Momentum - Spring 2012

“Eating, food prep and cleanup in the kitchen can be very enjoyable and are crucial to maintaining independence,” said Baltimore-based occupational therapist (OT) Shoshana Shamberg, OTR/L, MS. Simple alterations, ranging from reorganizing the refrigerator to purchasing handy, inexpensive gadgets, can keep the kitchen buzzing for almost everyone.

Working on a complex meal, such as a Sunday family dinner, can be difficult for those who struggle with fatigue. “For meals that require significant preparation, breaking the tasks into two sessions can be helpful,” said Carolyn Sithong, OTR/L, CAPS, an OT in Orlando, Fla., who specializes in home modifications. “Setting up the workspace in the morning, when energy levels are higher, with measured and chopped ingredients, utensils, mixers and dishes will make putting it all together at dinnertime easier,” she said.

strength for
cleaning extra-dirty
pots or pans
•;Touchless trashcans with lids
that open when a motion
sensor is activated
•;Rubber placemats to keep
plates and bowls from sliding
•;Casters for easy movement of
chairs and stools
•;Kitchen scissors to replace
knives
•;Reachers—long sticks with
claws that allow a person
to grab out-of-reach items,
available with lights or
additional wrist support.

KI TCH/VEER; TPABMA/VEER

There’s a gadget
for that
When
preparing
meals, getting
a grasp on
things was
difficult for
Lori Martin,
51, who was
diagnosed
with MS in
July 2010. At her local
home-improvement store, she
found large, ornate cabinet
pulls that are easy for her to
grab even when her hands are
numb. She had them installed
in her Madison, Ala., home. She
also chose Corelle unbreakable
dishes, should one slip out of
her hands. “I haven’t broken one
yet,” she said.

Bigger changes

If resources are available, more significant alterations, like remodeling the floor plan of the kitchen, can be especially helpful for people who use mobility aids. Amy Pauley was diagnosed in 1993 and began using a wheelchair 10 years ago. She says that, while the chair has made her life safer and easier in many ways, tasks such as washing dishes and whipping up meals have become a bit trickier.