Aging In Place Tips For The Kitchen
When you think of spaces that can benefit from home modifications for aging in place, you may initially think of bathrooms and entryways. One of the more overlooked spaces is the kitchen. So much goes on in the kitchen: cooking, dining, socializing, relaxing. It is also one of the easiest spots to make small, yet powerful improvements to help with aging in place.
“Insta Pots” or “InstantPots”
You may not think that the InstaPot is an aging in place tool, but it can help to make cooking incredibly safe and easy. It is very easy to use as you simply put all the ingredients in, press the timer, and in just minutes you will have a delicious meal. They have a timer with an automatic shutoff and offer easy clean up as they are dishwasher safe. A ¾ inch PVC elbow can be used to divert steam upon release for added safety.
Crock Pots are also an option, and while they have a longer cooking time, they still offer minimal prep. Both items are very safe, with no worrying about food burning on a stovetop or an open flame. This also alleviates concerns for burns or other personal injuries that can occur when cooking on a traditional stove. The InstaPot can be left out on the counter, keeping them within easy reach. No need to bend over while rummaging through drawers and cabinets for pots and pans or even worse, no need to reach overhead for pots and pans.
InstaPots can make meals for multiple days when meal planning is part of your weekly routine. These units are also perfect if you are having the grandkids or other visitors over to the home. Entertaining can be made easy!
We also found this resource for easy InstaPot meals that you can enjoy. You can also try the one that we have included at the end of this post.
Other Tips for Kitchen Convenience
Leaving your most commonly used items out on the counter, table, or lowest shelves can help to prevent overreaching.
If you tire easily when standing, consider leaving a chair by the fridge to sit on while looking for items in the fridge.
Remember if you have a stairlift installed to enter your home, it can be used for more than just helping you or a loved one up and down the stairs. You can also use it to let the groceries ride on the lift, keeping you from carrying a heavy load, if you walk up the stairs. If you ride the stairlift, then simply ride up with the groceries.
One-handed cutting boards with hinged knives are an effective safety tool. There is no need to hold the food being prepped and no need to over-grip the knife. Suction cups on the bottom help prevent the board from slipping while you cut.
Instant Pot Spaghetti courtesy of: https://kristineskitchenblog.com/instant-pot-spaghetti/
- Brown the meat using the Instant Pot saute setting.
- Add the seasonings and water, stir well.
- Arrange the spaghetti noodles in a criss-cross pattern on top of the meat, do not stir.
- Pour a jar of marinara sauce on top of the spaghetti. Again, do not stir.
- Seal the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high/manual for 5-7 minutes.
- Do a quick pressure release.
- Let it rest for 3-5 minutes and serve