Eating & Drinking Aids

You will find more information about eating and drinking aids here, from low-tech to high-tech, to help with a range of issues, including weakened grip, poor dexterity tremor, swallowing problems, loss of arm function and quadriplegia.

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Eating aids
Drinking aids

Eating aids

This lightweight thick handled cutlery set has been designed for easy eating with reduced dexterity or strength. Particularly for people with joint problems, it relieves strain on the fingers, and can be used with various different grips.

Other adapted cutlery is available with heavier handles, to help people with a tremor, or with a twist in the metal shaft of the handle, so that the user can bend the cutlery to a more convenient angle for eating.

The spoons on the right with their narrow, shallow bowls make it easier for anyone who has difficulties eating from a standard spoon.

A scoop plate, such as the one shown here, makes it much easier eat single-handedly. The shape, and the fact that it has a nonslip base which keeps it steady on the table, helps the diner to access the food successfully with either a fork or spoon.

The bright red colour can also help people with dementia.

High-tech eating aids

As well as assistive crockery and cutlery, there are more technologically advanced systems that can enable people who would otherwise rely on assistance, to feed themselves independently.

The latest robotic feeding aid shown here is small and portable. It can be operated by a simple touch screen app on its supplied mobile control, or activated anywhere the user has movement, with sensitive light touch switches. Special options include Fork action mode, excess food wipe and food deselect option.

Drinking aids

If weakness, lack of dexterity or a tremor make it difficult to use a standard cup or mug, a two-handled design may be easier.

Options include the Dignity range shown on the right, which combines a wide, two-handled grip with a drinking spout that can also accommodate a straw if preferred.

The oval saucer also does duty as a plate for biscuits, etc, and has a deep recess to hold the cup securely while it is being carried.

An adjustable mug or cup holder can also be useful to keep drinks from spilling; the insulation prevents heat damage to wooden surfaces.

People who have had a stroke, a head injury or neurological disability often have difficulty swallowing safely. The technical term is dysphagia. A mug with a cone-shaped interior makes it much easier to drink without having to tip your head back and without your nose getting in the way.

This discreet range of brightly coloured mugs has thermal insulation to keep drinks hot or cold as required, and one or two wide handles that are easy to grip with the whole hand. They are also available with a spouted lid.

 
A simple, cost-effective solution for anyone with limited mobility, whether in bed or a chair, the Hydrant (right) provides liquid via a tube with bite valve, which opens under pressure and closes when released, so there is no leakage.

Ideal for situations – such as hospitals and care homes – where somebody is otherwise dependent on others to provide drinks.

There are various hands-free drinking systems, to allow people complete control over how much liquid they consume, whatever their physical limitations.

Proper hydration is essential to good health. You can read more on this subject in our Nutrition Blogspot

 
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