Microwave safety

[RLockwood]

Hi my mum has recently left food in the microwave for too long and caused a fire. Im now looking for a microwave with a safety/lock feature.
She lives independently despite failing memory.

 

[Izzy]

Welcome to the forum @RLockwood.

I'm sorry to read about your mum. That must be quite a worry for you. There's an old thread on here that might be helpful -

Advice on Microwaves

Hi Has anyone used the microwaves with built in child locks? My Mum has blown hers up today and we've already disconnected her gas cooker, so was wondering if anyone had experience of one of these microwaves and if they are any good. If not has anyone any other ideas as to what would be...

forum.alzheimers.org.uk

 

[Izzy]

I'm not sure if this site covers things like microwaves but it might be worth a look -

ADAM - About Digital and Me | Alzheimer Scotland

ADAM is a platform that can help you to find the right pieces of technology at the right time.

www.alzscot.org

 

[Sirena]

Having read the previous thread linked to, I wonder if a child lock would actually work. Could it be defeated by switching the microwave on and off again? I wonder if it might give you a false feeling of security.

Does she have access to a cooker as well?

I'm just asking because when my mother started setting fire to things (in her case, the grill pan) it was a signal that she could not live independently any longer. I arranged (self funded) carers to come in and provide her meals, and they ensured she could not turn on the cooker.

 

[Jaded'n'faded]

Hi my mum has recently left food in the microwave for too long and caused a fire. Im now looking for a microwave with a safety/lock feature.
She lives independently despite failing memory.

It's a big red flag. You may find a temporary solution but I'd agree with @Sirena - your mum is becoming a danger to herself. Turning things on then forgetting about it is a big problem when people with dementia live alone. You might want to also read some threads here on flooding the bathroom, etc...

 

[Sirena]

Yes @Jaded'n'faded I agree, that's the problem - I found the whole progress of dementia involved solving one problem only for another to appear. My mother managed with carers for a while, but as things progressed she moved to a care home.