GuitarGuy-looks expensive. If you're concerned about the safety of your wife could you just remove the stove knobs when not in use. If your range is electric I suppose you could just throw the circuit breaker-but that would be a real pain
Don't know of any stoves that have this built in. Taking the knobs off works since you aren't using them all of the time anyway. Just make sure you store them high up where she can't reach them - if she should find them.
GG., do you want something to keep her from cooking all together, or to just guard against fire if she forgets something on the stove? ... A low smoke detector may help in the latter case. Most smoke detectors do not go off until the smoke is heavy and reaches the ceiling. Perhaps you could install one lower ..near the stove, if she still enjoys cooking some things.
If I have something on the stove that has to cook for a longer time, I set a timer in case I get busy doing other things and forget about checking it regularly. Whatever I was cooking boils dry or sticks to the pan. I have used timers for years...not due to dementia, but because I often get sidetracked by other projects, phone calls, etc.
Well I do most of the cooking now and she helps me out... but if I am not home I want to make sure it isn't left on if she decides to use it. This company now has a unit for gas stoves as well as electric stoves. We have a gas stove. I have been unable to to find a stove with this feature built in. The Stove Guard needs to be installed professionally, but this unit is only available online. I have called Home Depot, Lowes and nobody has been able to help me find a stove with safety features that I would need.
I called the local AD chapter and they had someone who did work on stoves to make them safe, but the number for this repair man is no longer in use. I called them and told them but they had no idea he was no longer available. I told them to update the booklet of resources they give to people who need local AD info and resources. I told them about the Stove Guard and they had never heard of it. I'm thinking about just making cold meals from here on in, as the more I find out about what is available for our LO who have AD, the more I find out that these so-called resources are woefully inadequate.
While my mom was still mobile, my sister unplugged the stove and just used the microwave. The most my mom would do with it is put her cup of coffee in there and forget about it. I use the microwave 99% of the time for reheating but I know many people who can cook great meals in them. And there are microwave/convection oven combos too. I have one in the MH but rarely ever use the convection. IT is nothing like the convection oven I used when cooking at a restaurant.
GG,. I don't know where you live, but have you checked with Meals On Wheels? My 80 year old (plus) aunt lived alone, of her own choosing, in her lifelong home. Although she could cook, she hated to cook only for herself. We contacted Meals on Wheels, and asked if we could get her on the program. They do not charge for their meals, but she sent in monthly 'contributions' that well covered her meals. Each afternoon, she received her dinner plate which included a meat dish, two veggies, bread and a small dessert. It's just an idea. Don't resort to "cold food". There are options out there. We'll help you find them. ..Nancy
GG, please know that Meals on Wheels does not ask for donations. If you're unable to cook and she really can't...they are there to help out!!!! Just wanted to remind you of them and suggest you call them.
Guitar Guy - I worried about my Mom using our gas stove when I was home or not at home so I forbade her to use it, and that is about like taking driving priviledges away from someone. Since I could not trust her to not use it a friend suggested he install a shut off valve for the gas behind the stove, so I could turn it off when I was not there. My biggest worry was that she would put something on the stove and get distracted and forget about it and it would burn and maybe even eventually even burn down the house or she would catch her sleeve on fire. Before we got this done she became chair bound and the problem took care of itself.
Personally, I would tell her the Dr. said she was not to use the stove when you are not there because of Insurance reasons, etc. Anything she will accept. Speaking from personal experience it is VERY easy to get distracted and burn something and I have thrown away many pans ruined by either my Mom or even myself. I do not let my dh turn the stove up or down or off ect. But, that was no big deal for him because he hardly knows what a stove is for. Removing the knobs also sounds good, someone mentioned it earlier.
Yes I know about Meals On Wheels. I live in New York City.
I love to cook! My wife is an amazing cook and she has taught and continues to help me cook. I do use the microwave as well! :>
I just want to make sure I'm am taking all the precautions I can to make sure there isn't an accident if I'm out and she's home even with someone else.
I have two fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in the kitchen. I almost started a fire myself once on the stove once so I am extra careful.
Use of the stove and oven is best minimized and the carer should consider throwing the circuit breaker and disabling stove knobs if they are concerned about safety. Similarly, the water heater temperature should be kept below scalding hot to avoid burns It appears that this is the easiest way to go. I researched all over and this is all I could come up with. Sorry
GG., we've ALL had kitchen fires. Wet cellophane noodles dropped into a pan of hot oil will do it every time. (Only took one time for me to learn that particular lesson.) ooops!
Our range is electric, I replaced it a few years ago with one of the glass top ranges to get rid of the open coil burners. It worked pretty well with her. She was having trouble with the minutes and seconds on the microwave. After they get so far along their journey into AD, they lose their ability to plan and cook and are unable to prepare receipes, my DW was leaving out ingredients and burning a lot of food.
GG, I have a gas stove and hadn't thought to remove the knobs when I leave my husband alone, but after yesterday when he turned on the burners to dry his pants out, I realize I do need to do that! But the knobs come off very easily (so you can clean the surface) and can go back on easily as well. THe only step now is to find a place to stow them that he wouldn't look. (I've got it: the drawer under the oven. We never use it.) I'm like you, I love to cook, and as long as I can, and as long as my husband likes to eat, that's a relaxing time for both of us.
check out buybuybaby.com Safety 1st has a product called Clear View Stove Knob covers..package of 5 for $8.99 they use adhesive to mount them onto gas or electric stoves.. maybe this could work... Divvi