Eating Aids

Eating Aids
  • Trophy Plus Drinking Cup Solo Cup X8-J8002

    Trophy Plus

    Trophy Plus Disposable Drinking Cup Symphony Print Paper 8 oz.

    Dual temperature insulated cups offer a one-item solution for hot and cold beverages.Abstract design decorates this cup with neutral colors Compact cups nest tightly so more fit in a stack, reducing frequency of dispenser fills Cozy® Touch™ provides...

    $74.99
  • McKesson Graduated Medicine Cup McKesson Brand 12146

    McKesson

    McKesson Disposable Graduated Medicine Cup Clear Plastic 1 oz.

    Accurately measure your medicinal dosages with the McKesson graduated translucent plastic disposable medicine cup for both wet and dry medications. These single-use containers are made with plastic for easy disposal. Clear, graduated measurements on the...

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  • Solo Souffle Cup RJ Schinner Co P400N

    Solo

    Solo Disposable Souffle Cup Clear Plastic 4 oz. 250 per Sleeve

    Package Count: 250. Solo soufflé portion containers offer a leak resistant and stackable lids (available for purchase separately) and are translucent.For cold or room temperature food and liquids Translucent 250 soufflé portion cups per sleeve

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  • Solo Drinking Cup RJ Schinner Co R9N-J8000

    Solo

    Solo Disposable Drinking Cup Symphony Print Wax Coated Paper 9 oz.

    Solo wax coated cups offer superior rigidity for your cold and room-temperature beverage needs. Solo wax coated cups are made with at least 70% renewable resources.Sustainable alternative: Made with at least 70% plant-based renewable resources and fibers...

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  • VIVI Epi Epi Pen Shield Geri-Care Pharma (CAP & EPI) 2009-01-VIV

    VIVI Epi

    VIVI Epi Temperature Shield for Mylan Epinephrine Pens for Allergies

    Introducing VIVI Epi, the world's first EpiPen temperature shield! This innovative product keeps Epinephrine medication protected from the adverse effects of temperature and light. Millions of people with allergies depend on Epinephrine injectors to save...

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  • Vesco Medical Gastrostomy Feeding Tube Vesco Medical VED-214

    Vesco Medical

    Vesco Medical Sterile Silicone

    5 mL balloon size AAMI/CN3 and proposed ISO 80369-3 compliant ENFit connector designed to reduce the risk of tubing misconnections Dual ENFit connector port allows for easy flushing and administration of liquid medication without disconnecting feeding...

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  • Lopez Enteral Feeding Valve ICU Medical M9000

    Lopez

    ICU Medical Lopez Enteral Feeding Valve

    Package Count: 50. Protect yourself from inadvertent exposure to fluids or secretions with the closed enteral Lopez Valve. It gives passage to enteral systems without exposing the lines. Use the Lopez enteral feed valve for safe handling of gastric...

    $160.44
  • EnteraLite Infinity Replacement Door Cover Zevex 26542-001

    EnteraLite Infinity

    EnteraLite Infinity Replacement Door Cover

    The door part of the EnteraLite Infinity pump gets a lot of use; this wear and tear might cause door to need to be replaced: This door is a replacement part for the EnteraLite Infinity enteral pump.Replacement door cover for EnteraLite® Infinity® Pump

    $28.05
Eating Aids

For those who have had a stroke, people with Parkinson’s disease, those living with arthritis, and many others, the simple act of eating may be difficult. But, there is a wide range of assistive eating devices, from easy-grip utensils to spill-proof cups, that can remove some physical obstacles to eating.


Adaptive Plates and Bowls

Several modifications can make plates easier to use.

  • Sectional plates are deep and divided into compartments by thin walls. This keeps foods separated and gives the diner a firm surface to scoop food against.
  • Plates with raised edges serve the same purpose but without the sections.
  • Scoop plates resemble a cross between a bowl and a plate, with a low, plate-like edge on one side and a tall, bowl-like edge.
  • Scoop bowls, like scoop plates, have one side that is higher and more curved than the other, reducing spills and splashes.
  • Non-slip plates and bowls rest on suction cups that hold them in place on the table.
  • Plate guards are free-standing barriers that can be added to any existing plate to give it a raised edge.
  • Food bumpers are similar to plate guards but clip onto the edge of the plate to keep them more secure.


Specialized Flatware and Cutlery

Silverware with oversized handles is a common type of assistive eating aid, but large handles are not the only style of adaptive flatware. Other opinions include:

  • Weighted silverware can be helpful for people with hand tremors. The weight can reduce tremors, making it easier to keep food on the flatware. Weighted silverware may have significant, easy-to-grip handles or may be indistinguishable from everyday flatware.
  • Oversized handles may be an option for people with a weak grip. In addition, handle adapters — usually made of foam tubing — can be added to existing flatware to increase the size of the handle.
  • Angled silverware can be helpful for people with a limited range of motion. Some brands may be adjustable, allowing you to increase or decrease the angle.
  • Utensil holders strap around the hand and provide support for those who have difficulty grasping without help.


Adaptive Drinkware

Don’t overlook drinkware when considering adaptive devices for eating. The simplest adaptations are glasses with tightly-fitting lids and built-in straws, but there are a few other possibilities, such as:

  • Cups with dual handles are more accessible to grip and control than tumblers or single-handled cups. Lids make spills even less likely.
  • Weighted cups, like weighted silverware, can help reduce tremors for people with Parkinson’s.
  • Regulated drinking cups dispense only small, regulated amounts of liquid, which can be helpful for people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
  • "Nosey” cups have a cutaway section that accommodates your nose, allowing you to drink without tipping your head back. This can help reduce the risk of choking for people with dysphagia.
Although they’re not strictly eating aids, clothing protectors such as adult bibs may also be a good option for people with eating difficulties.

Adaptive flatware, non-slip plates, scoop bowls, and other assistive eating devices can help maintain independence and dignity for people who have difficulty feeding themselves. Visit SimplyMedical today and browse our selection.
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