Specific tools and gadgets to keep cooking in your kitchen — even with arthritis, low vision, tremor, weakness, or after a stroke.
Pick your challenge
OXO Good Grips chef knife
Thick rubber handle requires almost no grip strength
Cost: $25-40 Where: Target, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond
Black & Decker Lids Off electric jar opener
Opens any jar at the press of a button
Cost: $45 Where: Amazon, Walmart
Pampered Chef Manual Food Chopper
Pull a string to chop onions, no knife work needed
Cost: $50 Where: Pampered Chef consultant or Amazon
Rocker knife (Wiltshire Staysharp)
Cut with a rocking motion, no sawing
Cost: $15 Where: Amazon, kitchen shops
Silicone jar grip pads
Cheap and grip-extending for stubborn jars
Cost: $8 for 4-pack Where: Amazon, dollar stores
Vitamix or Magic Bullet smoothies
Soup, sauces, and smoothies without lots of chopping
Cost: $50-450 Where: Costco, Amazon, manufacturer
Insurance and tax tips: Adaptive equipment may be reimbursable through Medicare Advantage OTC allowance, a Health FSA, or an HSA. A doctor letter of medical necessity helps. Some county Area Agencies on Aging give grant funds for safety equipment.
Free trial first: Your local Independent Living Center (find one at ilru.org) often has a lending library where you can borrow adaptive equipment for two weeks before buying. Worth a call.