Adaptive Utensils: As eating becomes more difficult for your senior, she may start to make food choices that aren’t as healthy for her.

Using some of these adaptive utensils along with help from personal care at home can be the solution that your elderly family member needs.

Divided Plates and Bowls

Divided plates and bowls are excellent choices if your senior has sensory or cognitive concerns that make it a better option for her foods to not touch each other. The divisions can also help with scooping food onto a utensil. These types of dishes are also helpful if your elderly family member eats a lot of soft or pureed foods that tend to run into each other.

Scoop Dishes

Scoop dishes are typically lightweight and have some sort of non-skid bottom to help grip the table on their own. One side usually has a deep scoop against which your senior can slide food onto a fork or spoon. These types of dishes are very helpful if your senior only has use of one hand or if she has limited coordination. They’re also handy if your senior has trouble seeing her food.

Utensils with Large Handles

Larger handles, particularly ones with a squishy or rubberized grip, can be a lot easier for your elderly family member to hold onto. They require less strength to hold onto and to use, which can help your senior to continue feeding herself for longer than she might have expected. Some of these adaptive utensils also have other features that make them easier to use.

Bendable or Weighted Utensils

Weighted utensils can be useful if your senior has trouble gripping utensils or if she has tremors. These utensils aren’t heavy, but the weight in the handle is positioned carefully to make them easier to use. Another option to look for is bendable utensils. These typically allow forks or spoons, in particular, to bend to an angle to adjust for changes in how your senior uses her hands.

Adaptive Utensils: Double-handled Mugs and Cups

As your senior’s grip and coordination change, it can be helpful to use cups and mugs that have handles on both sides. Some are available with lids that can reduce spills, too. Choosing lightweight versions can be really helpful if your senior’s hand strength is decreasing.

Something else to consider is that having personal care at home makes meals a lot easier for your senior. All of these adaptive utensils and tools are things that elder care providers can use to help your senior to eat healthy meals on a consistent basis.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Senior Care in Lawrenceville, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in  Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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