Thursday, October 18, 2012

The One-Handed Cook


Part of getting back into life after my stroke was to gradually resume the household duties that had fallen onto my husband and friends during my first months home. One of the scariest tasks for me was getting back into the kitchen. The kitchen is full of sharp and hot things. Packages demand to be opened and resealed. It is a domain of the two-handed.

But I couldn't continue to ask friends and family to drop off home-cooked meals. And after my fifth tray of enchiladas, I googled "one-handed cooking utensils" and hit a jackpot of products for the disabled chef.

I was reluctant to spend money on adaptive devices in the beginning because I was sure my complete recovery was right around the corner. Two-and-a-half years post-stroke and still very limited with my left hand, I recognize that the corner is at the end of an extremely long block.

My other excuse for not wanting adaptive equipment was that forcing myself to use standard tools would be therapeutic. But my first failed attempt to use a regular can opener convinced me that I ought to buy the One-Touch Can Opener. I was very skeptical that it would work as advertised — but the thing is magic!

My second concession was to purchase a Single-Handed Cutting Board. This item is more practical than magic. I've stabbed myself carelessly on the upright nails, and the suction cups that hold it in place are so strong that when you pull up the board after slicing tomatoes, the tomato juice and seeds splash all over the place. But I do not know any other way to slice and spread bread with only one hand. Watch my demo below. Bon Appetit!





7 comments:

  1. I love it when I get to a step that calls for two hands and I whip out an adaptive kitchen device that helps me finish. Let us know about other products you like. Thanks for the links.

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  2. I love your video! You continue to advance and amaze. Sending love & hugs :o)

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  3. Great video! I loved hearing your voice. I did not know about the "bumper feature on the cutting board. how cool!

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  4. Hello Marcelle,

    What an excellent blog! Thank you for everything you share.

    I work for the Stroke Association in the UK and have stumbled across this page and would love to get in contact with you about using your videos to share with our service users.

    If you could contact me on rachael.townley@stroke.org.uk to discuss this further, I would hugely appreciate it.

    I look forward to your response- and your next blog post!

    Regards
    Rachael

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  5. I’ve never been this happy to find such an interesting post. I love this. It’s so helpful. I’m gonna try some ideas of yours.

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  6. I've just updated the links to the products because the original links stop working after a time. If that happens again, just Google "one-handed can opener" or "one-handed cutting board" and you'll find these products, which are available on multiple sites. Or Google "one-handed cooking products" and you'll find an amazing assortment! I've always been tempted by the saucepan grips that hold the pot handle so you can stir it without it spinning on the burner!

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  7. So glad I stopped in. It's half time in the RUGBY but tomorrow I'm going to have a go. Great Idea and very understandable tutorial. Really clear pictures.Copper Utensils Online

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