5 Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Accessible Without Remodeling

The kitchen doesn’t have to intimidate, especially if you have hand paralysis. Here’s how to make it work for you!

There is nothing quite like the comfort of a home-cooked meal. But when you are living with paralysis, cooking can be very difficult in a standard kitchen — especially if you also have hand paralysis.

While ultimately a remodel of your kitchen will make things easier and safer, not everyone can afford to make this change immediately.
But, fortunately, there are many simple ways to make your kitchen more accessible without calling the contractor.
Here are 5 to get you started.

1. Rearrange things.

Lowering your pot-and-pan rack to waist height makes everything easier to reach. (DepositPhotos)

Just rearranging your kitchen can make cooking much easier.
For example, put items you use regularly, such as bowls or cookware, on shelves in bottom cabinets or other places easier to reach. Place these items between waist and shoulder height for the easiest access.
To make things even more efficient, place those items on a Lazy Susan — that way, you don’t have to dig or reach to get what you want.

2. Get a microwave oven.

A microwave oven makes cooking meals faster and easier.

The microwave gets a bad rap — but contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for popcorn and frozen meals! When you are in a wheelchair, a microwave is much safer than using a standard oven, and you can use it to cook just about anything.

3. Go for some gadgets!

Do you wait to cook your bacon after your eggs and sausage? Well, wait no more! A divided skillet lets you do everything at once!

Who doesn’t love kitchen gadgets? And trust us, there are a ton out there designed to make your life a lot easier. Hands-free salad spinners, two-handed slicers, touch can openers, lap cutting boards, and so much more. There are some great videos on YouTube that review and demonstrate these tools.