Easy-Grip Cutlery and Eating Aids

Why eating gets harder

• Arthritis. Painful, swollen or deformed finger joints make a thin handle hard to hold; see arthritis daily living gadgets.
• Weak grip. After a stroke, with nerve problems or with general weakness, fingers cannot close firmly.
• Tremor. Shaking hands spill soup and make it hard to aim; see eating with a tremor or weak grip.
• Limited range. A stiff shoulder, elbow or wrist makes it hard to bring food to the mouth.
• One-handed use. After a stroke, with weakness on one side.
• Poor vision. Hard to see the plate and the food; see low vision home safety.
• Cognitive problems. Forgetting how to use cutlery, in dementia.
• Swallowing problems, which need their own advice; see swallowing difficulties: cups, spoons and meal aids.

Types of adaptive cutlery

### Built-up or large-handle cutlery

Spoons, forks and knives with thick, soft, rounded handles, often made of foam or moulded plastic. A larger diameter lets the hand grip with less finger bend and less force. This is the first thing to try for arthritis and weak grip. You can also add foam tubing to ordinary cutlery as a trial.

### Angled and bendable cutlery

Cutlery with a bent head or a handle that can be bent to the needed angle, so that the person can bring food to the mouth without twisting the wrist or lifting the arm. Useful for stiff wrists, limited elbow movement or after stroke.

### Weighted cutlery

Heavier handles, often with 100 to 400 grams of extra weight, that may damp tremor in some people. The effect varies; some people find that weight makes things better, others find it tiring. Try before buying.

### Swivel and self-levelling spoons

A spoon that stays level as the hand tilts, helpful for severe tremor so that soup and porridge do not spill. They contain a gyroscope or a mechanism, and are more expensive; ask a therapist.

### Rocker knives and combined knife-forks

A knife with a curved blade that rocks to cut with one hand and one motion. A combined knife-fork (a "splayed" cutting fork) lets a person cut and eat with one hand, helpful after stroke.

### Cutlery with a strap or cuff

A strap or cuff that holds the cutlery to the hand for those who cannot grip at all. Needs assessment.

### Lightweight, short-handled and long-handled cutlery

Short handles for weak arms; long handles for limited reach.

### Plate aids

• Plate guard or food bumper: a raised edge on one side of the plate that stops food being pushed off the plate and helps one-handed users scoop food.
• Scoop plate or high-sided dish: a deep plate with a curved rim for scooping.
• Divided plates: for portion control and separate foods.
• Non-slip mats: a rubber mat under the plate or bowl to stop it moving.
• Plates with a suction base.

### Cups and mugs

• Two-handled mugs, lightweight, with large handles.
• Cups with a cut-out nose space that let the head stay upright while drinking.
• Lidded cups with spouts and spill-proof lids for tremor.
• Straws and flexible straws, and straw holders.

See easy-grip cutlery for related items. For cups for those who have swallowing difficulty, ask a therapist.

Choosing the right aid

Match the aid to the problem.

• Painful or deformed fingers: large, soft handles, perhaps with a contoured grip.
• Weak grip: built-up handles, cuffs or straps, lightweight items.
• Tremor: weighted cutlery, a heavy bowl, non-slip mats and a lidded cup; ask about self-levelling spoons.
• One-handed use: a plate guard, rocker knife, non-slip mat and a stable plate.
• Stiff wrist or elbow: angled or bendable cutlery.
• Poor vision: high-contrast plates (dark food on a light plate), non-slip mat, plate guards.
• Dementia: simple, familiar items; one utensil at a time; contrast plates.

Comfort and dignity. Choose items that look as normal as possible and are comfortable. Many people reject aids that look clinical.

Dishwasher and microwave safety. Check whether items can go in a dishwasher or microwave.

Size and weight. Try the items in your parent's hand. A handle that is too thick can be as hard as one that is too thin.

Durability and hygiene. Foam can wear out and trap food; replace as needed.

Cost. Adaptive cutlery is often inexpensive; sets are available.

How to set up for a meal

• Seat well, upright, with feet flat and the table at elbow height. See choosing a chair for an older person.
• Use a non-slip mat under the plate and cup.
• Place items within reach, with the cutlery on the stronger side.
• Good light and a plain, contrasting plate and tablecloth.
• Give enough time. Rushing causes spills and stress.
• Cut food into manageable pieces beforehand if needed.
• Offer finger foods such as sandwiches, soft fruit and chapati strips, for those who struggle with cutlery.
• Use a napkin or clothing protector if needed, with dignity; many people prefer a napkin to a bib.
• Eat together. Company improves appetite.
• Let your parent do as much as possible.

Other aids that help with eating

• A bed table or tray with a stable surface; see overbed table guide.
• A wrist support for stability; see wrist supports.
• A reacher to pick up dropped items; see reachers and grabbers.
• A jar opener and kitchen aids; see jar openers and kitchen aids.
• A non-slip mat on the table.
• Dentures that fit well and good dental care; see dental health and eating.
• Meals prepared in a manner that is easier to eat.

Watching for deeper problems

If your parent stops eating, loses weight or coughs or chokes while eating, tell the doctor. Poor intake can mean depression, dental pain, swallowing problems, medicines or illness. See loss of appetite in older adults, malnutrition in older adults and swallowing problems (dysphagia).

Trying aids without spending much

You can test ideas cheaply before buying. Slip a length of foam pipe insulation or a bicycle grip over an ordinary spoon handle to see whether a thicker grip helps. Place a damp cloth or a rubber shelf liner under a plate to stop it sliding. Raise a plate on a folded towel if reaching is hard. Try a heavy bowl with a wide base for soup, a mug with two handles and a straw for drinks. Cut chapati, sandwiches and fruit into finger-sized pieces for a day and see whether your parent eats more. Note what helps, and take the list to the occupational therapist, who can suggest better versions. Remember that the right aid is the one your parent will actually use, so ask what feels good, and never press an aid on someone who feels it marks them out. Replace any home-made grip that becomes dirty, loose or crumbly.

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist can assess eating, grip and posture, and recommend and trial aids. A speech and language therapist assesses swallowing. A dietician advises on nutrition. See a doctor for weight loss, coughing during meals, pain on eating or sudden tremor. Our care advisors can arrange an occupational therapist visit and supply eating aids.