Aids to Help Your Senior Parent Cook Independently
Many people find cooking harder as they get older. Their hands may not be able to grip as well or they may have problems with dexterity that make some kitchen items hard to use. Although family caregivers and in-home senior care providers may be able to cook for seniors, for many people cooking is a hobby and something they truly enjoy. If that’s the case, the senior may miss being able to at least help prepare a hearty meal for family and friends.
Senior Care Broomall PA – Aids to Help Your Senior Parent Cook Independently
Fortunately, there are many adaptive aids (or everyday items that can be used in innovative ways!) or changes to the kitchen that can make cooking easier for seniors with disabilities.
If your parent enjoys cooking, but is having trouble doing so, check out some of the aids below to see which ones might make cooking possible for them again.
Electric or Hands-Free Can Opener
The simple act of opening a can is not so simple if you have arthritis and can’t turn the knob on the can opener or if you have the use of only one hand because of a stroke. An electric can opener or a hands-free can opener can solve the problem.
Cutting Board with Spikes
There are cutting boards on the market that hold the food on spikes so that the user only needs to have the use of one hand to cut foods. Some of them also come with suction cups to keep the board in place on the counter.
Zip Ties
If your parent has trouble opening cabinets or the refrigerator door, try attaching zip ties to the handles to create a loop that is easier to grab. A caregiver may have to help with creating and attaching the loops, but after that, your parent should be able to independently open the doors.
Containers
Some types of containers or bottles may be easier than others for your parent to grip or squeeze. If you find one that works for them, wash it out and use it for other foods.
Non-Slip Drawer Liner
The liner you put in the bottoms of drawers to keep utensils and dishes from sliding around also works great to keep bowls and cutting boards in place during food preparation.
Adaptive Knives
There are a number of ergonomically designed knives on the market that are easier for arthritic or disabled hands to grip and use. There are knives with thicker, softer handles and rocker knives that let your parent leverage the force they do have to cut through food.
Lap Desks and Trays
If your parent is in a wheelchair, they may be unable to reach counter spaces. If that’s the case, try placing a lap desk on their legs to hold a bowl while they stir or measure ingredients. Another option is an adjustable try such as the kind you might see in a hospital for patients to eat while in bed. The surface can be adjusted to the proper height to allow your senior parent a counter space of their own.
Depending on your senior parent’s particular disabilities, adaptive aids may not make it possible for them to independently prepare meals. However, they can make it possible for your parent to remain involved in the process, allowing them to enjoy time spent in the kitchen with caregivers while they work together to make a favorite dish.
Sources: https://blogs.bcm.edu/2016/08/12/keep-it-simple-how-to-use-adaptive-cooking-devices/
http://upstrokeblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-one-handed-cook.html
http://www.thekitchn.com/cooking-with-a-physical-disability-171416
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Broomall PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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