Most kitchens are packed with implements as big and weighty as cast-iron Dutch ovens and small appliances…to tiny items like measuring spoons and grapefruit forks. Yet out of all of those hundreds of items, consider how few are appropriate for the elderly arthritic cook.

Elderly arthritic persons who love to cook are often frustrated at how inappropriate most kitchen implements are. We have compiled a “to do” list of the major items any elderly arthritic cook needs in order to prepare-and to eat-healthy, tasty home-cooked meals. And all without resorting to tasteless microwaved or restaurant meals !

Instructions

 

1. Look into kitchen openers for elderly arthritic persons. Tight jars, bottles, and cans have to be the number one complaint for elderly persons suffering from arthritis. In fact, the jars and bottles don’t even have to be very tight for them to frustrate any cook-arthritic and non-arthritic alike. Some manufacturers of kitchen openers have gotten smart about this – making openers that help elderly arthritic persons open tough packaging in a jiffy. These range from aids as simple as silicone grippers that can be stored after use…to cabinet- or wall-mounted jar openers always ready for easy opening.
2. Find out about cooking, cutting, slicing, and spreading tools for elderly arthritic persons. Knives are often a particular source of concern because of the discomfort associated with holding the handle. Not to mention: sharp blades are involved! Manufacturers of adapted elderly cooking products have really stepped up to the plate in recent years by providing easy-to-grip knives and graters designed for arthritic persons. What an amazing variety of knives, slicers, graters, and peelers are now available! How about special cutting boards, too? Bread spreader boards and pot holders (not the mitt type of holder, but the type that holds a pot to the stove) take the elderly arthritic cook from raw food to cooked delicacy with speed and comfort.
3. Try to identify aids not only for the person cooking but for the elderly person who may have trouble eating independently. In recent years, a wide variety of specially adapted eating implements have become available. Plates and bowls adapted for arthritics offer guards, scoops, lips for keeping food on the plate. But what about plates that seem to have a mind of their own and slide off the table? Available too are special plates that hold fast to the table. What elderly arthritic person hasn’t found liquids to be even more elusive than food? A vast array of cups and glasses for arthritics, with special handles, grips, lids, and straws, ensure that the beverage gets to the mouth-every time, and without a drop spilled.

things you’ll need: