For Arthritis Sufferers : Kitchen Gadgets, Organization Help

For a person with arthritis, working in the kitchen can be a demanding chore.

“Most kitchens are not designed for people with physical limitations,� said Dena Slonaker, an occupational therapist and a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation of Southern California. “However, with some simple rearrangements and special gadgets, people with arthritis can keep the joy in cooking.�

The Arthritis Foundation offers the following tips to make your kitchen more enjoyable:

--Keep the things you use most often within easy reach. Store extra sets of frequently used utensils, such as measuring cups and spoons, in several strategic places throughout the kitchen.

--Wear an apron with several pockets to place small cooking utensils at your fingertips while working.

--Hang pots and pans from a wall rack at a comfortable level to eliminate bending and reaching.

--Have lazy Susans in your spice or food cabinets to help make items more easily accessible.

--Take advantage of days when you’re feeling particularly good to prepare meals that can be frozen. On other days, simply thaw and reheat these dishes for an instant meal.

--Do as many jobs as possible sitting down, using a stool with rollers that is high enough to make kitchen counters accessible.

--Avoid purchasing heavy kitchenware, such as cast-iron pots and ceramic bowls. Instead use lighter aluminum or plastic containers.

--Use a wire mesh basket in the boiling pot when boiling foods such as spaghetti. When the spaghetti is cooked, simply lift the basket out to drain.

--Remember to keep an eye out for features that will make work simpler when selecting kitchen equipment. Appliances with levers or push buttons, non-stick easy-to-clean pans and double-handled cookware can be helpful in the kitchen.

--Equip the kitchen with as many labor-saving devices as possible, such as electric can openers, blenders, knives and food processor.

--Place the palm or heel of your hand flat on lids of jars, and twist to open them rather than grasping them with your fingers.

--Make utensils easier to grasp by building up the handles with foam rubber.

--Anchor bowls in the corner of the sink with a rubber sink mat or soap holder when stirring ingredients.

--Lift hot pots with both hands, protected by oven mitts.

--Line any hard-to-clean pans with foil before cooking. Afterwards the foil can be thrown away.

--Use sponges instead of dishcloths for cleaning. These can be pressed flat with your hand to remove excess water, instead of wringing.