Equipment to prepare meals

If you have difficulties preparing your meals, there is a range of specially designed equipment that can help. This could be cutlery with 'easy to hold' handles, a kettle tipper to help you to pour hot water or a height-adjustable kitchen trolley so you don't have to carry heavy things.

This type of equipment is often called 'occupational therapy' equipment, or OT for short.

How to get advice about remaining independence in your own home

You can approach equipment suppliers direct. We have a free information pack with names and addresses of companies and organisations that can help.

You may be able to get help, if you are eligible following assessment, with equipment from the Council's Occupational Therapy Service. We will visit you at home to find out what you can do for yourself and what you need help with.

• for more details you can download the  Occupational Therapy Service leaflet [241kb]
• you can also find out more from social services. Phone: 01642 726004 or email: socialservices@middlesbrough.gov.uk  

Apply online

You can also do an OT self-assessment online if you feel that there is some equipment that would help you but you don't need a full assessment (which would ask you lots of questions about other aspects of your life). The self-assessment form can be found by clicking the link below.

Access the OT self-assessment form

How much does it cost?

Items of equipment we provide inside your home, if you are eligible after assessment, are free of charge, for as long as is required.

More information

• making meals easier by using ready meals
• if you need to have prepared meals brought to your home, visit our Home meals page
• do you need someone to help you with preparing meals, washing, dressing or housework? Visit our Someone to help you page