That all important Safety in your Own Kitchen:
“We’ve looked at the data to identify the underlying factors for falls in these areas and found that most falls occur when a patient is reaching for an object or changing their position. The data also showed that men were more likely to fall than women,” Professor Paul Varghese from the Falls Injury Prevention Collaborative said.
Suggestions to help you prepare and cook food -
The kitchen can be a dangerous place. You and the person you're caring for will need to decide whether or not he can safely prepare meals on his own, but a few modifications may enable him to help someone else cook for him or even make a snack for himself.
Preparing food:
· If you are in a wheelchair , you won't be able to reach standard counter tops. If modifying the height of all of the countertops is too expensive and labor intensive, lowering one area and removing the cabinet beneath it might be a good compromise. You could also set up a separate table with a butcher block surface for food preparation.
· A side-by-side refrigerator (with a fridge on one side and a freezer on the other) makes accessing frozen foods much easier, especially if you are in a wheelchair . Or try an upside-down fridge where the freezer is on the bottom.
· Place frequently used foods and spices in an easy-to-reach area. If you have a hard time reading small print, you might want to buy labels at an office supply store and rewrite the names of the foods and spices in large, block letters.
· A nonskid material can be used to stabilize bowls while mixing or stirring. Available at Reject type shops or the supermarket.
· If you have trouble with one or both hands, slicing fruits and vegetables may be difficult or impossible. Your Carer/loved one can do the slicing for you, or check your grocery store's selection of sliced produce. If your Carer thinks you can manage it, you could buy a cutting board with suction cup feet and use it to hold fruits and vegetables. A rocking knife also makes it easier to cut with one hand.
· A food processor can be used for mincing or dicing.
· You can purchase one-handed jar openers and can openers from stores like the Reject type shops.
. You can open a stuck jar lid by holding it under warm, running water.
Cooking food:
· Using the stove can be difficult for someone in a wheelchair, especially if the oven is directly below the range. It's possible to install a freestanding cooking top at a height you can comfortably reach.
· Look for stove controls on the front of the stove so you don't have to reach over burners to adjust the temperature.
· Angle a mirror above the stove to reflect the contents of pots and pans. If you are in a wheelchair, you will still be able to see what's cooking.
· Place a canister of baking soda next to the stove in case of grease fires. Also, make sure there's a fire extinguisher within reach.
· Make sure oven mitts and potholders are in plain sight so you don't forget and accidentally grab a hot dish. Some mitts come with magnets sewed into them so you can stick them directly on the front of the oven.
· Not every meal needs to be cooked on the stove or in the oven. You can get a lot of mileage out of a microwave or toaster oven. A crockpot is also a great way to prepare meals. Freeze individual portions for quick reheating.
· It's probably a good idea to buy appliances with automatic shut-off controls in case you forget to turn them off.
Helping someone wash dishes:
· If you are in a wheelchair, you won't be able to reach a standard sink. Lowering the sink isn't enough. You'll need to install one that's fairly shallow so you can reach the bottom and have room underneath for your legs. You might need to remove some cupboard space underneath the sink too. As with the bathroom sink, be sure to insulate any exposed pipes to prevent burns.
· Install lever-handled faucets that you can turn on and off with your wrists or arm.
· Place a dish drainer in the sink to hold dishes steady while washing and rinsing. Clean dishes can then be placed in a separate drainer on the counter to dry.
· Transfer dish soap from a squeeze bottle into a container with a pump top. You can also buy sponges with handles that can be filled with soap.
Since making the right home modifications can make a huge difference in both of your lives, it may be helpful to consult an occupational therapist (OT). An OT can take stock of the stroke survivor's specific disability and the current state of your home, then make suggestions based on you particular needs.
Have a look also at this most Excellent Site - with Many Thanks for this Great information.
http://ilcaustralia.org.au/Using_Assistive_Technology/in_the_home/kitchen
Jugs and kettles!
Jug and kettle stands eliminate the need to lift a heavy kettle full of boiling water. The kettle can be left in the tipper and refilled using a small jug.
Angled Knives
what it they look like: https://patienthandling.com.au/kitchen-dining-aids/
Electric Appliances
Chopping Boards
Stools and Trolleys
Trolleys
Other Stabilising Aids
Non-slip Matting
Clamps
Magnetic/Suction Frames
General Household Aids
Opening Doors (Knobs and Keys)
Reaching Aids
Scissors
Jar and Bottle Openers
Tin/Can Openers
Another option is electric can openers and can be supplied through mainstream suppliers.
Tips for Opening Jars and Bottles
Eating and Drinking Equipment Positioning
Cutlery, Handle Adaptations and Orthoses
Built-up Handles
Angled Knives
Rocker Knives
Palmer Cuff Orthosis
Angled Shaft Cutlery
Weighted Cutlery
Plates and Non-slip BasesPlate Guards
Non-slip Matting
Suction Cup Plates
Cups, Beakers and StrawsAdapted Cup Handles
Lightweight/Weighted Cups
Insulated Mugs
Cups with Lips
Cups with Cut Outs
Straws
Lids and Spouts
Require assistance?If you require advice or assistance in choosing relevant AT products for your needs, please call our national ILC Infoline 1300 885 886. You will be connected to your local state/territory ILC for the cost of a local phone call.
** NT callers are automatically directed to ILC in South Australia.
Last updated on
Copyright ILCA 2011. All rights reserved. With many thanks for this excellent and well thought out information. J
“We’ve looked at the data to identify the underlying factors for falls in these areas and found that most falls occur when a patient is reaching for an object or changing their position. The data also showed that men were more likely to fall than women,” Professor Paul Varghese from the Falls Injury Prevention Collaborative said.
Suggestions to help you prepare and cook food -
The kitchen can be a dangerous place. You and the person you're caring for will need to decide whether or not he can safely prepare meals on his own, but a few modifications may enable him to help someone else cook for him or even make a snack for himself.
Preparing food:
· If you are in a wheelchair , you won't be able to reach standard counter tops. If modifying the height of all of the countertops is too expensive and labor intensive, lowering one area and removing the cabinet beneath it might be a good compromise. You could also set up a separate table with a butcher block surface for food preparation.
· A side-by-side refrigerator (with a fridge on one side and a freezer on the other) makes accessing frozen foods much easier, especially if you are in a wheelchair . Or try an upside-down fridge where the freezer is on the bottom.
· Place frequently used foods and spices in an easy-to-reach area. If you have a hard time reading small print, you might want to buy labels at an office supply store and rewrite the names of the foods and spices in large, block letters.
· A nonskid material can be used to stabilize bowls while mixing or stirring. Available at Reject type shops or the supermarket.
· If you have trouble with one or both hands, slicing fruits and vegetables may be difficult or impossible. Your Carer/loved one can do the slicing for you, or check your grocery store's selection of sliced produce. If your Carer thinks you can manage it, you could buy a cutting board with suction cup feet and use it to hold fruits and vegetables. A rocking knife also makes it easier to cut with one hand.
· A food processor can be used for mincing or dicing.
· You can purchase one-handed jar openers and can openers from stores like the Reject type shops.
. You can open a stuck jar lid by holding it under warm, running water.
Cooking food:
· Using the stove can be difficult for someone in a wheelchair, especially if the oven is directly below the range. It's possible to install a freestanding cooking top at a height you can comfortably reach.
· Look for stove controls on the front of the stove so you don't have to reach over burners to adjust the temperature.
· Angle a mirror above the stove to reflect the contents of pots and pans. If you are in a wheelchair, you will still be able to see what's cooking.
· Place a canister of baking soda next to the stove in case of grease fires. Also, make sure there's a fire extinguisher within reach.
· Make sure oven mitts and potholders are in plain sight so you don't forget and accidentally grab a hot dish. Some mitts come with magnets sewed into them so you can stick them directly on the front of the oven.
· Not every meal needs to be cooked on the stove or in the oven. You can get a lot of mileage out of a microwave or toaster oven. A crockpot is also a great way to prepare meals. Freeze individual portions for quick reheating.
· It's probably a good idea to buy appliances with automatic shut-off controls in case you forget to turn them off.
Helping someone wash dishes:
· If you are in a wheelchair, you won't be able to reach a standard sink. Lowering the sink isn't enough. You'll need to install one that's fairly shallow so you can reach the bottom and have room underneath for your legs. You might need to remove some cupboard space underneath the sink too. As with the bathroom sink, be sure to insulate any exposed pipes to prevent burns.
· Install lever-handled faucets that you can turn on and off with your wrists or arm.
· Place a dish drainer in the sink to hold dishes steady while washing and rinsing. Clean dishes can then be placed in a separate drainer on the counter to dry.
· Transfer dish soap from a squeeze bottle into a container with a pump top. You can also buy sponges with handles that can be filled with soap.
Since making the right home modifications can make a huge difference in both of your lives, it may be helpful to consult an occupational therapist (OT). An OT can take stock of the stroke survivor's specific disability and the current state of your home, then make suggestions based on you particular needs.
Have a look also at this most Excellent Site - with Many Thanks for this Great information.
http://ilcaustralia.org.au/Using_Assistive_Technology/in_the_home/kitchen
Jugs and kettles!
Jug and kettle stands eliminate the need to lift a heavy kettle full of boiling water. The kettle can be left in the tipper and refilled using a small jug.
- Utensils such as peelers are available with ready-made built up handles in a variety of sizes, textures and weights. The needs of the user will dictate what is easiest for them to use.
- Slip-on foam tubing and clay can also be used to build the handle of ordinary utensils to provide easier grip.
Angled Knives
- Knives with angled handles allow a stronger grip to be used. It puts less stress on joints by using the whole arm in a sawing action for chopping, slicing etc.
what it they look like: https://patienthandling.com.au/kitchen-dining-aids/
Electric Appliances
- Using electrically operated appliances can simplify tasks. Blenders, food processors, electric can openers and electric knives are a few commercially available items which can assist with food preparation.
Chopping Boards
- Chopping boards can be modified to help stabilise food items to assist with cutting, chopping and spreading with one hand. Food items can be stabilised on boards with prongs or built up sides. Smaller equipment such as graters can be secured onto cutting boards for one handed grating.
Stools and Trolleys
- Sitting down while working provides stability and helps to avoid fatigue.
- A chair or stool with an adjustable height allows good customisation of sitting height for an individual, depending on their needs and bench or table height.
Trolleys
- Trolleys can be used to transport objects around the kitchen or houe. This may reduce the risk of dropping items, help to prevent fatigue from carrying items and reduce the trips required to transport objects between rooms.
Other Stabilising Aids
Non-slip Matting
- Non-slip matting can be used to assist in stabilising objects as well as providing a better grip for tasks such as opening jars.
Clamps
- A clamp can also be used to stabilise jars and bottles for one hand access.
Magnetic/Suction Frames
- Saucepans can be stabilised by using magnetic or suction cup frames.Bowl Tippers
- Bowl tippers are also available. These are designed to secure and hold mixing bowls and safely transfer contents.
General Household Aids
- Taps
- For people with hand weakness, lever taps are generally easier than turn style taps. An option to avoid replacing taps is to consider a tap turner placed over the existing tap to provide a lever.
Opening Doors (Knobs and Keys)
- Key turners provide extra surface area for a person to grasp and a greater lever action than when using a standard key.
- Door knobs can be covered with non-slip materials to enable a better grip for turning.
- Lever handles may also be used to replace round door knobs.
Reaching Aids
- A reaching aid may assist people who have difficulties reaching for objects. These incorporate a long-weight shaft and a gripping mechanism operated by squeezing a trigger.
- Various lengths of reaching aids are available.
Scissors
- Scissors can incorporate a self opening mechanism which may reduce fatigue.
Jar and Bottle Openers
- Some jar openers are rubber objects, others are lever systems, but all are designed to improve grip and/or provide alternative grip options.
- Some openers can be mounted under a shelf or bench to allow a person to open a jar with one hand.
Tin/Can Openers
- Can openers with large handles and turning knobs may be easier for people with sore joints to use. J-shaped openers will remove the lid from pull cans more easily.
Another option is electric can openers and can be supplied through mainstream suppliers.
Tips for Opening Jars and Bottles
- Put the lid under hot water before attempting to open it.
- Tap the lid gently on the bench top before opening it.
- Use a device designed to release the vacuum seal on the jar.
- A jar can be stabilised by putting it in an open drawer and leaning against the drawer.
- Consider using alternative containers you find easier to open to store the contents of the jar.
- Consider using a jar opener. Many of these are based on the principle of increasing hand grip on the lid. A piece of sandpaper or non-slip matting can achieve the same result. These methods need strong downward pressure and may not open all jars.
- Wall or under shelf mounted jar openers allow the use of both hands to open jars. When installing, allow plenty of space to turn and hold the jar.
- Lever-type openers reduce the force required to open the jar and the subsequent strain on the hand and wrist joints.
- When trying to open a jar with the use of only one hand, if stabilising the jar using the aforementioned drawer method, or wedging the jar between your knees does not work, try a Belliclamp where you push your stomach against a chock which holds the glass in place.
Eating and Drinking Equipment Positioning
- Chairs
- It is important to be seated in a comfortable and supportive chair close to a table at the right height.
- Features of a good chair include a sturdy chair which has an adjustable seat height, contoured backrest and armrest.
- Sitting in a stable relaxed posture, within comfortable reach of food and drink items means a more comfortable dining experience.
- Cut Out Tables
- Tables with a cut out section are available to increase stability and decrease the need for extended reach.
Cutlery, Handle Adaptations and Orthoses
Built-up Handles
- Standard cutlery can be made easier to use by building up the handles with either foam tubing or clay. Cutlery with specially built up handles are available for purchase.
Angled Knives
- Angled knives enable a stronger grip and allow a sawing action to be used to cut food.
Rocker Knives
- Rocker knives enable people to cut food with one hand. Some knives combine the rocking knife with a fork allowing completely one handed cutting.
Palmer Cuff Orthosis
- Palmer Cuff Orthosis allows people with limited grasp to manipulate cutlery. A strap is placed around the fork or spoon to assist with grasping. Some straps have a pocket in the palmer section so the cutlery can be easily inserted and removed from the hand or limb.
Angled Shaft Cutlery
- Spoons or forks with an angled shaft can assist those with limited arm movement to get food into their mouths.
Weighted Cutlery
- Weighted cutlery may reduce spillage for users with tremors.
Plates and Non-slip BasesPlate Guards
- Clip-on plate guards can be added to most plates to provide an edge to push against. This may help to prevent spills for people with reduced coordination, tremor or limited vision and may help those with limited hand manoeuvrability or use of only one hand to load food onto cutlery.
Non-slip Matting
- Non-slip matting can be used to prevent plates or cups from spilling and can increase plate/cup stability which is potentially useful for those with tremory, limited coordination, limited hand manoeuvrability or use of only one hand.
Suction Cup Plates
- Suction cups at the bottom of plates or bowls may also be useful and can hold plates/bowls more firmly than non-slip matting.
Cups, Beakers and StrawsAdapted Cup Handles
- Two handed cups may be useful for some people to lift or stabilise a cup. Cups with large handles may assist those with weak grasp by allowing them to place their whole hand through the handle.
Lightweight/Weighted Cups
- Weighted mugs may also be useful in reducing tremor. Lightweight cups can assist those with minimal arm strength and reduced coordination.
Insulated Mugs
- Insualated mugs are useful to prevent burns as well as keeping liquids hot or cold.
Cups with Lips
- An outward lip or flange at the base of a cup can assist to prevent spills.
Cups with Cut Outs
- Cups with a cut-out section are useful for people unable to tilt their head backwards as it allows the nose to fit into the cut out section. They also prevent the rim of the cup from pressing on the nose of a person with an uncontrolled bite reflex. Cut out and transparent cups also enable the user or the carer to view the contents of the cup while drinking.
Straws
- Straws eliminate the need to lift, hold and manipulate the cup in a coordinated manner. Straws that feature a one-way valve reduce the effort required to draw fluids up through the straw and are useful for people who have difficulty sucking or swallowing.
Lids and Spouts
- Beakers or cups featuring a lid with a spout are useful for preventing spillage and regulating the flow of liquid into the mouth.
Require assistance?If you require advice or assistance in choosing relevant AT products for your needs, please call our national ILC Infoline 1300 885 886. You will be connected to your local state/territory ILC for the cost of a local phone call.
** NT callers are automatically directed to ILC in South Australia.
Last updated on
Copyright ILCA 2011. All rights reserved. With many thanks for this excellent and well thought out information. J