In the kitchen

Opening jars and tins

Low-cost jar, bottle, and can openers help you in the kitchen. They make it easier to open containers without the need to use a lot of force or have a strong grip, which can be tough on your hands and wrists. If a jar is hard to open, try running it under hot water first, then drying it off and using the opener to open it. 

Turning the taps on and off

Lots of crossbar taps require a strong grip and force to turn them. Using a plastic tap turner or switching to easy-to-use lever taps can make turning them on and off much simpler.

Cutting up food

Many kitchen utensils come with non-slip handles that are easy to hold, reducing strain on your hands. To keep items from slipping, try using a spikeboard and a non-slip mat. An electric food processor can also help with mixing, chopping, grating, or blending with just the push of a button.

Pouring the kettle

Some kettles are difficult to hold, heavy to lift, and hard to fill. Luckily, smaller, lighter options are available that are easier to handle. Try filling the kettle with a plastic jug and placing it in a kettle tipper to make pouring hot water easier without having to lift the kettle. 

Lifting pots and pans

Try using a plastic jug to fill empty pots more easily. Look for pots with two handles to make carrying them simpler. When cooking, use steamer inserts that can be lifted out of the pots once your food is done. This way, you can let the pot of water cool down and empty it later. 

Reaching into cupboards

Try installing shelves that slide out to meet you. There are lots of cupboard inserts sold at general hardware stores. Cupboard inserts make corner, wall, and floor cabinets more accessible. You could try pull-out drawers, a pull-down shelf, or carousel shelving. 

Turning the cooker dials

The knobs on your stove might become tough to turn, or the numbers might wear off, making them hard to read. Using tactile dots with contrasting colours can make it easier to see and feel when the dial is on, off, or at the right temperature. You can also purchase stove dial turners to assist with turning the knobs.

Using a cooking timer

Use a timer to avoid overcooking your meals. You can also install automatic shut-off devices on gas and electric stoves to turn them off if they're accidentally left on. Remember, a professional should install this safety feature.