Make sure your loved one never leaves food unattended while cooking. Consider buying them an automatic shut-off device so that if they do forget to turn something off, you have peace of mind.

Many things in the kitchen can be fire hazards. Your loved one should not wear loose clothing when cooking, keep towels and potholders far away from hot surfaces and clean up the stove immediately so that oil and fat don't build up on the surface.

Prevent falls in the kitchen by making sure your loved one's kitchen isn't cluttered, install bright lights, encourage them not to use the high cabinet, store heavy objects at waist level and check the refrigerator for leaking water.

Make sure your loved one doesn't get a foodborne illness by ensuring meats and vegetables are stored in sealed containers. Check the temperature of their fridge routinely; cold food should be kept at no less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit and reheated food should be no less than 165 degrees. Be sure your loved one returns their leftovers to the fridge immediately after a meal. When in doubt, throw it out!

If your loved one has dementia, it may be time to intervene with their cooking habits. Lock up sharp objects and knives, label everything and post reminder signs, use timers and pre-cooked foods to help your loved one remain as independent as they can. However, the time will come when it is no longer safe for your loved one to cook on their own. When that time comes, consider bringing meals over for them or start using one of the many different home-delivered meal options.

There are many cooking aids made specifically for seniors. Some options for your loved one are: wide-handled utensils with non-slip grips, one-handed cutting and preparation boards, pot stabilizers and arthritic friendly bottle openers.

Make sure the dining area where your loved one takes meals is appropriate. If your loved one has vision problems, poor lighting can make it difficult to see the food in front them. Use plates without distracting patterns and make sure there is adequate color contrast between food and plate. Remove distractions-e.g., turn off the TV-especially if your loved one has dementia, since they may have trouble focusing on the fact that it is mealtime. Remove unneeded items from the table and make sure there are not too many food choices.

If your loved one has difficulty grasping utensils, replace some foods with finger foods such as small sandwiches, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables. If necessary, use plates with large rims, cups with lids and wide bases, flexible straws, utensils with large handles, and nonslip placemats to keep dishes from moving on the table.

Mood, behavior and physical function can impact eating as dementia progresses. Maintain familiar routines. If the person in your care has always eaten dinner at the same time, honor that. If they have always prayed before meals, continue to say the prayer before eating. Don’t introduce unfamiliar routines, such as a hearty breakfast if your loved one has had a slice of toast for breakfast their entire adult life. If your loved one is receiving assistance from a home care aide, be sure to share these preferences and routines with them.

Make sure your loved one is sitting upright while they eat to avoid choking. If they have difficulty chewing, food can be minced, shredded or pureed.

Dry mouth can make chewing and swallowing difficult, so make sure your loved one stays hydrated by offering water throughout the day-this can also help avoid constipation, confusion and dizziness.