There are a plethora of eating tools available to make self-feeding easier for clients. Built-up silverware have thick handles that make it easier for someone to hold that may have impaired grip strength or fine motor skills. Additionally, a universal cuff can help with these same impairments, such as someone with quadriplegia. It is strapped to a person’s hand and includes a deep pocket to hold objects with handles, namely silverware. Weighted silverware is beneficial for clients that have tremors, such as those with Parkinson’s, and are prone to drop silverware or cannot keep normal silverware steady. Specially curved silverware may be needed for a client to be able to reach their mouth. Nosey cups have a cut-out to leave space for a client’s nose if they cannot tilt their head back while they drink due to limited ROM or the wearing of a neck brace. Plate guards have a taller, curved edge surrounding the furthest part of the plate and can be placed under a plate to keep food from sliding off. Scooping food against this backing helps a client to be able to reach the food, as well. Non-slip placements can help guarantee that items do not fall off of the table or shift around.
(Koketsu, 2018)
References
Koketsu, J.S. (2018) Activities of Daily Living. In L. W. Pedretti, H. M. H. Pendleton, & W. Schultz-Krohn (Eds.), Pedretti’s occupational therapy: Practice skills for physical dysfunction (8th ed., pp. 195-202) Elsevier.
Occupational Therapy Assessments 