Essential Kitchen Aids For an Independent Living

Conditions like arthritis, dementia, low vision, lack of strength, etc. can make routine tasks difficult for elders and people with limited mobility. Especially cooking or eating-related functions as they require hand and finger dexterity. Several kitchen aids help people with physical impairment perform everyday tasks like eating.

Let's discuss two essential tools for the kitchen - Wooden kitchen trolleys and lap trays for eating.

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Wooden Kitchen Trolley

A kitchen trolley, also known as a home trolley, is a lightweight wheeled trolley that helps you transport food and drinks around the house. A kitchen trolley is a savior for someone who finds it difficult to carry food due to limited mobility or old age. It will help them remain independent by making it easier to carry food. It will also significantly reduce the number of kitchen runs a person makes to get something. This, in turn, will lessen falls and decrease fatigue.

Note that these trolleys do not have brakes, so it is advisable not to use them as a walking aid. The trolley can be suitable for the following conditions: (a) the thresholds between one room and the other are of the same level (b) the user is not using a walking frame or a rollator (c) the user is unable to carry heavy objects and move around.

Kitchen trays are available in various materials like plastic, stainless steel, iron, polypropylene, and wood. Among these, a wooden kitchen trolley is an addition to your house. The chair consists of smooth hard-wood, which is durable, easy to carry, and easy to clean. The four legs with rolling casters enable smooth maneuvering. The push bar set provides additional support and balance while moving.

Lap Trays for Eating

For people with temporary shoulder or neck pain or limited mobility, lap trays are a comfortable way of eating. Just like a kitchen trolley, a lap tray helps in transporting food. There are different types of lap trays available. For instance,

Freehand Tray- It comes with a non-slip mat, which prevents the items from slipping. It has integral handles at each end that make it a general-purpose carrying tray.

One Hand Tray- It is handy for those who make use of one hand. The surface of the tray is non-slippery, and it consists of a foldable and durable handle.

Stay Tray- it's a comfortable solution for people using an armchair. It has a molded bag underside that provides a stable base. The curved edges simplify carrying and positioning.

Adjustable Tray- Great option for using to eat in bed. This tray is lightweight, easy to lift, and you can tilt the tabletop to a 45-degree angle and lock in place.

Here are some tips for choosing the right tray:

Compact and Portable: A functional tray is the one that is sturdy to hold several items, and you can easily carry it. A good tray offers you the convenience to fold it into its compact shape and slide it under any place when not in use. If you have limited space, a portable and compact tray will best suit your needs.

Durable: Before purchasing a tray, ensure that it provides durability. A durable tray will be strong enough to support the weight of any glass or plate so that you can enjoy it without the fear of the plate tipping over.

Adaptable: You surely want a tray that is adaptable to any room and any situation you need- whether you wish to have dinner in bed or use that tray to place a laptop.

Conclusion

Kitchen trolleys and lap trays for eating are must-have aids in your house if you find it difficult to transport food and drinks from the kitchen to the dining table. With the help of these products, seniors and people with physical restrictions can stay independent and safe.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.