Kitchen/living aids...

Savvy_Sue

Gosh, doesn't time fly, Quackers?

Silicone mats are great for non-slippiness, and they can also double as heat-proof mats. If I am microwaving something I often put it on a silicone mat, because that doesn't get hot like the dish does. But you can also get small microwaveable shovels to help with that kind of thing. Obviously they are not called shovels, but you get the concept?

Getting things in and out of the oven: I'm trying to think back to when my arm was tied to my body. We were doing lots of casseroles, and I was using my big heavy casserole dish because it had little handles at each side, but it was far too heavy for me to lift OUT of the oven. I could get it in by sort of cuddling it, but you don't want to do that when it's hot! :eek:

However, my mum used to have fantastic casserole dishes which doubled as saucepans, and they had a removable handle, which might be easier. I'd say that was something specifically to ask DLC or OT about.

RNIB have various aids for those with limited sight, I got my dad one of those pronged doofreys which tells you when you've put enough milk in a tea mug, and then you turn it the other way up and it tells you when you've put enough hot tea in. He broke it mind you.

I cannot help with graters and veg peelers: we cheated and bought grated cheese, and prepared veg packs. But veg peelers are such a personal thing in any case: we have about a dozen, and everyone in the family has a favourite which someone else could not use if it was the last veg peeler on the planet!

Prinzessilein

I have severe dyspraxia as part of my ASD.

This makes me quite a liability in the kitchen! I had a free assessment at DIAL where they had a little room set up as a kitchen and I could walk around and see what gadgets would help me. Then I was given some catalogues so I could use some of my DLA to buy what I need.

I would certainly recommend the 'gauntlets' - the gloves for heat-protection. They have saved me from many a nasty burn!

Also, it hasn't been mentioned yet, but a battery-operated tin-opener has been one of the best gadgets ever! I have the sort thet you just place on top of a tin and press abutton - on a 'bad' day I don't have the coordination or strength to se a 'normal' tin-opener. And little things like opening a can of soup for lunch on my own just make all the difference to my life!

Another brilliant buy has been from Lakeland Ltd (they are not a disabilty firm, but a number of their gadgets are brilliant for those of us who need a little help in the kitchen!) It is their one-cup water boiler (cost about £20 I think) You pour cold water in the top and put an empty mug underneath...it makes tea, instant coffee, cup-a-soup etc and it percolates ground coffee and it can use those coffee pod things - and all without having to manipulate a boiling kettle! (Again, I've scalded myself a few times by fumbling a kettle!)

I don't know about a grater, but Lakeland also do a mini food processor that I use for chopping onions et.c. (I'm not on commission from lakeland honestly! I just think they're a terrific company!)

sheeps68

I had 2 or 3 jar openers none of which was a lot of help until I got one from M&S havent seen them recently but they do seem to appear in a big store around Christmas. Not identical but very similar http://www.amazon.co.uk/Miscellaneous-Baby-Constrictor-Strap-Wrench/dp/B0001J0456/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url Apart from that a simple piece of dycem works well as a non slip mat or aid to gripping.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Goodness Quackers, how exciting for her!

I would agree with getting and OT/SS assessment to see what they know of. They have provided me with all sorts of useful things; shower seat, perching chair for kitchen, bath chair etc.

Lakeland Plastics do a set of pans with detachable handles, but they are far from cheap!
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/14844/Lakeland-4-Piece-Nesting-Pan-Set

I did invest in them as they are good quality and have a lifetime guarantee. There are only two handles with the set of pans, but I use them both at the same time on the bigger pans. Clicking the handles on and off is a bit stiff at first, but they soon loosen up.

My brain is foggy, so I can't think of anything else to help at the moment.

Really hope all goes well for her. And you!

jetta_wales

The better wear type catalogues are always off cheap gadgety living aids, sure it won't all be any use or great quality maybe but you can get a fair few good buys from them. A lot cheaper than many of the speciality disability shops and catalogues.

Quackers

jetta_wales wrote: »

Quakers I'll type up what's on the label stitched to the wrist (which I very nearly cut off a few days ago but then forgot about it lol).

COOLSKIN 375 GTX
Outer glove 100% Nomex
Inner glove 100% Cotton

https://www.coonskin.com
And even a phone number 01438 312400

Thank goodness I didn't cut off yet as intended

These look perfect - thank you

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Gosh, doesn't time fly, Quackers?
.....

I cannot help with graters and veg peelers: we cheated and bought grated cheese, and prepared veg packs. But veg peelers are such a personal thing in any case: we have about a dozen, and everyone in the family has a favourite which someone else could not use if it was the last veg peeler on the planet!

Oh, it certainly does...I'm ok about it...honest, I am...no really, Its ok, its going to be fine

You are soooo right about veg peelers...she's tried at least 5 or 6 already...good job they're not expensive! We have an extremely nice collection now

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Goodness Quackers, how exciting for her!

I would agree with getting and OT/SS assessment to see what they know of. They have provided me with all sorts of useful things; shower seat, perching chair for kitchen, bath chair etc.

Lakeland Plastics do a set of pans with detachable handles, but they are far from cheap!
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/14844/Lakeland-4-Piece-Nesting-Pan-Set

I did invest in them as they are good quality and have a lifetime guarantee. There are only two handles with the set of pans, but I use them both at the same time on the bigger pans. Clicking the handles on and off is a bit stiff at first, but they soon loosen up.

My brain is foggy, so I can't think of anything else to help at the moment.

Really hope all goes well for her. And you!

Those pans look ideal from Lakeland - I actually think they are a reasonable price and she will LOVE the colours The clicky on and off handles is, as Savvy Sue said too, a great solution for in and out of the oven.

Thanks everyone this is just the help and advice I needed

I likey this place...muchly

Quackers

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Lakeland Plastics do a set of pans with detachable handles, but they are far from cheap!
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/14844/Lakeland-4-Piece-Nesting-Pan-Set

ok. dim question...

It says on the site 'Please note: handles and lids are not for use while cooking.'

That means in the oven only? The handles can be used on the hob surely?

Quackers

oh hairy balls...I think I need a set of those pans too...

Careful_with_that_Axe

They are sexy aren't they! I take the handles off when the pans are on the hob too; less chance of me knocking pans about when there isn't a handle sticking out. I just click them on again to move the pan when I want to.

formaldehyde_perfume

Those pans look great! Actually, all the advice on this thread is great. I'm on the council waiting list for my own place so knowing what's out there to help me in the kitchen is great. I especially like the electric tin opener idea as lunch is a terrible meal for me, I never know what to have and end up eating crap, there are lots of things in a tin so even thought I'd be having a tin every day it would vary my lunches and use a lot less spoons. Woop!