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Meal times & Preparation

Opening Bottles & Jars
  • Before opening, tap the side of the lid on a bench
  • Release the vacuum seal from a new jar with a Jar Key before opening
  • Use a non-slip mat or damp dishcloth to help you grip the lid
  • Other jar and bottle openers are available to assist
  • Bottles or U.H.T. milk/juice packaging can be easier to open than cartons 

Video Demonstration

Watch video: Demonstrates one handed jar opening using non-slip mat on the table and in the crook of the elbow

What Our Members Say

“The vacuum seal on jars can be broken by tapping the lid firmly against the edge of the kitchen bench. The jar can then be held with arm against body while functional hand removes the lid.”

Using A Knife & Fork

Stabilising the Food & Plate While Eating

  • To prevent the plate from slipping use a placemat or non-slip mat on the table under it
  • To stop food from slipping off the plate choose crockery that has a rim or lip around the edge of the plate

Cutting Food

  • Use a steak knife with fork transfer technique to cut meat
  • Try a splayd (combination fork, knife and spoon) for softer foods
  • Rocker knives are available via the ILC

Video Demonstration

Watch video: Ryan from Living One Handed demonstrates how to cut steak in a restaurant with one hand, using the fork transfer technique

Food Preparation

Chopping & Slicing Food

  • Stabilise the item on a spike board for slicing
  • The Tupperware ‘Happy Chopper’ has a slip resistant base to assist with one handed use to chop onions etc.
  • Use an electric knife for cutting meat and bread
  • Cut using a pivot/rocking action so that the point of the knife remains stable on the bench
  • Try a rocker knife

Peeling Fruit & Vegetables

  • Make a cut in the top of the fruit to get started eg. bananas and oranges
  • Use an egg cup to hold and cut kiwifruit or passionfruit for scooping flesh
  • Stabilise the fruit or vegetable on a spike board for peeling
  • Use a peeler rather than a knife

Using A Can Opener

Stabilising Bowls & Saucepans for Mixing

  • Position the bowl in a corner
  • Place the bowl on a damp cloth, non-slip mat
  • Use cocktail type shakers for mixing liquids
  • When stabilising hot saucepans on the stove, you can use a safety pan handle holder