Follow
Share

Husband and wife live together and one suffers from memory loss.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Turn off the gas to the stove? I know the well one wants to cook but it might not be worth the risk.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I agree with removing the knobs. An alternative would be to ask a plumber to put an add an on/off valve on the line coming in to the stove, out of sight from the person with dementia. Then the spouse could turn the gas on and off from there. This would not be a good option if your gas stove relies on a pilot light that has to be relit.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

The covers for the knobs are not easy to remove or put on or they wouldn't be considered or called child proof.

All knobs are designed to come off for cleaning, etc. There are many touch panels for stoves. I would imagine that there are.some with a lockout feature.

https://ars.repair/oven-repair/how-to-remove-and-replace-stove-burner-knobs/

In most stove models, the control knobs can be pulled right off. In gas stoves, although they control the flow of gas to the burners, you do not need to shut off the gas before removing the knobs. You will, however, want to make sure the knobs are firmly in the off position. They will turn no further in that direction so you can just pull them out without worrying about activating the gas or electricity to the burner.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Most of the knobs on stoves are easy to remove, you just pull them off.
They can be kept in a drawer or cabinet next to the stove.

There are child proof covers that are placed over existing knobs and the cover opens and you can access the knob.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Watch her during the day. Lock her in her bedroom ar night. No wandering around at night allowed.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
gladimhere Apr 2023
Locking anyone in a bedroom at any time is dangerous and illegal.would raise flags with APS. What if there were a fire, tornado or any event where they would NEED to get out and couldn't?

https://www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/false-imprisonment.html

Nursing home staff who medicates a patient without their permission

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/supporting-person-dementia-who-walks-about

Some carers may decide to lock a person with dementia in their home so that they cannot leave. However, a person with dementia should never be locked in if they are on their own as this can be very dangerous – for example if there is a fire, or if they have an accident or fall.
(0)
Report
Can't you just pull the knobs off and put them in a drawer, then take them out when they are needed?
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
BurntCaregiver Apr 2023
@gladimhere

Taking the knobs off is dangerous and if they have a newer model stove the knobs don't come off.
(1)
Report
BobbyD10: Per Google - "What is an automatic stove shut off device? It’s an automatic stove shut off device that works for electric or gas stoves. It has a built in motion detector and will shut off the gas after no motion has been detected for 5 minutes. For your peace of mind, it will send an alert to your smartphone."

Disclaimer: The above information is not my authoring.

BobbyD10: This may not be what you're looking for, but may be a safer option as one individual has dementia.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

https://www.rangesafe.com/store/p/rangesafe-classic-black?gclid=CjwKCAjw5pShBhB_EiwAvmnNV8g_R7I7w8H1X0-hccEQ_4s5nK-cLikfo1XtT7jtEKC6iZg_9BBD_RoC95cQAvD_BwE
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
cwillie Mar 2023
Those look like an excellent product but $30 a knob is highway robbery!
(2)
Report
When my husband's dementia was progressing I switched from a gas stove to an induction. It won't turn on unless a proper pot is on the burner.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this situation, it is never easy for anyone.

I pulled the knobs off of my gas stove when my MIL with dementia started messing with them. I kept them a bowl in an upper cabinet by the stove for when I needed them. They are very easy to pull off, and even easier to put back on. It’s definitely easier then using child-proof covers.

Good luck with this!
Helpful Answer (6)
Report
Lizhappens Mar 2023
That’s a great idea. My friend has the covers that you have to pinch to open it up and even I have problems with that!
(1)
Report
We purchased these for my FIL who had dementia and MIL insisted on caring for him herself at home. They definitely kept him out, but kept her out too, so she ended up using the microwave for everything. Now that he has passed, she has taken them off.https://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Child-Proof-Covers/dp/B00068O22S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1ANQ6JWJ1Y5G0&keywords=gas+stove+knob+covers+for+child+safety&qid=1680178426&sprefix=gas+stove+knob%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-3
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

You can cook anything in an “Air Frier.” Go look at a couple at the store.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I cannot answer your question about the stove, except follow some of our readers' suggestions. My main point here is concern about your memory loss spouse who is no longer safe staying in the home and should be placed into memory care.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Search and see what you can find in regards to child safety and stoves. This may be suitable to keep everyone safe.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I saw this item for electric stoves promoted on Shark Tank several years ago. They now offer this one for gas stoves. It was invented by a firefighter.

https://fireavert.com/product/fireavert-gas-stove-automatic-shut-off-shark-tank-special/

It won’t replace protection for the knobs to prevent the stove being turned on, but would be a good backup if a fire does start. We don’t have one because it wasn’t an issue when I first learned about and I had forgotten about it but it is now on my to-do list. Thank you for the reminder to be safe. I will now be looking at options to prevent my husband from turning on the stove as well
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Buy an electric stove?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
KPWCSC Mar 2023
While electric may be a bit safer to use, someone with memory loss needs protection from turning on electric stoves too!
(5)
Report
I use gas and I say pop off the knobs. I only use the two front burners when I cook.

I kept this info from another poster

https://iguardfire.com/
Helpful Answer (8)
Report

Just remove the knobs. They're pretty easy to pop on and off.

Any childproofing covers would likely require too much hand strength.
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

The stove/oven are used daily.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
Dupedwife Mar 2023
I love ImaGranny’s suggestion of purchasing an Air Fryer. I love Air Fryers. They are easy to use and extremely functional.
(1)
Report
My first thought was to remove the nobs but I'm not sure if that would work.
Do they do a lot of cooking Bobby? It might be simpler to turn off the gas and rely on other appliances - microwave, counter top oven, induction burner, slow cooker, instant pot etc.
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter