Caregiving Items That Make Mealtime Easier

Adaptive dinnerware, utensils and other tools that reduce stress and increase a care recipient’s independence

Cassandra Brooklyn,

AARP

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Published October 16, 2024

collage of various adaptive eating utensils

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Special Supplies; magic Opener; Getty Images (2))

As family caregivers know, caring for a loved one can be an all-encompassing task. It often includes assisting with dressing, walking, eating, bathing and toileting, not to mention all the driving to and from doctor’s appointments.

But during the three years that my sister and I shared caregiving responsibilities for our mother, who suffers from dementia and advanced Parkinson’s disease, one of the biggest challenges we encountered was mealtime. Eating became so difficult, she often required two to three hours per meal.

Not only did we not always have that much time to allocate to meals, but because her breakfast didn’t finish until noon, she would skip lunch, which resulted in her consuming fewer caloriesthan her body required. At the time, her occupational therapist recommended “nosey” cups with the nose cut out, which allowed my mom to drink without having to tip the cup up so high. I also purchased her weighted silverware to help with her hand tremor and bibs (which we call “clothing protectors”) to protect her clothing from food spills.

After a severe health episode last year, my mom was hospitalized and later transitioned to rehab. Doctors determined it was no longer safe for us to care for her at home, so she moved to a memory care facility, where she still lives. Because of chronic staffing shortages and overworked aides, my mom didn’t receive the feeding support she required, so I asked her occupational therapist what products might help. On her recommendation, we found that an easy-grip water bottle with a straw, high-sided plates, and wide-handled silverware. All made a huge difference in her ability to feed herself.

While many people suffering from Parkinson’s disease experience difficulty at mealtime, a wide range of conditions could impact someone’s ability to feed themselves, from severe arthritis and stroke to Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy. Scott Kaiser, M.D., a board-certified geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, notes that adaptive products like these can not only facilitate independent eating and ease caregivers' burden, but also help them retain a sense of autonomy and contribute to their psychological well-being.

Another benefit: The devices make mealtimes a bit safer by enabling more controlled eating and drinking, which reduces the chance of choking.

Kaiser recommends considering the following products:

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Bunmo; Special Supplies)

Adaptive eating utensils

The large, easy-to-grip handles found on ergonomic silverware can help those with limited dexterity. Some models are angled or weighted, which, according to Kaiser “reduce the effort required for self-feeding.” Individuals struggling to bring food to their mouths can also benefit from long-handled utensils with flexible heads. Some utensils also have motors that help stabilize and level the silverware, which is especially helpful for people with hand tremors.

Some adaptive silverware include weighted utensils ($49, bunmo.com), wide-handled adaptive utensils ($17, specialsupplies.com), and motorized utensils like the Gyenno Steady Spoon ($299, asksamie.com).

Non-skid dinnerware

Non-slip bases can make it easier for people with shaky hands or tremors to scoop food without the bowls or plates slipping or sliding onto the floor.

Helpful items include dishes like Liberty Assistive Plate ($20, amazon.com), Vive Spill-Proof Scoop Plate ($25, vivehealth.com), Providence Inner Lip Plate ($12, amazon.com).

Specialized drinking aids

Those with limited hand mobility or a weak grip can find it easier to sip from drinkware that accommodate various gripping styles (single-handed vs. two-handed, for instance). Because my mother struggles with handles and with tilting drinkware, she prefers a grippy water bottle with a long straw that prevents her from having to lift and tilt the bottle.

Examples include items like the Wide-Mouth Kids Bottle With Straw ($29, hydroflask.com), Granny Jo Dignity Mug ($10, thewrightstuff.com), Hand in Mug Drinking Cup ($31, rehabilitationadvantage.com).

Adaptive kitchen tools

“Devices such as jar openers, easy grip cutting boards and one-handed cutting utensils can empower individuals to prepare their own meals or assist in meal preparation, thereby reducing reliance upon caregivers,” says Kaiser.

Consider trying the Magic Opener bottle openers ($17-30, magicopener.com), Otstar Jar Opener ($7, amazon.com), Adaptive Cutting Boards ($45, thewrightstuff.com).

Gina Kim, a senior occupational therapist, brain injury specialist and stroke rehabilitation specialist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California, also suggests considering the following products:

Magic Opener

A universal cuff

To more easily grasp silverware or cooking tools like spatulas and whisks, this strap wraps around your hand, and has a small sleeve to insert the item. Kim adds that the same device could be used to hold a hairbrush or toothbrush.

Items include the North Coast Medical ADL Universal Cuff ($13, ncmedical.com), Sammons Preston Universal Cuff ($15, performancehealth.com), ADL Universal Health Utensil Holder ($11, especialneeds.com).

Kaiser emphasizes that providing assistance and support while maintaining the dignity of love one is essential. And if one aid — like a handled mug or weighted utensil — does not help as hoped, don't hesitate to try another. “It's important to trial various tools and strategies to promote self-agency and functional independence,” Kim says.

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Cassandra Brooklyn is a contributing writer who covers travel, caregiving, human-interest stories and the outdoors. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time and National Geographic, among other publications.

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