Delegating aspects of the cooking process will help conserve your energy. If possible, have your significant other or children assist with gathering the ingredients, chopping the fruits and vegetables, setting the table, etc. 

Complete most of the kitchen tasks in a seated position. A perch stool will enable you to sit at the counter and provides arm support for changing from sitting or standing. 

Helpful Tools

Several pieces of kitchen equipment will ease the requirements of cooking. An occupational therapist can assist with identifying which items will most benefit you and allow for greatest independence in the kitchen. Examples of kitchen aids that may assists individuals who have limited coordination or strength of one or both hands are listed below.

Built-up utensils

Utensils with large handles will decrease the amount of hand strength required to grip silverware. A built-up handle can be added to your silverware by placing tubing around the handle. Utensils with built-up handles can be purchased relatively inexpensively.  Particular consideration should be given to the weight of the utensil. 

A weighted utensil is primarily recommended to reduce tremor. A lightweight, built-up handle is preferable for individuals with decreased hand or arm strength.

Alternative knives

Alternative knives may ease cutting food. A standard pizza cutter which can be purchased at your local grocery store may slice certain foods with greater ease than a standard kitchen knife.

The rocker knife and right angle knife are designed for individuals who have weakness in their hand muscles. These knives will provide the greatest assistance when combined with the cutting board described below.

Adapted cutting board

The adapted cutting board assists with holding food in place while it is sliced. The style shown here also holds jars or bottles in place to allow easier opening with one hand, and mixing bowls to assist with stirring.

A similar solution may be created by putting stainless steel or aluminum nails through a standard cutting board and sanding down the tips with a metal file. Food can then be held in place by the nails. This alternative will not provide the stabilization for jars or bowls.

Self-opening kitchen shears

Multipurpose cart