When you’re living with dementia, it’s more important than ever to feel safe in your own home. Cooking can be comforting and familiar, and for many of us it’s an enjoyable part of everyday life. But if you’re having problems with your memory, it can sometimes be easy to do things that could put you at risk, like turning the gas on accidentally.
If you have a gas cooker at home, the good news is there are some simple steps you can take to make your cooker safer to use. That means you can carry on cooking for yourself and your loved ones.
Stove knob covers are cheap to buy and simple to install. They can help stop you from switching on the gas hob accidentally. Some newer gas cookers come with an automatic cut-off, so the gas is switched off if the flame goes out. You can also buy simple devices that you can programme to switch the gas off after a certain amount of time. It’s also a good idea to get your cooker checked by a Gas Safe engineer.
You could also think about getting a locking cooker valve installed. It’s a simple device that can be fitted to your existing gas pipework. If you’re an SGN customer, you can get one fitted free of charge. Find out more here.
When the valve is locked, the gas supply is cut off. When it’s unlocked, using a key or switch, the gas can be turned on again. For people with dementia and their carers, it’s a great way of feeling sure that the gas can’t be turned on by accident. It will mean that you won’t be able to cook unless someone is there to unlock the valve for you, so there will be some loss of independence. It’s not an easy decision to make, but it could help to keep you safe.
Kelly Chable, Home Energy Adviser at ADSS, has helped a number of people make the decision whether to have a locking cooker valve installed. “A lot of people don’t know about locking cooker valves,” she says. “Or they think it means their gas is going to be cut off altogether. That’s not the case. Of course it does mean a bit less independence, but it also significantly reduces the risk of an accident in the home.”
When people do decide to go ahead, Kelly can also help by liaising with SGN. “I can fill out the referral form and send it off, then SGN will contact the carer or family member to arrange a convenient time to go in and fit the valve.” If you’re living in rented accommodation you can still have a locking cooker valve fitted – you’ll just need to check with your landlord first.
Here are 5 reasons why you might want to think about getting a locking cooker valve:
√ It will help keep you safe in your home: With a locking cooker valve, there’s no chance of switching the gas on accidentally or leaving the cooker on unattended.
√ It will help you stay independent for longer: To begin with it might feel like a big change to have to have someone there when you’re cooking, but staying safe is a huge part of being able to carry on doing the things you love.
√ Peace of mind for carers and family members: The people that love and care for you can relax, knowing that you’re safe in your own home.
√ It’s easy to use: Locking cooker valves are designed to be simple to use for carers and family members.
√ It’s cost-effective: SGN customers can get a locking cooker valve installed free of charge.
Back to Kelly for the final word. “If people are managing OK, it can be hard to look to the future. But it’s important to plan ahead and take steps to reduce the risks of an accident happening in the home,” she says. “I’d encourage anyone living with dementia who has a gas cooker to think about getting a locking cooker valve. It might mean a short-term loss of independence – but that could help keep you cooking for longer.”
Want to know more about locking gas cooker valves? SGN has useful information, including on how to apply for a locking cooker valve. You can also contact Kelly for help to register, and for advice on staying safe in your home.