Kitchen aids

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and whipping up delicious meals can be a source of joy and independence. However, age-related changes in mobility, dexterity, vision, and strength can make navigating the kitchen a challenge. This can lead to frustration, a reliance on others, and even safety concerns.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Difficulty reaching ingredients or utensils: Limited mobility or reduced reach can make it challenging to access items stored high or low in cabinets. This can lead to frustration, increased reliance on others, and potential safety hazards when climbing or straining.	Reaching aids: Extend your grasp to access items on high shelves or in low cupboards. Cabinet organisers: Maximise storage space and improve accessibility.
Reduced dexterity or grip strength: Difficulty gripping small objects, opening jars, or using utensils can hinder meal preparation. This can lead to a limited ability to cook independently, reliance on others, and the potential for burns or spills.	Adaptive utensils: Offer weighted handles or built-up grips for easier control. Jar openers: Assist with opening tight lids without straining wrists. Rocking knife sets: Enhance stability while cutting.
Challenges with operating appliances: Difficulty reading control panels, turning knobs, or manipulating buttons can make using appliances a struggle. This can lead to a reduced ability to cook independently, reliance on pre-prepared meals, and potential safety hazards with malfunctioning appliances.	Appliances with large, easy-to-read controls: Promote clarity and ease of use. Voice-activated appliances: Offer hands-free control for individuals with limited dexterity.
Safety concerns while cooking: Reduced balance or weakened eyesight can increase the risk of burns, spills, or falls in the kitchen. This can lead to potential injuries, anxiety about cooking, and a limited ability to prepare meals independently.	Electric kettle with automatic shut-off: Prevents overheating and potential fire hazards. Stovetop guards: Create a barrier between the burners and cookware, preventing accidental spills. Non-slip mats: Provide added stability and traction on kitchen floors.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Difficulty reaching ingredients or utensils: Limited mobility or reduced reach can make it challenging to access items stored high or low in cabinets.

This can lead to frustration, increased reliance on others, and potential safety hazards when climbing or straining.

Reaching aids: Extend your grasp to access items on high shelves or in low cupboards.

Cabinet organisers: Maximise storage space and improve accessibility.

Reduced dexterity or grip strength: Difficulty gripping small objects, opening jars, or using utensils can hinder meal preparation.

This can lead to a limited ability to cook independently, reliance on others, and the potential for burns or spills.

Adaptive utensils: Offer weighted handles or built-up grips for easier control.

Jar openers: Assist with opening tight lids without straining wrists.

Rocking knife sets: Enhance stability while cutting.

Challenges with operating appliances: Difficulty reading control panels, turning knobs, or manipulating buttons can make using appliances a struggle.

This can lead to a reduced ability to cook independently, reliance on pre-prepared meals, and potential safety hazards with malfunctioning appliances.

Appliances with large, easy-to-read controls: Promote clarity and ease of use.

Voice-activated appliances: Offer hands-free control for individuals with limited dexterity.

Safety concerns while cooking: Reduced balance or weakened eyesight can increase the risk of burns, spills, or falls in the kitchen.

This can lead to potential injuries, anxiety about cooking, and a limited ability to prepare meals independently.

Electric kettle with automatic shut-off: Prevents overheating and potential fire hazards.

Stovetop guards: Create a barrier between the burners and cookware, preventing accidental spills. Non-slip mats: Provide added stability and traction on kitchen floors.

Common challenges faced in the kitchen

Here are some everyday tasks in the kitchen that can become difficult with age:

Reaching for ingredients or utensils: Limited mobility or reduced reach can make it challenging to access items stored on high shelves or in deep cupboards.
Gripping and manipulating objects: Reduced dexterity or grip strength can make it difficult to hold and use small tools, open jars, or operate utensils.
Operating appliances: Difficulty reading control panels, turning knobs, or manipulating buttons can make using appliances like ovens, microwaves, or kettles frustrating.
Safety concerns: Reduced balance or weakened eyesight can increase the risk of burns, spills, or falls while cooking.

Equipment and aids to help you in the kitchen

By incorporating these kitchen aids into your cooking routine, you can continue to prepare meals safely and confidently:

Reaching and storage aids

Reaching aids: Extend your grasp to access items located high on shelves or in low cupboards.
Cabinet organisers: Utilise pull-out shelves, Lazy Susans, and drawer dividers to maximise storage space and improve accessibility within cabinets.
Step stools with grab bars: Provide a stable platform for reaching high shelves while offering support and preventing falls.

Aids for dexterity and grip

Adaptive utensils: Offer features like built-up grips, weighted handles, or rocker blades, making utensils easier to hold and control.
Jar openers: Assist with opening tight jar lids without straining your wrists or hands.
Rocking knife sets: Enhance stability and control while cutting by incorporating a rocking motion instead of a gripping action.
Electric can openers: Eliminate the need for manual force required with traditional can openers.

Appliance aids

Appliances with large, easy-to-read controls: Promote clarity and ease of use, especially for individuals with limited vision.
Voice-activated appliances: Offer hands-free control over functions like setting timers or adjusting temperatures, particularly helpful for those with limited dexterity.
Microwaves with sensor cooking: Automatically adjust cooking times and power levels, eliminating the need for setting precise controls.

Safety aids

Electric kettle with automatic shut-off: Prevents overheating and potential fire hazards if left unattended.
Stovetop guards: Create a barrier between the burners and cookware, preventing accidental spills from reaching the heating element.
Non-slip mats: Provide added stability and traction on kitchen floors, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Essential safety features for any kitchen, ensuring early warning of potential fire hazards.

Additional things to consider

Talk to an occupational therapist: An occupational therapist can assess your specific needs and recommend suitable kitchen aids to optimise your safety and independence in the kitchen.
Explore adaptive cooking techniques: There are many adaptive cooking techniques that can simplify meal preparation, such as using pre-chopped vegetables, single-pot meals, or slow cookers.
Prioritise comfort and safety: Choose kitchen aids that are comfortable to use and promote a safe cooking environment.
Maintain your kitchen aids: Regularly clean and maintain your kitchen aids according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure their functionality and safety.

Where to buy equipment to help you in the kitchen

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.