Safety in the kitchen with ALS: Cooking aids

Living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) doesn’t mean you have to give up the joys of preparing and eating your favorite meals.

While symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and swallowing difficulties can make cooking and mealtimes more demanding, using adaptive tools and following a few ALS kitchen safety tips can help create a safer and more rewarding kitchen experience, both during cooking and eating.

Setting up a safe kitchen

Rearranging your kitchen with safety in mind can help you reduce fatigue and minimize the risk of spills or falls.

This can include:

• storing frequently used items at waist or counter height so you don’t have to reach or bend
• organizing your workspace to minimize the distance you need to move
• prepping meals while sitting at a counter or table to conserve your energy and reduce the risk of falls
• installing lever-style taps and easy-to-push buttons for appliances
• keeping walkways clear of obstacles

If you don’t know where to start, talk with a dietitian, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or your ALS healthcare provider to help you discover the right cooking strategies and kitchen aids.

Adaptive cooking and eating aids

When ALS affects your grip, coordination, or strength, even simple kitchen tasks can feel overwhelming. Adaptive cooking and eating tools are designed to make it easier to prepare meals safely and independently.

Cooking equipment

Tools that can make food preparation easier and reduce strain on your hands and arms include:

• nonslip mats under bowls and cutting boards
• knives and utensils with large, padded, or easy-grip handles
• electric jar openers, rocker knives, and adapted cutting boards
• lightweight food processors or blenders for pureeing

Adaptive eating equipment

Adaptive eating devices are designed to help you eat more comfortably and safely by improving grip and reducing spills.

• Scoop bowls, nonskid plates, weighted utensils, and universal cuffs keep food accessible.
• Specialized cups make drinking safer and easier.
• Angled handles on utensils or two-handle cups can help you grip more easily.

Assistive feeding devices

When using your arms becomes difficult, technology can help you maintain control at mealtimes. Robotic devices, for example, may restore some independence to those with severely limited arm movement.

Other safety tips

Beyond tools and devices, simple safety practices can help reduce the risk of accidents and make it easier to get support when you need it.

• Have a phone, alert button, or another way to call for assistance close by while preparing food, especially if fatigue or weakness increases your risk of falling.
• Ask for help with tasks that require lifting, pouring hot liquids, or using sharp or heavy equipment.
• Use a rolling cart or tray to move ingredients and dishes.
• Cook large batches and freeze the extras, so nutritious options are always on hand for days when you’re fatigued.
• Consider liquid nutrition or smoothies for backup on busy days.

Food prep for ALS

Most people with ALS will experience some degree of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, at some point.

With a few thoughtful adaptations and insight from your care team, mealtimes can become both safer and more enjoyable.

Some practical ALS kitchen safety strategies include:

• adjusting food to safe consistencies, making it soft, minced, or pureed, as recommended by your care team
• using a blender, food mill, or sieve to achieve the right texture
• adding gravies, creams, or sauces to moisten foods and reduce choking risk
• using a pureed food mold to help make modified meals look more appealing
• using commercial thickeners for liquids
• avoiding foods that are hard, sticky, or have mixed textures

Meal delivery services

Safety in the kitchen goes beyond the right equipment or layout. It also involves practical support choices to help protect your health.

As your energy, strength, or coordination changes, cooking may become more challenging and potentially risky.

Using ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare meal delivery services can reduce the time you spend standing, handling hot items, using sharp tools, or moving around your kitchen.

While meal delivery services made specifically for ALS may be limited, many mainstream companies offer options with modified diets, easy-to-eat meals, or adaptable meal kits.

Using these services can help reduce the risk of falls, burns, cuts, and fatigue-related accidents, while helping you eat regular, nutritious meals without added strain.

Your ALS care coordinator may be able to connect you with community-based meal delivery programs that bring nutritious meals right to your door, reducing the risks that come with preparing food yourself.

Community support

Managing mealtime with ALS doesn’t have to be something you do alone. Connecting with others in the ALS community can provide you with valuable tips and support to help keep you safe and nourished during both cooking and mealtimes.

If you have family, friends, or neighbors who want to help, inviting them into your mealtime routine, whether by prepping ingredients, sharing recipes, or joining you for meals, can also ease meal prep.

By leaning on your community and using some adaptive ALS kitchen safety strategies, it’s possible to create a kitchen and mealtime routine that feels safe and manageable.