When cooking is an effort

A number of physical conditions such as arthritis, limited vision, decreased coordination, weak hands and arms, and using a walker or wheelchair, can increase the difficulty of preparing meals. Fortunately, many of the problems created by these limitations can be reduced or eliminated with simple changes and relatively inexpensive equipment. Addressing these difficulties can be well worth your time and effort, especially if the result allows you to stay active in your kitchen and enjoy the benefits of preparing your own meals.

Tuning up your kitchen

Start by reorganizing your kitchen with the goal of making it easier to work in. For example:

• If you haven't cleaned out cupboards and drawers recently, now is the time! Consider storing or giving away items you no longer use. This will make it easier to access the equipment you do need.
• Remove items you rarely use from your countertops. Conversely, keep appliances you use often on your counters. If your counter space is limited or you find it difficult to reach, a sturdy cart or low table may be helpful.
• To cut back on trips around the kitchen, group items in your cupboards and drawers according to use--store knives with your cutting boards, and put your measuring cups, mixing spoons, and spatula in your mixing bowl, so everything will be together when you get ready to bake.
• Use turntables, lazy susans, or swing out shelves for easy-to-access storage.
• Use small jars or crocks to group and store utensils on countertops. These are particularly handy if you find it difficult to open the kitchen drawers.

Food preparation pointers

• Make it easier to open food containers by getting an electric can opener with non-slip feet, and a heavy-duty jar opener. Kitchen shears are also useful for opening packages.
• When pouring liquids or measuring coffee try working in the sink where spills are easy to clean up.
• Loop a kitchen towel or rope through refrigerator and drawer handles to make them easier to open.
• When working with cutting boards, mixing bowls, and similar equipment put a damp cloth or rubber mat underneath them to stabilize them.
• Consider changing to faucets operated with levers that can be manipulated with your palm if you have difficulty with taps that are turned with your fingers.
• Rather than using knives, try using scissors or kitchen shears and poultry shears to cut vegetables or meat.
• Utensils with larger handles can be easier to use. Look for special adaptive equipment, or use masking tape to enlarge handles on your own.
• Lighten your cooking load by using stainless steel or other lightweight pots and pans. (Food may be more likely to burn, however.) Casseroles and pots with double handles may also easier to handle.
• You need less cookware if you purchase 'multi-use' pots and pans that can be used on the stovetop and in both the oven and microwave.
• Try using tongs instead of a fork for turning meats.
• Place heatproof pads around the kitchen to use as resting spots when carrying heavy, hot items.
• If you have limited vision, use sandpaper or brightly colored tape to mark on-off positions on temperature controls.