At first glance, eating seems to be a matter of scooping the food onto a fork or knife. It actually requires countless signals between the hand and the brain to pick up the utensil, hold it in the hand, then lift the food to the mouth before lowering it to get some more food or place it on the table.  

For most people, it’s a process that involves little thought. If someone faces a challenge such as compromised hand strength from a stroke or an injury, spasticity from a neuromuscular condition, or Parkinson’s disease or another condition that causes tremors or weakness, it can be difficult for them to feed themselves on their own. Rehabmart carries utensils and devices to help people with the above conditions enjoy their meals independently.

The Good Grips Weighted Utensils feature unique handles made of latex-free material. The 6-ounce weighted built-up handles make gripping easy as well as minimizing tremors.  A special twist in the metal shaft makes it possible for the spoons and forks to be bent to the right or left for ease of use. The knife’s rocker shape allows the user to cut meat with a minimum of pressure, making this invaluable for users with compromised arm strength. The utensils may be purchased separately or in a sample kit of all five.

If someone is in the mood for a sandwich, the Sandwich Holder will help them get their egg salad or peanut butter fix. It’s a large plastic grip with a handle that clamps onto the sandwich, allowing the user to raise and lower it with ease.  The Holder is latex free and dishwasher safe up to 125 degrees. It can be inserted into a utensil holder, which is sold separately. 

For people living with MS, cerebral palsy, or other musculoskeletal or neurological problems that may prevent them from being able to lift utensils altogether, the Winsford Self-Feeder may be a good option. Developed by an engineer whose daughter had a friend with cerebral palsy, the Self-Feeder uses a chin switch and a rocker switch to facilitate self-feeding. An adjustable mechanical arm operated by the chin switch raises and lowers a spoon, allowing users to eat independently at their own pace, perhaps for the first time in their life. 

A pusher on the Self-Feeder places the food onto the spoon, and the bowl and plate rotate to allow the user to eat the protein, veggies, and side dishes in the order of their choice. All a caregiver needs to do is make sure that the food is in bite-sized pieces. A drip tray for foods such as soup, cereal, and pasta minimizes the potential spills. The Self-Feeder can be plugged in like any other appliance, or uses the included rechargeable six-volt battery. A Corelle bowl and plate are included, as are a spoon, a food pusher, rocker and chin switches, a drip pan, a drinking glass holder, and carrying case.  

These adaptive eating devices are suitable for use in private homes, residential care centers, special education environments, and anywhere a user needs the boost to self-esteem that a sense of independence can bring.

Fran Jablway,
Senior Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO