Hand Tremors: Adaptive Utensils and Eating Aids

Eating independently can be challenging

Older adults affected by conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, tremors, 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.

For hand tremors, weakness, or Parkinson’s

Weighted utensil set (4 pieces)

• Features: Easy grip handles, weighted to counter tremors.
• Good for: Those with tremors or shaky hands.

GripWare plastic scoop dish

• Features: Non-skid feet to grip the table, low front and high back edge helps scoop food onto fork.
• Good for: Single-handed eating, those with poor eyesight, limited coordination, Parkinson’s, stroke, or tremors.

3 compartment dish with high sides

• Features: 3 compartments to keep foods separate, high-sided to make scooping easy.

• Good for: Those eating pureed foods, those with Parkinson’s, stroke, or tremors.

No-spill, easy grip drinking cup

• Features: Double handles, clear plastic, holds hot or cold liquids, keeps spills to a minimum, two lid types included.

• Good for: Those with a weak grip, shaking hands, or who need to drink while in bed. Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke.

For Alzheimer’s or dementia

Red colored dining set

• Features: 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%.

• Good for: Those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

For older adults with weakness, arthritis, or hand mobility issues

Rocker knife with serrated blade

• Features: Easy grip handles, bendable to the left or right, special knife edge gives extra stability while cutting, even meat.
• Good for: One-handed cutting, those with difficulty cutting food.

Bendable fork and spoon

• Features: Easy grip handles, bendable to the left or right.
• Good for: Those with limited hand mobility or arthritis.

No-grip holder for utensils or pens

• Features: Strap holds any utensil, velcro strap wraps around hand.
• Good for: Those with weak hand muscles or lack of ability to grip utensils or pens.

Foam tubing for easy-grip handles

• Features:.34 inch piece of foam with 3/8 inch inner diameter, enlarge handle on anything placed inside, cut to desired length.
• Good for: Those with arthritis or limited grip.

You might also like:
— Innovative Eating Utensils for Alzheimer’s
— Should My Older Adult See a Geriatrician?
— Questions to Ask When Hiring a Caregiver

By DailyCaring Editorial Staff
Image: BASE Wellness

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