Chapter 4
What is available?

Housekeeping aids

Arranging the kitchen

Consider:

• a turning space of 170 X 170 cm (67 X 67 inches), minimum, to accommodate wheelchair users
• lowered oven and sink areas for easier access
• lowered cupboards, counters and electrical outlets
• side-opening oven door
• installing a heat-resistant counter top on which to push hot pans and baking trays
• insulating underneath the sink, if you are a wheelchair user without tactile sensation in your legs
• installing glass cupboards so you can see their contents

Cooking

Consider:

• an adjustable stool and a trolley for transferring things
• if you have limited vision, using contrasting colours as it makes items easier to distinguish (food, dishes, and utensils)
• using electric kitchen tools, such as the food-processor for chopping, blending, and whisking, electric kettles, eggboilers, potato peelers, etc.
• automatic switch-off devices if you find it difficult to remember to turn things off
• pot and pan holders which extend the length and improve the grip of existing handles
• cooking baskets to avoid lifting heavy pans
• pot minders/watchers (small metal plates which make bubbling noises when liquid boils)
• kitchen tongs
• long barbeque mitts to protect yourself when carrying hot pots and pans
• a stool to sit on in front of the counter to perform tasks

Kitchen utensils

Consider:

• a special preparation board (with pegs to hold food, suction cups to keep the board steady and/or clamps) if you only have the use of one hand or cannot grip things
• a buttering board with raised L-shaped or angle-shaped edges in one corner, if you are only able to use one hand
• utensils with angle-shaped and easy-to-grip handles
• a carving apparatus
• table- or wall-mounted graters and peelers, and jar, bottle, cap or can openers
• peelers and vegetable brushes with suction pads
• electric, or easy-grip can openers
  

Measuring and weighing

Consider:

• purchasing scales and measuring cups with large, clearly visible figures
• using large-handle measuring spoons and cups

Eating

Consider:

• placing a non-slip material under dishes to keep them from slipping
• dishes and egg cups with suction pads
• vacuum-fixed dishes
• dishes with raised edges or an inward turning rim

Cutlery

Consider:

• cutlery that is chunky and large but with lightweight handles
• cutlery with angle-shaped or extended handles
• L-shaped knives
• cutlery with self-shaping handles
• heavy cutlery if your hands are shaky
• combi-cutlery if you only have the use of one hand
• cutlery adjusted with straps

Cups, mugs, and glasses

Consider:

• glassware with one or two large, generous handles
• glassware with lids and spouts
• plastic wineglasses with thick stems
• heavy glassware if you have shaky hands
• glassware with anti-splash tops
• insulated glassware, if you have reduced tactile sensitivity
• glassware with straight or flexible straws
• straws with non-return valves in their tips to ensure they remain filled with liquid
• an easy-tip kettle, or thermos with a pump, if you find it difficult to lift tea or coffee pots

Taking medicine

Consider:

• a pill box opener
• a pill cutter and tablet presser, which can press a pill from the packet
• a pill organizer with dividers for each day of the week to hold your medicines
• keeping track of your doses and medication on a calendar
• an accessible storage area

Cleaning

Consider:

• fitting cupboards with shelves, hooks, etc. at a height comfortable for you
• attaching sliding studs under the furniture if floors are carpeted, or small felt pads if floors are bare
• long-handled mops, brushes and vacuum cleaners
• a wheeled trolley to carry filled buckets and supplies
• attaching a spray head to your sink to fill buckets
• cloths made of soft, absorbent material, which are easier to wring
• absorbent sponges
• hiring housecleaning help to perform the tasks you find difficult (this service may be provided by some local community centres)

Vacuum cleaning

Consider:

• a self-winding cable
• a lightweight model, or one on wheels
• on/off switches located on the top of the units to avoid bending
• models with adjustable hose handles
• models with asthma filters if you have asthma or are allergic to dust
• a small lightweight carpet sweeper
• installing a central vac

Doing the laundry

Consider:

• washer and dryer control panels with touch-operated buttons and front-end loading
• sock-locks, which lock the socks together during washing and drying
• a wall-mounted ironing board
• installing the washer and dryer on the main floor

[Previous] [Table of Contents] [Next]