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  • 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 living 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.