Whenever possible, it's better to use safety products that allow independent or supervised use of kitchen appliances. However, at times you will need to make the stove off-limits. If the person is leaving food unattended on the stove or storing flammables like newspapers on top of or in the stove, it's safer if you limit access. Similarly, due to memory and judgment problems, the person may attempt to cook with unsafe materials, such as a plastic microwave container on top of a stovetop burner. Then, too, the person may have lost the ability to housekeep, and greasy stovetops can catch on fire. Leaving the gas on is another common, worrisome problem.

In this section, we'll show you several ways to limit access to the stove. Not all solutions will work for all stoves or all people, so we suggest you try a few of our suggestions to see which work best for your care receiver. Keep in mind that limiting stove access for someone who is used to cooking may trigger agitation. Having alternative activities may help redirect the person's energies and reduce potential negative reactions.