Eating and Drinking Assistive Products
Intro[edit | edit source]
Individuals dealing with physical impairments may have difficult with self-feeding. There are a number of assistive products within the self-feeding category ranging from modified cups, cutlery and dinnerware. These products can benefit the user to becoming more independent and less burden on the caregiver.
Cutlery[edit | edit source]
Individuals with physical disabilities may find it difficult to hold cutlery. Modified cutlery can assist these users in two ways:
- handle angle: the angle can be adjusted so the wrist does not have to turn making it easier to bring food to the mouth
- handle thickness: a thicker handler can be easier to hold
- weight:
- heavier assists with unsteady or uncoordinated arm
- lighter uses less effort
Another option to make it easier to hold cutlery is by adding a cuff or strap around the users hand. They may also be used to hold drinks.[1]A cuff also has other benefits besides eating and drinking including, holding a pencil or a hair brush.[2]
See the videos below by the World Health Organization for examples of modified cutlery:
Modified bowls and plates[edit | edit source]
Modifications in shapes and sizes to bowls and plates can make it easier for individuals who have issues with eating. The following are a sample list of ways to adapt bowls and plates:
- high sides:
- non-slip and heavy
- both features allow for more stability and less likely to tip over[1]
These videos by the World Health Organization demonstrates modified plates:
Modified cups[edit | edit source]
Cups can be modified by size and shape to assist with varying needs of the individual. Below is a sampling of assistive cups:
- cups with two handles
- ability to bring the cup to the mouth increases with two hand use
- affords more stability with the use of two hands
- cut-away cups
- the cut-away section around the nose prevents the user from tilting their head back to drink
- cups with lids
- prevent spilling
- controls flow from cup to mouth
- use with a straw allows controlled flow[1]
These videos by the World Health Organization demonstrates modified drinking cups:
Use of Adaptive Equipment[edit | edit source]
When teaching individuals on how to use adaptive eating and drinking products, the following instructions are helpful for the user:
- have aids, drink and food within reach
- use their stronger hand
- use a non-slippery surface to keep bowls and plates from moving
- sit in a supported chair with feet on a firm surface
- have elbows on a firm surface[1]
Resources:[edit | edit source]
- Allison Sullivan OT, DOT O, Helfrich C. Self-Feeding With the Adult Population: Back to Basics
- The OT Toolbox: Adaptive Equipment for Eating
- Shower and Toilet Chairs
- Dressing Aids
- Self-Care Assistive Technologies
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 World Health Organization. Training in Assistive Products Modules. 2020. Available from: https://www.gate-tap.org/all-modules/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ward M, Johnson C, Klein J, Farber JM, Nolin W, Peterson MJ. Orthotics and Assistive Devices. Pediatric Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice. 2020 Nov 2:196.