Comfort foods change with the culture of the eater. Some people prefer rich or spicy foods, some prefer plain and simple. Regardless of our food preference, we all like to feed ourselves and eat while the food is the right temperature. If you've been in an accident, have arthritis, Parkinson's disease or another neuromuscular disease that affects upper body mobility, you know that mealtime can be a long drawn out affair that taxes your patience and cools your hot meal. Simply holding a fork can be difficult or maybe drinking is tricky. Sometimes eating fast enough to keep the food at the right temperature can be daunting.

Difficulties aside, you still have to eat, preferably in the most relaxed atmosphere possible for the best digestion. The staff at Dynamic Living has looked for products and dining alternatives that can ease the eating process, bringing pleasure to the table once again.

Adaptive eating utensils solve different problems, from minor tremors to difficulties grasping.

• Bendable Utensils have a built-up rubber handle that is easy to grasp. The spoon and fork shafts twist to the left or right to accommodate a reduced range of motion.

• Utensil Holders have a pocket sewn into webbing that securely holds a utensil for those with limited hand mobility. It has an easy press together closure that adjusts easily around your hand.

• Weighted Utensils look like normal silverware, but give you more control when you are dining by reducing hand tremors. The handle offers a solid gripping surface and the heft of the utensil helps diminish modest shaking.

• If you have severe tremors, spasticity or limited hand control, protecting your teeth, lips and gums when eating can be a concern. A Plastic Coated Teaspoon can help prevent mouth damage.

Is it hard to cut with a knife? The rocker knife may be the solution. Rather than using a sawing motion, you can rock the blade from front to back until you have cut through.

• The Stainless Rocker Knife looks like a regular knife and will blend in nicely with other stainless silverware.

• The Knork is a rocker knife and fork combination that allows you to cut and eat your food with only one utensil. The outer tines are beveled to cut easily, yet safe for older adults and children to use as it has no sharp edges.

• The Ulu knife has a large, easy to grip wooden handle that increases leverage, making fine cuts simple and chopping easier.

• The ultimate rocker knife is a pizza cutter. Although you normally don't think of this tool as a dining utensil, a sharp pizza wheel can roll through meat and vegetables with ease! The handles available vary, from a standard handle to the palm style to a gel grip. Each handle offers a different ergonomic approach to applying the pressure needed to cut.

Even the right dishes can help you manage the food on the plate.

• The Inner Lip Plate has a raised edge that is designed to prevent spills. You can also use the raised edge of the plate to push food onto your fork or spoon.

• The EZ Dine can be used as a preparation board and as a non-slip dinner plate that is ideal for single-handed individuals. On one side of the EZ Dine is a food stop that helps you 'scoop' food onto your utensil. The 6 stainless steel food prongs hold meat, fruit or vegetables in place, making them easier to cut. Placing your knife tip under the exclusive fulcrum 'handle' on the EZ Dine provides additional leverage and downward pressure as you cut. This is extremely helpful when slicing hard-to-cut foods like carrots.

• A Keep Warm Dish is the ideal solution to keep your food hot! It's great for people who eat slowly due to limited mobility in their arms or hands, as well as for children who are easily distracted. To keep food warm, simply fill the built-in water reservoir with hot tap water. The handles on the Keep Warm Dish will remain cool even when the dish is heated, allowing you to carry it safely to your table.

• If you have trouble scooping up food, try serving small pieces in a cup, shaking food gently into your mouth instead of scooping. It's not the norm, but it's a solution for peas, corn, rice and other small loose foods.

Specialty cups can help too!

• The Nosey Cup is a drinking aid designed for people with limited movement in their head, neck, or shoulders. The rim on one side of this cup is lower than the other, making the opening wider as well as deeper. There is ample room so that neither your nose nor your glasses will get in the way as you tip the cup towards your mouth to get every last drop of liquid.

• The Double-Handled Mug is helpful for anyone who has a weak grasp or experiences hand tremors. The wide base makes it less likely that the cup will tip over. It has two handles for ease in gripping and a white snap-on spill proof 'sippy' lid with a drinking spout. The 'sippy' lid is terrific for people who experience tremors from the onset of Parkinson's disease.

Make every effort to enjoy your meal. Proper etiquette at the dining table is much less important than independence and the improved nutrition that goes with a happier eater. For example, finger foods are common for toddlers and should be equally acceptable for adults who find utensils difficult to cope with. Experiment with recipes, sizes and textures that are easier to handle while still tasty and healthy for you.

© Copyright 2005 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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