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Adaptive Cooking Utensils

From ATWiki

Cooking tasks and the required utensils are easily adapted. There are a number of adapted utensils available for purchase by consumers without being medically prescribed.

1 Forks/Knives/Spoons
2 Can Openers
3 Mixing Spoons
4 External Links

Forks/Knives/Spoons

Built up handles are available to assist in decreased grip strength and/or decreased finger range of motion.

Built Up Handles

Rocker knives available to assist with cutting. The slanted blade allows for a rocking motion, rather than a slicing motion while cutting food. This is especially helpful for individuals experiencing decreased strength and/or range of motion in the fingers/wrist.

Rocker Knife

Universal cuffs are very useful for individuals with limited grip strength, an inability to isolate specific finger movements, and/or in need of assistance with activites requiring a greater range of motion than is available. NOTE: These cuffs can be used to hold utensils while eating as well as toothbrushes and/or combs for grooming activities.

Universal Cuff

Can Openers

A number of can openers exist to aid individuals with decreased strength, dexterity, and/or flexibility. They range in complexity of design and cost from very elaborate to very simple. They can attach to the underside of a cabinet, remain free-standing, or be handheld. Some can openers are powered by electricity or batteries, whereas others are manual.

Free Standing Electric Can Opener

Under The Counter Electric Can Opener

Low Dexterity Manual Can Opener

Mixing Spoons

Built up handles, similar to the forks, knives, and spoons, can assit individuals with mixing and stirring while cooking.
Additional relief may come in the form of adjusted movement patterns. Holding the spoon like a dagger (full fist)utilizes larger muscle groups and reduces the stress on the smaller joints of the hands. In addtion, an individual with decreased strength may find this to be a less tiring way to cook.
Use electric mixers to complete as much of the mixing as possible. These are available in smaller hand-held models and in countertop models.