.

  • Provide a step stool, never a chair, to reach high shelves.