Jar Openers and Kitchen Aids for Weak Hands

Why kitchen tasks get hard

• Arthritis in the fingers, thumbs and wrists makes gripping, twisting and squeezing painful; see arthritis daily living gadgets.
• Weakness after a stroke, or general frailty, reduces strength.
• Tremor makes pouring and cutting unsafe.
• Poor balance makes standing at the counter or reaching high shelves risky.
• Reduced vision makes labels, knobs and edges hard to see.
• Reduced sensation in the hands makes burns and cuts more likely.
• Memory problems lead to forgotten pans and kettles; see kitchen safety for older adults.
• Fatigue and breathlessness limit standing time.

Opening jars, bottles and packets

Jar openers. Rubber grip pads, wall-mounted openers, under-cupboard jar openers and lever or strap wrenches give leverage and grip so that a jar can be opened with little hand strength. A wall- or cupboard-mounted opener lets you use both hands and body weight.

Bottle and cap openers. Wide, lever-style openers for screw caps, ring-pull openers for cans and openers for crown caps.

Tin openers. Electric or easy-turn tin openers with large handles. Safe edge openers leave a smooth rim.

Packet and bag openers. A pair of easy-grip scissors with spring action, a bag opener or a packet-opener hook.

Easy-open lids. Transfer food from stiff packaging into containers with easy lids.

Tips without any gadget: run hot water over a tight lid, tap the lid's edge on a counter, wear a rubber glove or place a rubber band around it for grip.

Taps, switches and knobs

• Tap turners: lever handles that fit over round taps to give leverage.
• Lever taps: replace round taps with levers.
• Large-grip knobs on cookers and ovens, with clear markings.
• Rocker switches and switch extenders.
• Plug pullers, handles that make it easier to remove plugs from sockets without pinching.

Pouring and carrying

• Kettle tippers and cradles: a stand that tilts the kettle so you do not have to lift it. They reduce the risk of scalds. See auto-off kettle and stove safety.
• Lightweight kettles with a small capacity, fill with only the water needed.
• Easy-pour jugs and jar pourers.
• Two-handled mugs and saucepans for a firmer hold.
• Trolleys with brakes and a lip to carry plates and pots, instead of carrying hot items; see mobility aids for the kitchen.
• Walker trays and rollator baskets to carry plates.
• Lidded cups and flasks for hot drinks.

Cutting, peeling and preparing

• Chopping boards with spikes and edges, to hold food steady for one-handed cutting.
• Rocker knives and safe, sharp, easy-grip knives.
• Peelers with large handles, and swivel peelers.
• Food choppers and mincers that are pressed or pulled.
• Electric slicers and choppers, used with great care.
• Pre-cut vegetables and ready-chopped ingredients to reduce effort.
• Mashers and grinders with large handles for those who prefer soft food.
• Non-slip mats under boards and bowls.

Pots, pans and cooking

• Lightweight pans with two handles, and non-stick surfaces.
• Pans with helper handles.
• Small pans and half portions, lighter to lift.
• Microwave-safe containers, with care for hot steam.
• Pressure cookers and rice cookers with auto shut-off, used by people who can follow the instructions. Beware of steam burns.
• Induction cooktops with auto shut-off are safer than open flames for forgetful cooks, but must be used with suitable pans.
• Slow cookers.
• Oven gloves with long cuffs.
• Timers and auto-off devices for forgetful cooks; see auto-off kettle and stove safety.

Setting up the kitchen

A better layout often saves more effort than gadgets.

• Store heavy items at waist height, not high or low. Heavy pans and bags of rice between hip and shoulder.
• Keep everyday items within easy reach, on the counter or at arm height.
• Use a reacher for things on high shelves, but only for light items; see reachers and grabbers.
• Provide a sturdy stool with a back and arms so that your parent can sit while preparing food; see sitting for long hours.
• Clear the floor, and use non-slip flooring or mats.
• Good lighting over the work area.
• Keep spills wiped up straight away.
• Label cupboards and jars in large print.
• Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher and know how to use them; see smoke and gas safety for older adults.
• Gas safety: check the cylinder and hose, switch off the regulator after cooking and ensure ventilation.
• Use appliances with auto shut-off where memory is a concern.

See kitchen setup for seniors for more.

Safe use of gadgets

• Match the gadget to the person. A tool that is too complex is not used.
• Check for stability and grip before use.
• Keep knives sharp but safe, and store in a block.
• Do not use a jar opener on a hot jar without cloth.
• Test the tap turner for fit.
• Mind cords and plugs of electric gadgets; keep them away from water.
• Switch off and unplug after use.
• Supervise people with dementia or poor judgement.
• Clean gadgets after use for hygiene.

Meals with less effort

• Choose foods that need less preparation: soft fruit, curd, boiled eggs, khichdi, pre-cooked pulses, dalia, frozen vegetables.
• Batch cook and freeze small portions, labelled with dates.
• Use ready meals or tiffin services sensibly, checking nutrition.
• Plan a weekly menu, with simple dishes.
• Eat regularly, do not skip meals; see cooking for one older adult.
• Involve family in weekly batch cooking.

Trying gadgets before buying

Kitchen gadgets are cheap, but a drawer full of unused ones is waste and clutter. Before buying, watch your parent attempt the task, such as opening a jar, and note exactly what fails: the grip, the twist, the strength or the pain. Try low-cost fixes at home first, such as a rubber glove or a rubber band round the lid, a damp cloth under a board, or a thick towel to raise a pan to a better height. Borrow a gadget from a relative or ask a shop if you can try one in the hand. Buy one item at a time, use it for a week and note whether it saves effort. Ask an occupational therapist to look at the kitchen once, because they often suggest changes in layout that cost nothing. Keep the gadgets your parent uses in an obvious place, near where they are needed, and throw away the rest.

When help is needed

If your parent can no longer manage the kitchen safely, because of burns, repeated fires, forgotten pans or weight loss, step up support: ready meals, a meal delivery, a cook or attendant, or shared meals. Ask the doctor about memory or health changes. See how a home attendant improves seniors' lives.

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist can assess the kitchen and recommend aids and layout changes, and can do a kitchen assessment at home; see occupational therapy home assessment. Ask a doctor about weak grip, tremor or new difficulties. A dietician can plan easy meals. Our care advisors can arrange assessments and supply aids.