If your mobility is restricted, you may be at a higher risk of accidents and injuries. This may be particularly so when at home in your kitchen.

For example, you may have difficulty reaching items in the kitchen, such as pots and pans on high shelves, or bending down to access items in lower cabinets. This can increase the risk of falls or accidents. Additionally, if you have limited hand strength or dexterity, you may have difficulty using certain kitchen tools or appliances, which can also increase the risk of accidents.

By taking precautions, adapting your kitchen, and using assistive devices as needed, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the kitchen.

For years, at Live Well Now, we have been dedicated to offering top-quality products to individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring they can live their lives to the fullest.

Below, we consider one customer’s experience of how she has adapted to stay safe when in the kitchen:

Mrs. Thompson is elderly – mid-80s – and lives on her own. Over the years, she has developed limited mobility and hand strength because of arthritis, which can make it difficult for her to complete tasks in the kitchen. Despite these challenges, Mrs. Thompson has always been determined to maintain her independence and continue cooking for herself.

To stay safe in the kitchen, Mrs. Thompson has bought from us several times and made various modifications to her home. She has installed a kitchen stool with a backrest so that she can sit while preparing meals, and she has placed non-slip mats in front of the sink and oven to help prevent falls. She has also invested in several assistive devices, including a can opener, a jar opener, and adapted cutlery. These tools make it easier for her to open cans and jars and reach pots and pans on the cooker top without having to bend or stretch.

In addition to using assistive devices, Mrs. Thompson also takes other precautions to stay safe in the kitchen. She keeps often-used items within easy reach so that she doesn’t have to stretch or reach for them, and she is careful to turn off the oven and unplug appliances when they are not in use. She also asks for help when she needs it, whether it’s from a neighbour or a family member.

Overall, Mrs. Thompson’s determination and careful planning have helped her to stay safe and independent in the kitchen despite her limited mobility.

We asked Mrs Thompson for her top tips on how to stay safe in the kitchen if you have limited mobility.

Here are her 5 top tips!

1. Keep your most frequently used items such as pots, pans, utensils, and ingredients within easy reach to avoid having to stretch or reach for them. This helps reduce the risk of falls or accidents;
2. A kitchen stool or chair helps if you have trouble standing for long periods of time. It also helps to have a chair or stool with a backrest for added support and to help make food preparation easier and less strenuous;
3. Place non-slip mats throughout the kitchen or at least in front of the sink – this will help prevent slips and falls;
4. Use a food board or a cutting board with a non-slip backing – this will help to keep the board in place while you’re chopping and preparing food;
5. Use some of the best assistive devices such as the Uccello kettle, jar openers, reachers, and special grips for taps.

What are the top ten assistive devices that can make cooking and other tasks in the kitchen easier for people with limited mobility?

Here are ten assistive devices that can make cooking and other tasks in the kitchen easier for people with limited mobility:

1. Can opener: An adapted can opener can be easier to use than a manual can opener, especially for people with limited hand strength or dexterity;
2. Jar opener: A jar opener can help you open jars more easily, especially if you have limited hand strength or mobility;
3. Non slip tray: A non slip tray is the ideal solution for someone with limited mobility or just a little less steady on their feet. The tray is capable of holding a glass at angles of up to 40 degrees;
4. Adapted cutlery: Adapted cutlery such as spoons, spatulas, and tongs can help you reach pots and pans on the stove without having to bend or stretch;
5. Reaching aid: A reaching aid, such as a reacher or grabber, can help you reach items that are out of reach without having to bend or stretch;
6. Special grips for taps and handles: Special grips for taps and handles can make it easier to turn them on and off, especially if you have limited hand strength or mobility;
7. Non-slip mat: A non-slip mat can be placed in front of the sink, stove, and other areas where you stand to help prevent slips and falls;
8. Kitchen stool or chair: A kitchen stool or chair can be helpful if you have trouble standing for long periods of time. It can also be helpful to have a chair or stool with a backrest for added support;
9. Cutting board with non-slip backing: A cutting board with a non-slip backing can help keep the board in place while you’re chopping and preparing food;
10. Uccello kettle: the Uccello kettle is generally easier to use than a normal kettle, especially for people with limited hand strength or mobility.

Here are some comments from recent customers:

“I recently bought a jar opener and am extremely satisfied with the product. As someone with severe arthritis in my hands, I have struggled with opening jars for years. This jar opener has made such a difference in my life – I can now easily open any jar without pain or difficulty. I would highly recommend it to anyone with arthritis or hand mobility issues. Thank you!”

“The non-slip cutting board has been a game changer in the kitchen. I struggle with chopping food because it is painful to grip a knife. This cutting board has made a huge difference.”

“The Uccello kettle I bought from you works really well. I can’t lift heavy things easily and the kettle is so light to use I have no pain. It also looks great!”