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Posted by Francis Whitehead on July 11, 2024
The kitchen is one of the vital hubs of the home, where cooking and preparing meals can take up a great portion of your day, as well as eating and drinking. But if you live with a disability, decreased dexterity or arthritis, making your way around the kitchen can be a difficult task.
This is why investing in the right kitchen and dining aids can make a significant difference, and our Ultimate Buying Guide can show you how.
Using kitchen and dining aids can enhance independence, personal safety, and convenience for individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges. These aids can help with tasks such as cooking, eating, and drinking, making daily activities more manageable.
They can also be beneficial for people with:
To choose the right kitchen and dining aids, you must first identify the areas you’re struggling in. For example, do you find you cannot hold cutlery properly due to limited hand movement? Or do you have difficulty with keeping your food on your plate due to tremors? Maybe you struggle to hold regular cups and mugs due to decreased strength and dexterity?
Fear not, for we at Ability Superstore have taken all these concerns in mind when we chose our range, and here are just a few that may benefit you.
If you struggle to do tasks that are part of preparing a satisfying meal such as chopping, peeling, or holding bowls and dishes in place, then a food preparation system is the ultimate solution.
The Etac Fix is an adapted Swiss army knife of a chopping board with an array of features that can make food prep a breeze.
It comes well equipped with a jaw grip that can hold graters, bowls, or vegetables in place, so you don’t have to use both hands. There is also a small plate with spikes to hold smaller pieces of food in place, which can be removed for more surface area when chopping. This one-handed chopping board comes in white to suit any kitchen decor and is easy to clean.
Washing your hands before cooking is a vital step when making a meal, but if you live with limited grip or arthritis, this can be a painful task.
That’s why the Derby Tap Turners can make things easier, with the soft, textured surface of the extended handles providing more leverage when turning taps to reduce the strain on hands.
They’re easy to install, and come colour coded for both hot and cold taps.
Adaptive, or ergonomic cutlery is the perfect solution for those with dexterity issues who struggle to enjoy a meal.
For example, cutlery sets with ergonomically designed, large contoured handles such as the Caring Cutlery Utensil Set can be of great benefit for those with reduced grip, as the larger and thicker surface allows for easier handling.
Good Grips Cutlery can also be beneficial if tremors interrupt your mealtimes, as the weighted handles provide sturdiness. They have a special twist in the shaft that allows each utensil to be adjusted to any angle and bent to suit your individual needs. Curved cutlery is cleverly designed to scoop the food up one-handed and lowers the risk of spills.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, brightly coloured cutlery is perfect for helping users to differentiate between the food, plate and the cutlery. We supply a bendable four piece cutlery set in a vibrant red finish for this purpose.
Sloped plates are specially designed plates with a raised edge, creating a sloped surface. This unique design helps to keep food contained on the plate, preventing spills and making it easier to scoop up food with utensils. Sloped plates, such as the Ornamin Small Plate are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity, as they provide added stability during mealtime, and allow for one handed eating. This plate also comes in a range of coloured trims which can be beneficial for those with dementia.
Also available are the Wade Dignity Plates, which are sloped at just one side.
Plate surrounds are another solution for the same problem. These circular (or semi-circular) barriers attach to the edge of the plate, creating a secure boundary for food. Plate surrounds are adjustable and can accommodate different plate sizes, making them versatile for various dining needs.
The Incurve Plate Surround is a great, affordable example, available in both red and white.
Difficulties with upper body movement and strength can have a huge impact on daily activities which are crucial to maintaining independent living. Lifting, or holding items, such as a cup, can make having a drink challenging.
This is where the Sure Grip Mug comes in handy. This mug has been specifically designed to help those with grip issues, as the grooves match the contours of the hand; a better grip means less chance of spillage.
It also includes a lid for added protection against spills. The lid has an angled spout, so that the flow of liquid can be controlled. This spout has a small aperture is suitable for liquids such as water, tea and coffee.
If you are able to use a standard mug but find that you need extra stability when lifting or holding one, a two handled mug can remedy this issue.
These Two Handled Denby Style Mugs don’t compromise on style, available in three different colours they are a great addition to any kitchen.
For people that find standing for long periods an uncomfortable experience, a perching stool can be of great value. They can be placed anywhere around the kitchen, and don’t take up too much space.
The Malvern Perching Stool is a perfect example, with its padded seat and armrests providing comfort for those that need a seat. It’s also fully height adjustable, so it can be placed at the optimal height for tasks in the kitchen.
Don't let discomfort get in the way of your time in the kitchen. Invest in a perching stool and experience the comfort and convenience it has to offer.
Non-slip mats are imperative in preventing spills and accidents during mealtimes, as they can be used as placemats to keep plates and bowls in place while dining. Non-slip mats are typically made of rubber or silicone materials that have a high coefficient of friction. This means that when pressure is applied, the mat grips onto the surface it is placed on, creating traction that prevents slipping.
These Non-Slip Fabric Tablemats are a great example, as it retains its non-slip qualities when wet, perfect for unpredictable environments like the kitchen.
These mats retain their non-slip qualities even when wet, making them ideal for unpredictable environments like the kitchen. Whether you're dealing with spills or simply want to enjoy a meal without the fear of dishes sliding around, these tablemats have got you covered.
Their ability to provide a secure grip on surfaces makes them a valuable addition to any household, especially for those with children or elderly family members who may be more prone to accidents.
Do you or a loved one struggle with traditional straws, where the liquid sinks back down into the glass when you move away from it? For some people, it can be frustrating to constantly need to use more suction just to get a sip of your drink.
These Pat Saunders drinking straws may be the answer.
These innovative straws feature a one-way valve that prevents liquid from flowing back down into the glass when you move the straw away from your lips. This means you can take a sip without worrying about losing your drink. It's perfect for those who may not have the strength to suck strongly on a regular straw.
Not only do these straws keep your drink where it belongs, but they also prevent air from being sucked into your stomach. This can help reduce pain and discomfort for many individuals, making the drinking experience much more enjoyable and comfortable.
For those that lack strength, dexterity and grip, opening jars, tins, ring pulls and seals can be a difficult task.
Luckily, the 6-in-1 Multi Opener is an extremely versatile kitchen aid. It features six tools in one, including a bottle opener, a pull hook, a pop-up tag hook, a handle for gripping tight lids, a clip for opening security seals, and a blade for opening sealed items, such as parcels. This means that jar lids, ring pulls and safety seals on bottles can all be opened with this gadget.
With its user-friendly design and multiple functions, the 6-in-1 Multi Opener simplifies everyday tasks and promotes independence in the kitchen. No more asking for help to open that jar of jam or struggling to break the seal on a new bottle of medication.
Its compact size makes it easy to store in your kitchen drawer or hang on a hook for quick access. Plus, its durable construction ensures long-lasting use, making it a reliable companion for years to come.
For those with visual impairments, navigating your way around the kitchen and preparing meals can be difficult. Luckily, a range of talking aids are available that can provide audible feedback These innovative devices are designed to provide audible feedback, making cooking and baking more accessible for everyone.
Talking Kitchen Scales are equipped with voice output that announces the weight of the ingredients placed on the scale. This feature allows users to accurately measure quantities without relying on visual cues. With precise measurements, you can ensure that your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
Talking Labels are a game-changer for organizing your pantry and identifying different items. Simply record a voice message describing the contents of the label, and when you press the large ‘play’ button, the recorded message will play back.
A Talking Measuring Jug provides audio feedback on the volume of liquid being poured, eliminating the guesswork involved in measuring liquids.
A Talking Microwave is designed with audible controls and prompts to assist users in setting the cooking time and power level. This feature is invaluable for individuals with visual impairments, as it allows them to operate the microwave independently and safely. With a talking microwave, you can heat up your meals with confidence.
By incorporating talking aids into your kitchen, you can enhance your independence and confidence while cooking and baking. These devices provide essential support for individuals with visual impairments, making the kitchen a more inclusive and accessible space for all.
In conclusion, there is a wealth of kitchen aids you can buy, all tailored to suit different needs and provide solutions to all kinds of obstacles you may face. The important thing to know before making a purchase is which one is best for you.
Everything you’ve seen here is available here on our website, and if you have any questions about any products featured please feel free to get in touch. We will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction! With our team of experts, you can be sure to receive trustworthy experience and guidance.
Kate Makin qualified as an occupational therapist (OT) in 2001 with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
As a registered occupational therapist (OT), Kate is a science degree-based, health and social care professional, taking a “whole person” approach to both physical and mental health and wellbeing. This enables individuals, of all ages, to achieve their full potential and lead as independent life as possible.
For Kate’s registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, click here.
Throughout her career, Kate has worked in many different clinical settings, in both the public and private sector. Kate has been running her own independent occupational therapist business since 2009. She is passionate about disability aids and adaptations, with a specialist interest in postural management and seating.
As Ability Superstore’s resident OT, Kate is on hand to offer professional advice and answer any queries.
