Eating independently can be challenging for some seniors
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.
We rounded up 11 helpful adaptive utensils and dinnerware that make eating easier for people with:
- Hand tremors, weakness, or Parkinson’s
- Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Weakness, arthritis, or hand mobility issues
4 adaptive utensils for hand tremors or Parkinson’s
1) $25 Adaptive Utensils Weighted (4-Piece Set)
- Features: Non-slip wide handles, weighted to counter tremors
- Helpful for: People with tremors, Parkinson’s, limited grip, wrist or hand weakness
2) $8 Gripware 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) $10 Maddak 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) $9 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 or dementia
1) $37 Deluxe 5-piece Redware 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%.
- Helpful for: People with Alzheimer’s or dementia who struggle with eating or have decreased appetite
2) $94 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) $12 Good Grips Rocker Knife with Serrated Blade
- Features: This easy-grip handle, bendable to the left or right, special knife edge gives extra stability while cutting, even meat
- Good for: One-handed cutting and people who have difficulty cutting food
2) $18 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) $14 4-Piece Adaptive Utensil Set with Wide, Non-Weighted, Non-Slip Handles
- Features: Wide, easy-grip, non-slip handles
- Helpful for: People with arthritis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, or low grip strength
4) $17 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) $13 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:
- The Big List of Gift Ideas for Seniors
- Holiday Gifts for Seniors with Dementia: 31 Perfect Ideas
- 10 Simple Dressing Aids Help Seniors Stay Independent
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: BASE Wellness
All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication, but prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain some affiliate links. We never link to products or services for the sole purpose of making a commission. Recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Gayle Landry
Looking for tremor heavy eating utensils a that are plain in design which will not be noticeable when eating out or at a social function.
DailyCaring
We found a great utensil set that looks like “regular” utensils, but are weighted to help someone with tremors eat more easily. See them here on Amazon — https://amzn.to/2RFV1W9
Kathy Dockter
I volunteer for a program called Senior Companion and have a client with dementia. I am also involved with Dementia Friendly Duluth (MN) and have forwarded many of your articles to them. Your site has been so much help. The information you share is “right on” and so timely. Please keep up the good work.
DailyCaring
Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad our articles are helpful!
Christine Woodall
The eating utensils are great, but what about other aids?
Connie Chow
We’ve got a number of suggestions for gripping a variety of household objects. This article talks about 10 inexpensive aids to help with everyday tasks — http://dailycaring.com/10-simple-arthritis-aids-help-seniors-with-everyday-tasks/
This article talks about aids to help seniors get dressed more easily — http://dailycaring.com/10-simple-dressing-aids-help-seniors-stay-independent/
Here are two articles about aids that help when traveling by car — http://dailycaring.com/6-simple-auto-aids-for-seniors-make-car-travel-easier/ & http://dailycaring.com/4-advanced-auto-mobility-aids-help-seniors-get-into-cars/
Christine Woodall
Are there any aids for shaving?
Connie Chow
Hi Christine, great question! Here’s an electric razor strap (http://www.caregiverproducts.com/electric-razor-strap.html) and a weighted strap for a disposable razor (http://www.caregiverproducts.com/weighted-cuff-disposable-razor.html).
It may be safer for someone with hand tremors to use an electric razor to minimize the chances of getting nicks and cuts.