Home Management

Start simple

• Start with familiar recipes. This will help with confidence and will eliminate need to check the recipe so frequently.
• Organize the steps and plan which things need to be done first.
• Gather all the ingredients and utensils needed so you don’t forget anything. As you get out your items check them off the recipe.
• Prepare things before starting the cooking process.
• Allow yourself extra time.
• Set a timer, even for food items you are going to watch.
• Eliminate distractions, such as talking on the phone.
• Start with cooking one item at a time instead of starting back with a whole meal.
• Make sure you schedule yourself enough time to cook a meal, so you don’t have to rush and jeopardize your safety and success with your recipe.
• Take the recipe step-by-step and try to check off each step so you remember where you are at in the recipe.
• Enlarge the recipe if the writing is too small or use magnifying glass.
• If preparing a new recipe, check the recipe every step, doublecheck.
• Try to use a timer to keep track of any item being broiled, baked, and fried.

Safety first

• Always use a potholder when placing or removing an item out of the oven and place on the stove or a cooling pad.
• Use lids when cooking items with lots of grease.
• Keep spray products away from the stove.
• Always turn the oven off when not being used. Place a sticky note if needed to remind you to turn it off.
• Doublecheck everything before leaving the kitchen.
• Start preparing two meals a week. Pick days when you do not have other obligations and add more as you feel more comfortable.
• If you are cooking on the stovetop from wheelchair level, mount a mirror over the top of the stove so you can see what you are cooking.
• Consider adaptive supplies.

Stabilize your plate

• If you are having trouble keeping your plate still while you eat, you can buy shelf liner and place it underneath.
• Plate guards can be attached to your plate to help keep your food from sliding off.
• Buying compartmental trays to hold your food can also help to keep your food from sliding around.
• Buying a tray to set all of your food on will make transportation of food easier. You can also use a rolling chair such as computer chair or a cart to transport your food from one area to another.

Adaptive utensils

• Try utensils with built-up handles if you are having trouble holding regular utensils. You can also make your own by wrapping a washcloth around the utensil and taping it down.
• Rocker knives are sometimes easier to use if you have a difficult time cutting your food with a regular knife.
• You can buy cutting boards that have sides and areas to help hold your food still while you cut it.
• You can use a two-handled cup with a lid if you are having trouble using a regular one.

Organizing the kitchen

• Try to organize your kitchen as convenient as possible regarding physical abilities. Organize items in lower cabinets if in a wheelchair. If mobility is slower or endurance is poor, locate most important items close together so you are not all over the kitchen.
• When you are just getting back in the kitchen, keep distractions low so you can concentrate.
• Keep your kitchen clean and uncluttered.

Safety and ease

• Use lids when cooking items with lots of grease and keep spray products away from the stove.
• Always turn the oven off when not being used and place a sticky note if needed to remind you to turn it off.
• Do not leave towels or kitchen utensils by the stove.
• Keep a chair near the table or counter so you can sit as needed to mix or cook items in the recipe.

Tools and equipment

• Use a cart to move items in the kitchen if mobility is difficult.
• Use dycem to help with holding bowls or plates if you are cooking with one hand.
• Use knees to brace jars that are being opened one-handed.
• Use electric appliances instead of manual ones.
• Buy precut food items if you can. This will save time and energy for you.
• You can mount jar openers underneath your cabinets for easy opening.
• You can use pouring aids on the tabletop or countertop, so you do not spill liquids.
• Try to buy Ziploc or resealable bags, easy-open containers, and flip top products for one-handed ease.
• Use adaptive equipment such as one-handed cutting board, a rocker knife, or a one-handed can opener, if needed for decreased coordination, sensation, or range of motion in the upper extremities.

• Organize your list and group like things together, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.
• Stop when you get in the store and get your boundaries. Do a circular scan.
• Stop at the start of each aisle and scan before you start walking.
• Check items off your list.
• Use the signs and list on the grocery cart.