You can still maintain a clean home and prepare the food you enjoy, even if you have been diagnosed with Geographic Atrophy (GA). Here are some tips for keeping things running smoothly.
Prepare yourself for success by setting yourself up first.
Get organized. Make a place for everything and keep it there. Sort similar items. Keep them near where you will use them. Keep cooking utensils, for example, in a drawer or canister near your stove.
Label all kitchen items. Make it easier to identify kitchen items that have unclear labels. Use tactile markers such as bump dots or color-coded tape or tabs. Rubber bands can be wrapped around items that look similar to other things, such as a juice or milk container. This makes it easy to distinguish between them.
Prepare what you need. Put all the ingredients and utensils you will need at your fingertips when you are ready to cook. You can put your cleaning products, paper towels, and gloves in a bucket that you can take with you.
You can cook with these tips.
Low vision does not have to prevent you from trying new recipes or cooking what you enjoy. You can cook safely by using these tips and techniques.
Keep a towel wet nearby. Wipe your hands with a damp dishtowel as you cook. This will help you to stay clean and reduce the number of trips to your sink.
Use contrasting boards. When cutting dark foods, use a lighter-colored board. Use a dark cutting board for foods with light colors. You can see better with the contrast.
Use trays to contain spills and mess. Measure, slice, and mix things on a plate. You can use another tray to store utensils that you are done with. This will make it easier to clean them at the sink.
Pouring is not just about using your eyes. You can also use other senses. Touch the spout on the container that you are running into. Please keep it in contact with the inside of the container rim as you run. Listen to the sound the liquid makes. It is almost filled when it starts to fade. Pour cold beverages by putting your finger on the rim. Stop pouring once you feel liquid.
Make measurement easier. Use bump dots or tape to make it easier to read the measurements. Create a contrasted background behind the glass. You can memorize your measuring spoons and cups by nesting them so that you do not have to read the labels.
Instead of pouring, try scooping. Do you need to measure liquid ingredients? Pour the liquid into a container with a large opening and use a measuring cup or spoon to scoop out the amount you need. You do not need to pour drinks into small containers.
Avoid splashes of boiling water. Do not wait until the water is boiling before adding rice or pasta to a pot. You may need to wait a few extra minutes for the food to cook. Apply cooking oil to the pot’s rim or place a wooden spoon on top.
Select the best knife for your task. Make sure you choose a knife of the correct size and type. Choose a knife that has a safety sheath. This will keep the blade protected. Food choppers with lids, cups, and edges can make cutting and dicing safer and easier. Use an electric food processor for onions, garlic, and herbs.
Use a knife to cut like a pro. To start cutting, line up the blade behind the fork and feel the edge with the spoon. Cut round foods such as potatoes or onions by first slicing them in half so that the flat surface is touching your cutting board.
Use safety gloves. Buy cut-resistant gloves (also known as butcher’s gloves). These gloves are thin enough for you to be able to use your fingers without fear of getting cut. Use them to cut, peel, or grate your ingredients.
Always store knives in a safe place. Sharp blades require extra care. Use the safety cover if it is available. If not, be sure to keep the edges out of reach from where someone could accidentally touch them. Store knives at the back of your cabinets. Face the edges down in the dishwasher.
Use scissors to cut pizza and food packages. They are safer.
Label appliance setting. Use a bump dot, puff paint, or Velcro to label the location that you use the most. Try it out on your oven, microwave, stovetop, and dishwasher.
Cleaning Tips
You can keep your house in top condition by making a few simple adjustments.
Create a cleaning supply zone. Store all of your cleaning products in a single storage area or closet to make it easy to locate what you need.
Use a cart, basket, tote, or bucket to transport your supplies. A pocket-equipped apron is the perfect place to store your most used items, like an all-purpose cleaner and a roll of paper towels.
Dust with your hands instead of a cloth. Wear soft cotton socks or gloves to see what you are dusting.
A grid system can help you avoid missing any spots when you are wiping a flat surface, such as a table, window, or countertop. Start by wiping up and down. Next, wipe from left to right. You can also use a grid for your home. Divide the rooms into sections and clean them in grid patterns.
Use caution when plugging in. Use contrasting wall outlet covers and light switches to make it easier to see. Plugging in something is easy if you put your fingers around the electrical plate and guide the plug with the other hand.
Use colored tape or bump dots to mark your vacuum dials. Make sure that you have adequate task lighting. Use LED lights. They are energy efficient. Use a shade to reduce glare. Use a handheld magnifier to help you see better.