knife slicing a strawberry on a cutting board modified with assistive technology to stabilize the fruit

Can Be Caused by:

Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, benign essential tremor, thyroid disease, liver or kidney failure, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome (weakness and pain).

How Vision Loss Can Affect Meal preparation:

Weakness, Incoordination, tremors and shaky hands make it difficult to grasp, hold and control food and utensils. This results in accidental spills, objects being knocked over and difficulties with cutting, pouring, measuring, mixing etc. and greater chance of cuts, burns and falls from slippery surfaces.

What To Think About:

Create greater stability by using positioning aids, adding textured, non-slip surfaces to utensils and work surfaces.

Assistive Technology Tools, Strategies and Techniques

(These are examples, not an inclusive list)

Assistive Technology Tools for Low Vision

  • Use weighted utensils.
  • Select drinking cups with lids and handles.
  • Use straws to avoid lifting the glass and spilling the contents.
  • Use non-breakable dishes, glasses, storage containers.
  • Consider a spill-proof insulated cup with a release button that must be pressed to open the pour spout liquid (ex: Contigo brand). This feature eliminates any spills no matter the position of the container.
  • Place thick, wide rubber bands around (lidded) cups with smooth surfaces to provide a grippier surface.
  • Select tremor dampening utensils.
  • Stabilize objects with non-slip materials (Dycem, rug backing, dampened cloth or paper towels) placed underneath the item.
  • Use “carton caddies” holders for milk and beverage cartons.
  • Use pot/pan stabilizers for stove top cooking.
  • Select manual vegetable choppers or mini food processors instead of knives.
  • Use nonslip cutting boards with corner guards and aluminum nails to stabilize food items.
  • Use a bagel slicer instead of a breadknife for cutting bagels.
  • Use rocker-type knives especially for one-handed cutting.
  • Use scissors in place of knives for cutting soft fruits and vegetables.
  • Use finger guards to protect fingers when using knives.
  • Wear cut resistant gloves to protect the stabilizing hand when slicing and chopping food.
  • Use a jar holder to stabile a glass jar when opening it and use jar openers to remove the lid.
  • Consider using countertop appliances (microwave oven, toaster oven, air fryer, slow cooker, etc.) in place of built in appliances.
  • Use a rolling cart to move food and utensils if you have a large, open kitchen
  • Use lightweight pots/utensils.
  • Try a microwave pasta cooker in place of boiling it on the stove.
  • Use a regular or spider strainer, or a slotted spoon to remove solids food from cooking liquids to avoid lifting/tilting hot or heavy filled pots.

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Tips and Techniques for All Cooks with Vision Loss

  • Keep food and utensils away from the edge of counter to lessen spills onto the floor.
  • Drain liquids from foods directly in the sink using a strainer or colander to avoid spills on counter surfaces and floors.
  • When pouring liquids into cups or small containers, place the vessel to be filled in the sink to catch any spills.
  • Keep arms close to the body when working in the kitchen to lessen tremor effects.
  • Stabilize lighter weight items by placing them against something heavier such as a pot filled with water.
  • Use prepared or partially prepared foods (examples: frozen chopped onions, jarred sauces, pre-cooked frozen or shelf-stable rice, shredded cheese.
  • Buy smaller size food packages for easier carrying and handling.

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