Creating a safe home

Kitchen

Kitchen items

Consider placing the items you use the most within easy reach. For example, keep your cups and tea and/or coffee supplies near the kettle. 

Consider using a plastic jug of water to fill a kettle up rather than lifting the kettle to the tap to fill up.

Where possible, leave heavy items that you use on the kitchen worktop.

When moving heavy items, slide them across the kitchen worktop rather than lifting them.

Always leave hot water to cool down before moving it or emptying it into the sink. Slide it to the sink before emptying. 

Try to keep everything you need within reach and avoid climbing steps to reach items in cupboards.

Always clear up spillages so you do not slip on them later.

Appliances

Consider:

• using lightweight kitchen appliances, such as the kettle or toaster, where possible
• using electric tin openers
• using steamers as opposed to pans of boiling vegetables
• if you are using pans to boil, use wire baskets within the pans so you are only lifting the food contents out of the water
• if you are worried about leaving the oven or hob on, make your own sign to show you whether it is on or off - leave a note to remind you to turn the power off
• using light weight ovenware with handles

Kitchen furniture

If you do not have a table in your kitchen, make sure you have a chair at a suitable height that allows you to sit down while you are carrying out tasks, such as preparing vegetables or washing dishes. 

Equipment

There are many items of equipment that can help you to use the kitchen safely, including:

One Cup Kettle - this is a kettle that fills a cup up with water when you place it underneath the dispenser. There is no need for a person to lift and pour the kettle. These are readily available from high street stores or online retailers.

Kettle tipper - this is a kettle on a cradle and means that you don’t have to lift the kettle to pour a drink.

Specialist chopping board - this is a chopping board that has a clamp for your food which can help you cut food with one hand and the food will not slip away. 

Kitchen trolley - this can help you easily move your meals from the kitchen to where you want to eat.

Long-handled mop - so you can clean up spills without needing to bend down.

Find out more about equipment and adaptations to make your life easier.

Last updated 13 November 2023