As people age, conditions like arthritis and Parkinson’s disease can make mealtime challenging and frustrating. There are plenty of eating and drinking aids available today to make it easier to eat independently, and it’s time we let you in on some of these well-kept secrets.

seniors eating independently, mealtime aids

Eating & Drinking Aids

As people age, conditions like arthritis and Parkinson’s disease can make mealtime challenging and frustrating.

Elderly people may struggle with things like keeping their hand steady to avoid spills and messes, and the effort involved in getting food off the plate and into their mouths may seem insurmountable. At this stage in life, many individuals may feel like their only option is to compromise on their pride and independence and allow a loved one or caregiver to feed them.

Before you do that, though, you should consider using mealtime aids that will allow you to hold onto your independence. There are so many eating and drinking aids available today to make it easier to eat independently, and it’s time we let you in on some of these well-kept secrets.

Adult Sippy Cups

The sippy cup for adults is a great idea for anyone who has a hard time drinking without spilling. These spillproof cups, often called independence cups (for obvious reasons), are also convenient for bedridden or ill patients who want to drink while laying back in bed.

What you might not have known… You can get a wine sippy cup for those parties, so you don’t have to be left out anymore for fear of spilling or breaking glasses!

Adult Bibs

Spills happen, but messes don’t have to.

You can get a disposable or reusable bib for adults with either velcro, snap or tie closures in a variety of styles and materials to suit your preferences or that of your loved one.

What you might not have known… You can actually look this good while wearing an adult bib:

 

Adaptive Utensils

Adaptive eating utensils or adaptive silverware are equipped with easy grip, bendable, weighted or extended handles that make it easier for individuals with hand tremors, mobility limits or other issues to eat more easily.

What you might not have known… If you get the right products, you don’t have to grip the utensils at all!

Plate Guard

Scooping up food is always harder for people when eating from a plate, but it only gets harder for elderly people with lower vision and less dexterity. A plate guard (also known as a food bumper) is the perfect solution to this issue.

What you might not have known… Great plate guards don’t simply add height to the sides of the plate; they are designed with a curved upper lip that helps push stray pieces of food onto the spoon or fork.

 

Do you know of any other great mealtime aids that would be helpful to those who struggle during mealtime? Let us know in the comments below!

Shop Mealtime Aids

 

 

Disclaimer: No information presented on this website or in this mealtime aids guide is medical advice or intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician. All information on this website concerning medical conditions is from publicly available sources.