Lefty wrote:

> Patches,
>
> It seems that if you ask about specific tasks here , you'll get plenty of
> input on how somebody's method is easiest. When I worked in rehab, most of
> the adaptive equipment and processes would benefit anybody, not only the
> "challenged", and some originated in somebody's tried and true "best way".
>
> I wanted to add that the beauty of getting professional help is often that
> it will qualify for insurance or other types of assistance that way. You can
> also sometimes borrow products to try out before putting out any cash. This
> stuff can get expensive.
> Lefty

Ok, here are my biggest kitchen problems aside lifting anything of any
weight.

heights - I'm vertically challenged to begin with so have had a step
stool for quite some time. I can stand on the counter and still not
touch the ceiling. With the left side weakness and/or numbing or
tingling, climbing that step stool can be challenging. I can't catch
myself if I misstep but the possiblities of misstepping are greatly
increased. Sol'n so far have been to get DH to get whatever large pots
or equipment down for me first thing in the morning and then he puts
them away at night. This is a really big problem for me. Then If I'm
trying to get something down it is worse.

reaching - strict orders not to raise my arms above my shoulders. Eye
level and counter level is ok. Left side weakness presents some
problems but I'm dealing with it. One corner cupboard is a disaster for me.

standing - Prep work is fine as long as I don't stand in one place for
longer than about 10 minutes. I have a dishwasher so only have to wash
pots and pans.

bending - the lazy susan is in the bank of the lower cabinet. The
*only* way I can get anything out of there is to squat then sit on my
butt and hope to hell I can get back up. So this is a major problem.

freezers - 2 chest freezers and one side by side - If something is near
the top of the chest freezers I can get it. Other than that, no way.
The sbs isn't too bad so DH has been rotating the freezer food for me
more. I'm wondering if getting an upright freezer would be a better idea?

canning - I'm very experienced so feel comfortable running the canners.
Getting jars in or out seems to be ok at the moment. Moving heavy
pots or the canner is a no go.

kitchen size - We have an l-shaped countertop, stuffed to the hilt, not
eat in kichen. There is no room for a wheeled cart or island. My
canning shelf is on one wall so at least that stuff is always
accessible. We can't bump out or make the kitchen larger although DH
does have an architect coming in to see what we could do. If a
wheelchair became a necessity for even a short period of time the whole
back end of our house would have to be redone.

Any and all suggestions welcomed