Eating independently can be challenging for some seniors
Older adults living with health conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, tremors, arthritis, or neuropathy often have trouble eating independently.
Hand tremors or weakness can make holding utensils and making the necessary hand and arm movements almost impossible.
Because of the difficulty, some seniors may even lose their appetite and stop eating.
Adaptive utensils, plates, and cups make it easier to eat so mealtime is more enjoyable and seniors are more likely to stay well-nourished.
We rounded up 11 helpful adaptive utensils and dinnerware that make eating easier for people with:
Hand tremors, weakness, or Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Weakness, arthritis, or hand mobility issues
4 adaptive utensils for hand tremors or Parkinson’s disease
Features: Discreet appearance; weighted, non-slip wide handles.
Helpful for: People with hand tremors, Parkinson’s, weak grip, wrist or hand weakness.
Features: Non-skid feet grip the table, low front edge and high back edge helps scoop food onto fork.
Helpful for: Single-handed eating and people with poor eyesight, limited coordination, Parkinson’s, stroke, or tremors.
Features: 3 compartments to keep foods separate, high-sided to make scooping easy.
Helpful for: People with Parkinson’s, stroke, or tremors or those eating pureed foods.
Features: Double handles, two lid types included, clear plastic, holds warm or cold liquids, keeps spills to a minimum.
Helpful for: People with weak grip, hand tremors, who need to drink while in bed, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or those recovering from stroke.
2 dining sets for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Features: Plate and bowl have a suction cup bottom and rimmed side, bendable utensils also have built up handles for easy grip, everything is dishwasher safe.
Helpful for: People with Alzheimer’s or dementia who struggle with eating or have decreased appetite. Red dinnerware is specifically designed to increase appetite in Alzheimer’s patients. In studies, the red color increased food intake of Alzheimer’s patients by 24% and liquid intake by 84%.
Features: Specially designed tableware that helps increase food and drink intake, maintain dignity and independence during meals, and reduce work for caregivers.
Helpful for: People with Alzheimer’s or dementia who struggle with eating or have decreased appetite.
5 adaptive utensils for weakness, arthritis, or hand mobility issues
Features: Designed with smooth edges to prevent any accidental cuts; intended to be used with a rocking motion, not a slicing motion.
Good for: One-handed cutting and people who have difficulty cutting food.
Features: Large, easy-grip handles that are bendable to the left or right.
Helpful for: People with arthritis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, or low grip strength.
3) $17 Special Supplies Adaptive Utensils (5-Piece Kitchen Set) Wide, Non-Weighted, Non-Slip Handles
Features: Wide, easy-grip, non-slip handles; set includes a fork, knife, curved knife, dinner spoon and soup spoon.
Helpful for: People with arthritis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, or low grip strength.
Features: Silicone strap cuff helps hold a variety of utensils, tools, and other objects.
Helpful for: People with arthritis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, or low grip strength.
Features: Provides a wider grip for everyday objects like toothbrushes, pens, hairbrushes, etc. for greater control – cut to desired length
Helpful for: People with arthritis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, or low grip strength
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By DailyCaring Editorial Team
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