Ensuring proper nutrition can be a challenge for those suffering from such illnesses as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, or brain injuries. The issue could a lack of interest or a reduction in coordination and depth perception skills. Our adaptive dinnerware and kitchen items can encourage your loved one or patient to build better eating habits, lower the risk of spills, and allow the individual to find renewed empowerment during the dining experience.
Adaptive Dinnerware
If your patient or loved one has difficulty picking up or maintaining a grip on the average dining utensils or cups, he or she is not alone. These can become frustrating tasks for those who have lost some of their hand-eye coordination or depth perception. It can also be a struggle when the individual’s hand is shaking or when there are signs of dysphagia, such as coughing or choking when eating or drinking. These adaptive aids can help restore some control and reduce the risk of spills at mealtime.
- Utensils – Built-up comfort grip handles, bendable forks or spoons, rocker knives, weighted handles, and clip-on grip deviation drift handles are some examples of utensil adaptations that can make all the difference for someone who has little control over holding and using the average forks, spoons, and knives. To find out which is best for your loved one, contact our knowledgeable staff at our store in historic Roswell, Georgia at (770) 425-7718.
- Plates – Another challenge with eating comes from not being able to scoop the food onto the utensil from the plate. In other words, the forks slide off the plate. This is where a non-slip plate with a lip or food guard can come in handy by providing a stopping point for the individual’s fork or spoon. Such a shape may also enable the individual to eat messier foods with fewer spills and splatters. Moreover, try bright red plates for those with vision loss or showing signs of a decline in appetite as one study performed by Professor of Psychology, Alice Cronin-Golomb, showed this color was significantly linked to appetite improvement in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Cups and Drinking Aids – Depending on the individual’s condition and level of progression, drinking can be a problem as well. Those unable to move their hands may require a bedside drink holder while others may appreciate a spillproof cup. Moreover, a nosey glass lets the individual drink without tilting the head, which is helpful for those who are battling a wide variety of injuries and illnesses.
- Clothing Protectors – Adult chest and lap bibs come in ultra handy to keep patients and loved ones clean when messes do occur. Disposable bibs are perfect for on-the-go moments or when you need full-length protection. Soft terry cloth bibs are reusable and washable, which works well for repeated home use.
Kitchen Gadgets
Beyond eating and drinking, there are other items everyone should own that can make many tasks around mealtime much simpler. For instance, opening bottles is tricky for people of all ages. Furthermore, we all have times when we wish we had an extended arm reach. These items make such everyday tasks a breeze!
- Bottle Opening Devices – There are a number of grips and automatic bottle openers available on the market. We recommend the All-Out™ Universal Opener or the Maddagrip® Textured Grip Jar and Bottle Cap Opener. The All-Out™ Universal Opener can empower the user to open box tops, pull-tabs, twist caps, and crimped bottle caps in addition to bottles with very little gripping required. For a quick-grab item that opens just about anything, we like the Maddagrip® Textured Grip Jar and Bottle Cap Opener that even comes in a color that is visible to the low-vision population.
- Pik Stik TelescoPik® Reacher – This tool can be beneficial for people of all ages and medical conditions who just need a little extra distance to pick up a dropped item between the refrigerator and the cabinet or the jar that rolled under the furniture. It can be particularly essential for those who are in wheelchairs or require mobility assistance.
Where to Find These Helpful Items in Roswell, Georgia
If you are searching for the best ways to encourage your loved one or patient who is battling Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or a brain injury to eat, stop by our store located at 11040 Crabapple Rd, Ste B in Roswell, GA or give us a call at (770) 425-7718. Our friendly team is always ready to assist you with any questions you may have about our high-quality products or to take your order for our contactless pickup process. Call or stop by and let us know how we can help you and your loved ones today.
