How caregivers can help neuropathy patients enjoy cooking
Ensuring safety in the kitchen is paramount, a columnist explains
A diagnosis of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), or the onset of peripheral neuropathy symptoms, may cause patients to worry about missing out on the activities they enjoy. Spending time with family, hosting, cooking, and participating in backyard sports may seem daunting due to neuropathy pain. Even a caregiver’s presence may not be enough for a patient to feel confident that they can enjoy certain activities.
My mother-in-law suffers from FAP with severe peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Family time is very important to her and she enjoys cooking and hosting family gatherings. In the 10 years I’ve known her, she’s always been able to hold large gatherings at her house with a good amount of food for the guests. I was surprised at the amount of preparation she was able to manage, despite being in a wheelchair.
When her pain worsens, she’ll order catering or takeout to minimize preparation. Other times, her mom and some of her siblings will assist with making all of the food and getting the house ready for entertaining.
For neuropathy patients who enjoy cooking, it’s important to help them do so safely. Preparing meals for themselves or others can instill a sense of confidence and well-being.
How neuropathy patients can cook
Neuropathy patients don’t always need to rely on a caregiver or family member to cook for them. However, they will need to practice caution when working with sharp utensils and high heat.
One thing that may help is to wear thick oven mitts or leather gloves to prevent accidental cuts or burns. Still, patients must be mindful that their grip may be weakened by peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
It’s also important to have a seat nearby in case pain flares up while cooking. My mother-in-law often experiences this.
Sometimes the presence of too many people or too much activity can pose challenges for those with neuropathy. The risk of someone bumping into the patient and exacerbating dormant pain increases greatly in crowded spaces. Someone may also lack care in holding sharp utensils or hot objects near the patient.
How caregivers can help
Caregivers, family, and friends may help loved ones with FAP cook by taking on some of the bigger and riskier tasks, such as handling boiling water or cutting vegetables or meat with a knife. They can also ensure that there are no obstacles that may hinder a patient from moving around.
My mother-in-law’s mom and sister usually take on cutting duties when preparing any form of meat dish. They also scoot chairs, stools, and tables around the kitchen so my mother-in-law can move freely in her wheelchair.
Patients may also benefit from having caregivers help them with recipes, especially more technical ones like steak or sauerkraut cake. This could mean reading off which items are needed, measuring ingredients, or dividing the workload. Their assistance fosters a sense of collaboration and belonging and allows the patient to play a main role in the cooking.
Note: FAP News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of FAP News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
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