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Caring solutions: kitchen gadgets
Benjamin Long chooses five top aids for jobs in the kitchen
Food preparation
Right-angled handle kitchen utensils are ideal to maintain the hand and wrist in a natural stress-free position when carving meat or cutting bread. If gripping is difficult, I recommend the 'Good Grip' range of cutlery which are weighted and have a soft cushion grip. Their swivel peeler, shown here, is particularly good as it requires minimal wrist movement and ensures a secure hold even when wet. You should be able to get these from any kitchen shop or your local mobility dealer.
Milk and juice cartons
The Turn Key (£3.99) opens the lid and the attached hook helps remove the small plastic lid underneath.
Ring-pull cans
The J-Popper (£3.99) is the perfect solution. It is light, easy to use and will stop you spilling half the contents.
Jars and bottles
New jars are generally difficult to open because of the vacuum inside. A simple Jar Pop Key (£4.99) will release the pressure and allow you to unscrew the lid easily. For the more persistent lid, the “Grip It” jar and bottle opener (£3.19) is a moulded rubbery cone that will help open a range of different-sized bottles, jars and child-proof bottles. If arthritis makes gripping difficult the 'Cap Gripper' (£8.28), which fastens around the lid, has a handle that enables you to open a jar or bottle with very little effort.
Tap turners
Derby tap turners can be used on both crystal and cross-head taps, giving outstanding grip and making them easier to turn. No tools are required to fit them and they are colour-coded red and blue. (£12.87)
Kettle safety
Lifting and pouring can be very difficult, especially for anyone with arthritis. The Kettle Tipper is designed to enable you to safely pour hot water into a cup without lifting any weight. There are a variety of different types and standard, jug or cordless kettles can all be used. They start from £17 and your local mobility dealer should have a selection.
Prices correct at the time of publication in June 2009. Please check with individual suppliers for the latest prices.
All the products mentioned are available from good mobility dealers. When buying, look to see if they are members of the BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) and therefore abide by its Code of Practice. For details of ethical and responsible retailers, go to www.mobilitymatters.co.uk or contact your local council for their list of recommended dealers.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
