Dealing with the physical limitations caused by Stroke can be challenging for stroke survivors who wish to lead independent lifestyles. In the first two segments we covered products that allow them to bathe, use the restroom, get in and out of bed, and get dressed without the need for assistance.
However, the hardest challenge a stroke survivor faces is often taking care of one's self in the kitchen. Opening jars, preparing food, and even washing dishes are common activities that people tend to take for granted until faced with the task of doing them with limited strength and dexterity. With the right gadgets around the kitchen, however, stroke survivors can continue to prepare their own meals and keep their kitchen spotless.
Food Preparation - Opening, Chopping, and Cooking
Nobody wants their loved ones to come over and cook their meals for them - especially if the person in question does not really know how to cook! If the stroke survivor is fond of cooking, being able to retain that ability will mean a lot to them.
Opening jars, cans, and bottles can be difficult even without limited strength and dexterity. With the Zim Undercabinet Jar Opener and Zim Wall Mount Jar Opener, opening anything from a screw cap soda bottle to a peanut butter jar becomes an easy, one-handed task. The v-shaped opening allows the metal teeth to get a firm grip on the top of the jar or bottle, enabling you to remove the toughest tops with a simple twist. The OXO Good Grips Jar Opener is a hand-held unit that works in the same fashion as the Zim openers. For a more versatile device that does not require the use of any hand strength, the Black & Decker Lids-Off Open-it-All has the ability to open a wide variety of cans, bottles, and jars all in one unit. The Open-it-All uses a simple one button operation and takes up very little counter space.
The Swedish Cutting Board makes slicing meat and vegetables far less dangerous by allowing one-handed use. Designed with rubber suction feet to adhere it to counters and tables, the Swedish Cutting Board features stainless steel spikes to hold food in place for slicing which can be reversed for a smooth surface. The integrated vise grip allows the cutting board to hold larger food items such as bread loaves, and can also be used to hold graters or mixing bowls in place during preparation.
Slicing food is easier and less messy with the Sonic Blade Cordless Power Knife. Unlike traditional electric knives that have a tendency to tear food and can be difficult to hold, the Sonic Blade uses sonic technology to move the blades back and forth hundreds of times per minute. The two specially designed blades allow you to make clean, even slices in virtually any kind of food, ranging from prime rib to strawberries. For simpler cutting, the OXO Good Grips 5 inch Utility Knife gives the user a soft, built-up handle to make gripping the knife easier while the stainless steel blade easily cuts through most food. Both knives are ideal for use with the Swedish Cutting Board.
Cooking food represents some challenges to those with limited hand use. Pulling racks out of an oven or pushing them back in is much easier with the Push/Pull Helper. A simple device the consists of a flat, wooden stick ergonomically shaped with triangular notches, the Push/Pull Helper can be used to push or pull oven racks or to hold hot dishes in place while checking food. Handling standard cooking utensils can be difficult with limited dexterity, but with Closed Cell Foam Tubing you can build up the handles of your existing cookware to make them easier to grip. Wooden cooking spoons, whisks, and other utensils can be easily fitted with tubing to prevent slipping of the utensil from your grip. You can also use the Closed Cell Foam Tubing on silverware.
Eating - Utensils and Dishes to Help Prevent a Mess
When you have limited hand control or use of only one hand, eating can be a messy affair. Simply affixing small plastic Food Bumpers to almost any standard plate makes scooping of food much easier and allows the stroke survivor to use their existing dishes. The Food Bumpers are available in white or translucent plastic and can be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher. For those who do not mind purchasing new dishes, the Skidtrol Scooper Dish has high, curved sides for scooping and a non-skid base to keep it from moving while you eat. It is constructed of solid melamine and is also safe for the top rack of your dishwasher.
Handling standard utensils is difficult with limited dexterity. With Closed Cell Foam Tubing you can build up the handles of your existing silverware to make them easier to grip. It can also be used on toothbrushes, razors, and pens. OXO Good Grips Silverware can be used in place of your existing utensils. The dishwasher safe Good Grips Utensils feature large, soft-cushion grips that keep the utensil in the hand even when wet. They are available in standard or weighted and the tops can be bent to customized angles to make eating easier.
A Rocking T Knife is ideal for cutting everything from meat to fruits and vegetables with a simple, one-handed rocking motion. Available with a wood or plastic handle and shaped to fit the average hand, the Rocking T Knife is dishwasher safe and has an optional carrying case for eating out.
Everyone's Favorite Chore - Cleaning Up the Kitchen
If cleanliness is important to you, physical limitations that keep you from cleaning can be frustrating. The best purchase someone can make when they have limited use of their hands is a good dishwasher. However, since dishwasher cannot be used on everything and doesn't always get the dishes completely clean, it is also wise to purchase a Suction Brush for your sink. The Deluxe Suction Bottle Brush attaches itself to the bottom or sides of your sink with suction cups and can be used to clean bottles, glasses and most other utensils. The stiff nylon bristles also make it great for use as a vegetable brush.
Pedal Works Hands-Free Faucet Controllers are great additions to almost any kitchen, and are ideal for instances where turning the knobs at the sink is difficult. If you only have use of one hand, and that hand is dirty or has something in it, the Pedal Works Faucet Controllers are a great way to turn water on without dirtying your sink or having to set the item down. You also prevent water waste by not having to leave it running while washing food or dishes.
If you have limited dexterity and hand strength, chances are you are probably not comfortable with standing for long periods of time. The Drive Adjustable Arms All Purpose Stool is great for use as a kitchen stool whether you are at the sink, the stove, or a counter. The slightly-angled, padded seat gives you a comfortable place to sit while the armrests and adjustable height making getting out of the seat easier. The vinyl seat of this perching stool wipes clean so you do not have to worry about stains, and at just under 13 pounds, it is easy to move around.
A Long Handled Dust Pan and Broom is a great substitution for traditional dust pans, brushes, and brooms. Lightweight and equipped with thick, ergonomic handles, the Long Handled Dust Pan and Broom is great for getting dirt out of hard to reach places in your kitchen. A special step down feature helps to hold the dustpan in place and the set is easily unsnapped for storage.
Strokes Can Be Life Altering, But Do Not Have to Be Life Changing
It's a common misconception for stroke survivors and their loved ones to think that the survivor cannot lead an independent life afterwards. While there are certain limitations, and some adjustments to their previous lifestyle may need to be made, stroke survivors can still go about their daily lives with the right independent living products.
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