Useful Tips and Products

When a person requires assistance to eat and drink, their nutritional health becomes dependent on others. It may be just a meal to you, but that meal is full of nutrients which are vital to maintaining that person’s well-being. One of the most effective strategies is to be engaged with the person you’re assisting.

Environment

Ensure that the dining area is well-ventilated, with adequate lighting and free from distractions to enhance the elderly persons’ concentration.

Take a seat

It’s important not to stand over people when they’re eating; sit on a chair and be at eye level with the person so they feel more relaxed. Striking up a conversation with person you’re assisting helps to put them at ease and allows them to enjoy the experience more. Bonding over mealtimes will turn what could be an experience they dread, to one they look forward to. Cutlery

There are different types of cutlery that can help residents eat independently including those with wide, weighted, non-slip handles.

Choosing adapted cutlery that has a discreet appearance will help

Eating Independently

Older adults living with health conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, tremors, arthritis, or neuropathy often have trouble eating independently. Hand tremors or weakness can make holding utensils and making the necessary hand and arm movements almost impossible.

Because of the difficulty, some seniors may even lose their appetite and stop eating.

Adaptive utensils, plates, and cups make it easier to eat so mealtime is more enjoyable, and seniors are more likely to stay wellnourished.

residents who have difficulty feeding themselves feel more comfortable.

There are also cutlery aids such as grips that make using knives, forks, and spoons a lot easier. Lightweight, large handles are easy to grip and enable better handheld stability when eating.

When choosing a cutlery aid you must consider a resident’s personal requirements as different products are designed for a range of different needs and symptoms. For example, plastic-coated spoons are ideal for tremors or unsteady hands, whereas two-in-one style cutlery is perfect for one handed use.

Other aids include products such as GripoFix, a universal fixing system. GripoBalls associated with the GripoFix metacarpal strap will encourage the hand to close on the utensil.

Bendable built-up knives, forks and spoons are easy to grip and are bendable in either direction, perfect for people with arthritis, Parkinson’s, neuropathy, or low grip strength.

Other Utensil Tips: • Use non-slip mat to fix utensils on the table for easier feeding. • Use smaller spoons to control feeding amount and minimise the risk of choking • Consult occupational therapist if necessary for advice on the choice of feeding devices

Crockery

Adapted cups and plates can also aid in dignified dining.

Food Bumpers are ideal for people who want to use conventional tableware but have difficulty getting food onto utensils. Practical for people who tend to push food off the plate because of a lack of coordination. Sanitary food bumpers clip onto any circular dinner plate and provide walls against which food may be pushed onto forks or spoons. Coloured food bumpers may be used for identification of individuals or dietary restrictions.

Inner Lip Plates are also useful and can be combined with a food bumper for extra care.

Scoop bowls with suction cup or non-slip grip bases help push food onto cutlery with ease. Suction cup bases keep bowls in place and reduce spilling accidents.

Spill proof cup covers can transform any tumbler into a spill-prof cup. Covers can be used to make a sipper cup, or a straw can be placed in the top.

Tomkin’s Schonwald Donna Senior range offer what’s called the Comfort Plate. They have a wide rim which makes them easy to pick up, and the raised edge helps diners pick up food more easily, even if they have weak or unsteady hands. As well as having a lip on one side, they have a ring around the inside which helps residents see how much food is on their plates. A great option for residents who don’t want to stand out from the crowd by using a plastic food bumper.

Eatwell Assistive Tableware is specially designed to help increase food and drink intake, maintain dignity and independence during meals, and reduce work for caregivers. They are great for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia who struggle with eating or have decreased appetite.

CARERS’ CHECKLIST

• Is the person sitting upright • Are they in reach of the meal • Are the utensils and cups appropriate • Be mindful of how much is being consumed in each mouthful • Encourage sips of drinks between mouthfuls to help with fluid intake • Try to not talk to other people while feeding a resident • Ask the person if they would like a clothes protector • Make sure tables and trays are set