One key to aging in place for as long as possible is the ability to independently perform activities of daily living, or the daily tasks we all do to take care of ourselves. While pain, mobility, and endurance issues can sometimes make performing these activities of daily living more challenging, older adults can find tools and devices, such as adaptive utensils, that make it easier and safer to care for themselves.
One of the most important activities of daily living is eating. Healthy nutrition is crucial to successful aging, as the right foods and diet can boost the immune system, improve brain function, and keep energy levels stable throughout the day. However, it isn’t always easy to maintain a healthy diet as we age. Challenges can come from the inability to hold a utensil due to arthritis, difficulty chewing due to dentures, or dangers in swallowing due to a stroke or other neurological condition. Working with a nutritionist or a speech therapist can be helpful, but there are also some tools that adults can use to reduce the obstacles they experience at mealtimes. Here are a few tools to help older adults maintain mealtime independence.
Adaptive utensils and weighted utensils
Older adults can struggle with eating due to difficulty getting the food from their plates into their mouths. Traditional silverware may not work well for someone who has mobility or pain challenges due to arthritis or who might shake due to Parkinson’s disease or another type of neurological disorder.
Adaptive utensils can be an excellent solution. Different types of adaptive utensils work best for different abilities and challenges. Silverware with large, easy-to-grip handles can be a good solution for someone with arthritis or other grip-related issues. The utensils in this set are not only easy to grip but also bendable, making it easier for someone with weakness to eat independently. These ones are easy to grip and include a strap that wraps around the hand, which might be helpful for someone with a contracture, tremors, or weakness. Weighted adaptive silverware can work very well for people with tremors who shake while lifting silverware from plate to mouth.
If you’re unsure what type of adaptive silverware might be best, you can ask a physician or an occupational or speech therapist for their best recommendation.
Adaptive plates and bowls
Independent eating can also be preserved by using adaptive plates and bowls. If you notice, for example, that your loved one struggles to scoop food onto their utensil, with food falling over the side of the plate, a scoop plate can make all the difference. These plates have a curved wall that helps guide food onto a utensil. Another simple solution is to use a mug instead. Sipping soup from a mug is often less frustrating and more dignified than struggling with using a spoon.
You might also notice that your loved one is frustrated because their plate or bowl slides around on the table. The plate mentioned above has nonskid padding on the bottom, but a suction cup bowl or plate can also be a good solution. It keeps the bowl or plate in place so your loved one can eat independently.
If your loved one has low vision or cognitive decline, another adjustment you can make is to purchase plates and bowls in contrasting colors to the table or tablecloth. This contrast can help your loved one identify the plate easily. When looking at new plates and bowls, pick ones that are one solid color and do not have a pattern, which can be confusing.
If your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, meals can sometimes be quite overwhelming when served all at once. Instead, serve food on smaller plates in smaller servings. Smaller portions can make it easier to focus and increase the chance of your loved one eating more without frustration.
Aprons or bibs
If your loved one struggles with spilling food on themselves while eating independently, they may feel embarrassed and frustrated. Consider purchasing bibs or aprons that are stylish and dignified and can keep your loved one’s clothing clean while eating. These eating scarfs, for example, are a far cry from a clinical bib. They work with your loved one’s style and clothing and don’t stick out as a bib but will protect their clothing and can be removed after mealtime.
Food processor or chopper
If your loved one holds food in their cheeks without swallowing it or coughs when eating, they may be struggling with chewing or swallowing. You should first work with their doctor and speech therapist to ensure you follow the proper protocols for safe swallowing. They may recommend diet changes, such as eating soft or chopped food that is safe to swallow, known as a mechanical soft diet. If your loved one is on a mechanical soft diet or struggles with chewing, a food processor or chopper can make their food easier to chew and swallow and keep them safe. Be sure that the product you choose can get the food to the consistency needed for safe swallowing.
Creative finger foods
Finger foods could be the solution for someone who struggles with using utensils. They can be helpful for those with mobility and weakness, as well as those living with dementia, who might become restless and unable to sit down during meals. Finger foods are easy to pick up and walk with, ensuring the older adult gets the nutrition they need without frustration.
Work with your loved one’s physician, nutritionist, and speech therapist to get ideas for turning favorite foods into finger food versions. For example, french toast can become french toast sticks they can grab with their hands and dip into a bowl of syrup. Sausage links and bacon are perfect finger foods, as are sandwiches and wraps. Undressed salads can even be finger food if the ingredients are cut a bit larger so your loved one can grab the individual pieces and dip them into dressing.
The right tools can promote independence while eating
Eating independently can enhance self-esteem and feelings of dignity. If you’re struggling to find the right solutions, work with your loved one’s physician and therapist to get recommendations. With the right tools, like adaptive utensils, plates, and bowls, you or a loved one can maintain independence and promote healthy eating, allowing them to age in place with comfort and well-being.
