Difficulty with cooking

Difficulties with preparing food and drink can arise at various stages. Sometimes it starts as early as when planning a meal. Sometimes it’s mainly whilst cooking.

You may, for example, notice that:

• you have little energy to cook;
• Standing in the kitchen for a long time is tiring;
• cutting, stirring or lifting causes pain;
• you find it difficult to plan what you are going to eat;
• you skip meals more often;
• you opt for quick or less healthy solutions;
• doing the shopping and cooking together is too much;
• if you are unsure about safety in the kitchen;
• can no longer manage to tidy up after cooking.

Sometimes you may find that mealtimes are becoming less enjoyable. You mainly eat because you have to. That’s a shame, because eating is also important for recovery, energy and your daily routine.

Preparing food and drink can become more difficult due to pain, tiredness, reduced strength or problems with balance. Problems with the hands, shoulders, back, hips, knees or feet can make cooking difficult.

Concentration and an overview also play a part. If you are easily distracted or find it difficult to plan, cooking can be stressful. You have to remember several steps and sometimes carry them out at the same time.

Furthermore, the kitchen itself may not be well suited to your needs. Things are positioned too high or too low. Pans are heavy. There is little worktop space. Or perhaps you have nowhere to sit down for a moment whilst cooking.

You can make preparing food easier by breaking the task down into smaller parts. It doesn’t always have to be elaborate.

For example, you could:

• choosing simple meals for busy or demanding days;
• preparing as best as possible whilst seated;
• keep the things you use frequently within easy reach;
• use lightweight pans and simple kitchen utensils;
• Buy pre-cut vegetables if chopping is difficult;
• cook for two days if that saves energy;
• do not plan to go shopping and cook on the same day;
• taking short breaks in between;
• ask for help with difficult parts.

A fixed weekly routine can also help. If you know in advance what you’re going to eat, you’ll have fewer decisions to make on a tiring day.

It is wise to seek help if you often find it difficult to cook or if you skip meals. It is also a good idea to seek advice if you notice that you are losing weight or, conversely, making unhealthy choices more often because cooking is too much of a chore.

Please also ask for help if you feel unsafe in the kitchen. This could include difficulties with hot pans, sharp knives or standing for long periods at the hob. Being able to prepare food and drink safely is important for maintaining your independence.

We’ll work together to identify where things are getting stuck. This could relate to energy, exercise, planning, safety or the layout of the kitchen.

A occupational therapist can work with you to find practical solutions for cooking and preparing drinks. These might include aids, a different layout for the kitchen or a practical sequence of tasks. A lifestyle coach can help with healthy and achievable eating habits. If pain, strength or balance are factors, a physiotherapist contribute ideas.

We’ll help you find a way to make preparing meals fit better into your day again. Not perfect or complicated, but achievable and safe.