When people lose the ability to feed themselves due to stroke, advanced arthritis, or degenerative neurological disorders, it affects their sense of independence. This can have a devastating effect on their emotional and mental state. Losing the ability to feed oneself usually represents a turning point in functioning. This can be humiliating and frustrating for the person experiencing it and concerning for their loved ones and caregivers.
The long thin handles on standard silverware can be difficult to grip. For those who lack fine motor control, this can be the sole reason for the inability to feed oneself. Utensils with adaptive handles can solve the problem and help the person eat better and feel as if they have retained this important sign of independence. Occupational and adaptive therapy professionals who work with children and youth also find that Easy Grip Utensils make dining convenient and cleaner.
Easy Grip Utensils are good for those who have restricted wrist or finger movement, or who have a weak grasp. Those that have shaky hands will also appreciate special utensils. This might sound like a simple solution for those with a disability, but it can mean the world to them. Let us explore Easy Grip Utensils further to see how they can help you or your loved one.
What Are Easy Grip Utensils
Having the right equipment can mean the difference between success or failure when it comes to tasks that require fine motor control. Easy Grip Utensils are part of an array of adaptive cooking and eating equipment that is available for those who need extra help. Easy Grip Utensils includes silverware and spatulas with specially designed handles that do not require as much hand dexterity and strength to use as regular utensils. They have a large comfortable handle that can be used in the right or left hand. The utensil head can be rotated to find the most comfortable hand position. They have nonslip handles.
The spoons are bendable to make eating items such as soups easier. The easy-grip non-slip handles means less food dropped on the floor or table. The features of the utensils can be adjusted according to the type of meal being served and the individual needs of the person. For those that cannot grip the handle at all, there are hand clips available that allow the utensil head to slide into a pouch. The clip and utensil are then strapped to the person’s hand. These adaptive accessories require only a bare minimum of mobility to achieve independence when eating.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Where To Purchase Easy Grip Utensils
Easy Grip Utensils are available both online and from brick and mortar stores that provide adaptive and healthcare equipment. Online stores that supply specialty adaptive equipment to the elderly often carry a selection. General merchandisers such as Amazon also carry Easy Grip Utensils. They are widely available. Stores that specialize in adaptive equipment for the elderly and disabled have the widest selection. They also carry other items to compliment the utensils such as non-slip plates, adaptive drinking equipment, and weighted bowls. They offer special bowls and divided plates with high sides to make scooping easier when used with Easy Grip Utensil sets.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]How Easy Grip Utensils Can Help You
Easy Grip Utensils have dishwasher safe plastic handles and stainless steel utensil heads, making them as easy to wash as regular silverware. The ability to adjust them to your loved one’s needs makes them useful for a wide number of mobility issues involving loss of strength and dexterity. The ability to feed oneself can mean the difference between the ability to remain in the home and the need to move into assisted living. Easy Grip Utensils may be the answer upon which the question of independence hinges. They offer a simple solution to the problem, if independence depends on the ability to maintain the ability to eat.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Easy Grip Utensils and Seniors
It is wonderful to see a person who could not feed themselves regain this ability. It helps them to regain their sense of pride. It also makes eating a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Sometimes the loss of fine motor skills required for eating is accompanies by other declines, such as a loss of sensation. A tremor may often develop. The size of the handle makes it easier to see the spoon and its contents. This can help the person guide the food to their mouth, even when they are experiencing a loss of sensation or have a tremor.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Average Cost of Easy Grip Utensils
Easy Grip Utensils can be purchased individually, or in sets. A set includes a fork, knife, spoon, and soup spoon. Prices vary according to vendor, but Easy Grip Utensils range in price from approximately $8.00 per set to around $17.00 per set. In some cases, insurance may pay for them. Assistance programs may also help to defer the costs. These would have to be accessed through your local social services. For convenience, having several sets might be advisable. This way there is an extra available in case one is dropped, or to save from washing them immediately.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Adaptive Eating Utensils
Adaptive eating utensils come with the option of either weighted or unweighted. Weighted utensils can help with someone who has a tremor, such as in Parkinson’s, or a tic. However, for those that have weak hands, wrists, or poor muscle tone, the unweighted utensils are suggested. Utensils are available that have a right angle and that have curved handles. Easy Grip Utensils are made in a design that will meet the needs of most seniors who need help with eating due to hand mobility issues. They are affordable and durable. The ability to use them with accessories, such as hand clips, and to bend the spoon heads makes them popular with many caregivers.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Why Easy Grip Utensils Make Eating Easier
Fine motor skills involve coordination of the small muscles of the hands and fingers. They are necessary for the ability to pick up and use regular eating utensils. Loss of control of these small muscles often occurs long before loss of larger muscle groups, meaning that the loss of the ability to feed oneself might occur early in the progression of a degenerative disease. Easy Grip Utensils do not require fine motor control and use the large muscle movements of the hand. This allows the person to be able to feed themselves for much longer and maintain independence for as long as possible.
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