Modified cutlery and utensils
Have you ever felt that intense anticipation for a meal or drink? When it looks so incredibly delicious, that you simply cannot wait for your first mouthful? Now pause and think if you were unable to hold your spoon steady, or if you were unable to scoop the food from your plate. These are just some of the barriers people living with disabilities can face when it comes to mealtimes.
It doesn’t end here though… There are some clever inventors who have listened to these lived experiences, and have modified cutlery and tools to ensure that mealtimes can be enjoyed independently, and with ease.
Here you will find a summary of my go to mealtime tools. As always, if you or your loved one experiences dysphagia I recommend consulting your local Speech Pathologist first. And with all things cutlery and home technologies, Occupational Therapists make a handy friend too.
Reusable pouches
Often made with silicone, these pouches are incredibly convenient when you’re on the go. Particularly suited for pureed diets, the pouches make meal prep a breeze! The handy squeeze also supports independence for people who find holding cutlery challenging.
Plate surround
Supports independence for people who prefer using one hand when eating. Allowing you to scoop food against the guard to pile it onto your fork or spoon. This can be clipped onto most plates, making it handy for mealtimes at home and within the community.
Lip plate
Similar concept to the plate surround, however, the high lip is built into the plate. This is often a more subtle version, once again supporting independence for people who prefer using one hand when eating. Allowing you to scoop food against the high lip of the plate, to pile it onto your fork or spoon.
Non-slip table mat
A handy stabilising mat that grips surfaces and provides a secure mealtime station. There are lots of different versions on the market, however, I would recommend looking for an option that has a grip on both top and bottom surfaces. This allows people who prefer one handed feeding, the ability to scoop without having to also hold the plate at the same time.
Weighted cutlery
Supportive for people experiencing a tremor, the additional weight can provide some stability when bringing food to your mouth. The larger handles are often cushioned, providing an easier and more comfortable grip.
Shallow and narrow spoons
Handy for people experiencing reduced lip opening or reduced strength of lip closure. The narrow feature puts less strain on people to open their mouth to accept the spoon. The shallow dip means less strength of lip closure is required to strip the food from the spoon. It also promotes smaller amounts of food per mouthful. Not a magic trick but can help!
Nosey cup
A risk for fluids entering the airway occurs when people tilt their head back while drinking. The nosey cup has a slight cut out so that when taking a sip, the cup edge surrounds your nose rather than hitting it, meaning you don’t need to tilt your head back to get those last sips.
Dysphagia cup
Similar to the nosey cup, the large and slightly oval-shaped rim helps to reduce the need to tilt your head backwards, which risks opening your airway. The handle can support independence for those with reduced hand control or dexterity. Some varieties also offer weighted bases, which can support stabilisation if a tremor is present.
One-way drinking straws
Controls the direction of fluid so that liquid flows up into the straw but does not flow back down. Helpful for clients with reduced strength, the one-way valve allows you to take multiple smaller sips, rather than exerting energy in one go. With the fluid remaining in the straw, the following sips are made with ease. Current varieties available are often made with thin plastic, making them difficult to reuse. Most appropriate for thin rather than thickened fluids.
One-way reusable straw valve
The same concept as the straws, however, this is only the valve component. A wonderful and discreet option for at-home and community use. It’s reusable with regular-size straws which allows for reduced waste. It’s most appropriate for thin rather than thickened fluids.
Please note that Simply Modified is not sponsored by any of these products. This recommendation comes from personal and clinical experience within client’s homes, hospital settings, aged care facilities, and private practice clinics.
Want to explore more?
The Simply Modified cookbook is available for purchase via the online shop.
Written by Brie Simons
Speech Pathologist
