11 Adaptive Utensils and Eating Aids for Hand Tremors, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke

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

1) $35 Special Supplies Premium Stainless Steel Adaptive Weighted Flatware

• Features: Discreet appearance; weighted, non-slip wide handles.
• Helpful for: People with hand tremors, Parkinson's, weak grip, wrist or hand weakness.

2) $10 GripWare Adaptive Plastic Scoop Dish

• 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.

3) $13 Maddak Ableware Partitioned Scoop Dish with Lid

• 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.

4) $10 Independence 2-Handle Plastic Mug with 2 Style Lids, Lightweight Drinking Cup

• 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

1) $44 Essential Medical Supply Power of Red Complete Adaptive Dinnerware Setting for Alzheimers and Dementia with Plate, Bowl, Cup, and Utensil Set

• 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%.

2) $98 Eatwell Assistive Tableware Set, 8 Piece

• 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

1) $7 Rehabilitation Advantage Easy Grip Rocker Knife with Built-up Handle

• 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.

2) $19 3 Piece Super Easy Grip Flatware Set – Bendable Built Up Fork, Knife, and Spoon

• 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.

4) $16 EazyHold Universal Grip Cuff (2 Pack)

• 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.

5) $12 Vive Foam Tubing Utensil Padding Grips (9 pieces)

• 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

Recommended for you:

• 10 Reasons Why Seniors Lose Their Appetite
• 8 Useful Bathroom Aids for Seniors Make Everyday Tasks Easier
• Adaptive Shoes for Seniors Improve Safety and Mobility

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About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.