How To Buy Adapted Cutlery

Posted by Mike Phipps on December 10, 2018

This article was updated on 22/04/2024.

Cutlery is important for ensuring that mealtimes stay comfortable, tidy and straightforward. For individuals with limited dexterity, tremors and muscle issues, we have a wide range of adapted cutlery that can help to maintain control and independence whilst eating.

Needs and requirements when buying adapted cutlery

When choosing cutlery for a disability, it’s important to keep your requirements in mind. For example, if you or your loved one is living with dementia, coloured cutlery is more ideal to help differentiate between your cutlery and the food on the plate. For people with hand tremors, weighted cutlery is more suitable for keeping control whilst eating.

Things to consider when buying cutlery

• Dexterity - are you able to grip your cutlery securely?
• Steadiness - will you require weighted cutlery?
• Colour - will you need help to differentiate?
• Angled - do you need assistance guiding the food towards your mouth?
• Do you eat one-handed?

 

Weighted cutlery

Weighted cutlery is ideal for individuals who live with tremors or conditions like Parkinson’s, as the built-up handle is weighted to control the utensil and keep it steady, therefore minimising any spills. Even though the handle is heavier than standard, weighted cutlery is often ergonomically designed to be comfortable and easy to hold, without causing any aches or pains in the wrists. This kind of cutlery helps to provide control when using utensils and to prevent tremors from shaking the cutlery.

 

Products shown: Good Grips Weighted Cutlery and  Keatlery Weighted Cutlery

 

Bendable & Angled Cutlery

Angled cutlery is ideal for one-handed dining and individuals with a lack of dexterity in one arm/hand. The curved design of the cutlery enables users to scoop the food onto the spoon or fork one-handed without the need to push it on, whilst also preventing the user from having to twist their arm uncomfortably and encouraging a straight wrist at the perfect angle.

 

Products shown: Homecraft Newstead Angled Cutlery, Etac Feed Angled Spoon, Henro-Grip Fork

 

Good Grip Cutlery

For added security, our good grip cutlery features an ergonomic handle to be more comfortable for users with a limited grip. The contoured design enables the user to maintain a secure grip on the cutlery, even if the handle is wet and slippy, therefore preventing the risk of any spills during mealtimes. Features like the grooved handles are particularly ideal for individuals living with arthritis and other dexterity-related conditions.

Products shown: Homecraft Lightweight Foam Handled Cutlery, Suregrip Cutlery, Black Caring Cutlery

Cutlery is an important part of dining and with lots of choice of adapted cutlery in modern and simple designs, it is easier than ever to have inclusive dining for all the family.

Browse our entire kitchen and dining aids collection.

Kate Makin, OT

Kate Makin qualified as an occupational therapist (OT) in 2001 with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

As a registered occupational therapist (OT), Kate is a science degree-based, health and social care professional, taking a “whole person” approach to both physical and mental health and wellbeing. This enables individuals, of all ages, to achieve their full potential and lead as independent life as possible.

Click here for Kate’s registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Throughout her career, Kate has worked in many different clinical settings, in both the public and private sector. Kate has been running her own independent occupational therapist business since 2009. She is passionate about disability aids and adaptations, with a specialist interest in postural management and seating.

As Ability Superstore’s resident OT, Kate is on hand to offer professional advice and answer any queries.