Preparing meals: What tools make meal preparation easier for someone with arthritis?
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What tools make meal preparation easier for someone with arthritis?
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Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
If your mom has favourite kitchen tools, you may consider adding foam tubing to the handles to make them easier and more comfortable to grip. Pipe insulation is useful for this and comes in many sizes. You might take a couple of her utensils into your favourite hardware or building supply store to see which type works best.
As well, the Arthritis Foundation website offers very helpful information about what may need to be considered when purchasing products for people with arthritis. We recommend that you read this prior to taking your mom with you to purchase the tools to ensure they work well for her and that she'll use them.
Here are direct links to a few examples of kitchen aids for people with arthritis:
One Touch Can Opener by Bios Medical (at Staples Canada). To use this product, you simply place the device on top of the can, press the button and the can opens in seconds. This device costs about $40(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee.- KitchenAid Mini Food Chopper (at Walmart) is lightweight and can process or chop a wide variety of foods. This device costs about $60 to $80(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee.
- Hamilton Beach Egg Cooker (at Amazon Canada) is an easy-to-use device that cooks up to 7 eggs at a time. This device costs about $30(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee.
- Ergo Kettle by Uccello Kettle (at Amazon Canada) is an ergonomic kettle designed for individuals with limited upper extremity strength, such as those with arthritis. The kettle rests in a cradle stand and, with minimal effort, tips forward to pour water easily and safely. This device costs about $100(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee.
Another place to find out about arthritis-friendly tools is the arthritis aids selection at agecomfort.ca, which offers products from a range of manufacturers that are designed to help people with arthritis manage many types of tasks of daily living, including meal preparation.
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