Whether you’re ageing and struggling under the decline of oral health or you’re recovering from a serious dental operation such as adult oral sedation, eating & drinking aids offer the perfect support & solution. The process of feeding yourself using standard implements such as knife, fork or spoon can be frustrating, especially without having someone to assist you. Even when one has the help of another, the act can be a blow to your independence, self-image, and confidence. Yet, with the help of a few dedicated eating & drinking aids, anyone can enjoy a stress-free meal time, truly enjoying their food in the process. Here we’ve put together the 6 best eating & drinking aids for the elderly and the disabled.
Adult Bibs & Other Clothing Protectors
Adult bibs and clothing protectors typically come in two varieties. You’ll need to pick from reusable bibs and their disposable alternatives. All good disposable bibs will be highly and instantly absorbent, completely leak proof and waterproof. Be on the lookout for disposable bibs which are easy to attach, feature a strip which you simply peel away before sticking the bib to your clothing. Reusable bibs must feature solid stitching and also have good absorption and stain resistance. High-quality reusable bibs will come standard with a waterproof backing and should open and close easily, perhaps using the aid of snap buttons or Velcro.
Plates with Eating Assistance
There is never a need to struggle with food falling from your plate when you’ve got countless plates designed to help you eat without fuss or frustration. Eating assistance is normally provided in the form of a food guard which clips to the plate itself, supplying a barrier which holds your food on your plate while leaving you enough room to eat using any cutlery you prefer. Another common design which works really well is scoop dishes whereby a recess is provided for your utensil, while dish itself curves upwards forming a protective barrier. Scoop bowls following a similar design are also readily available which are great for soups, stews and any other meal where there is a significant amount of potential spillage.
Specialized Cutlery Aids
Even if you’re in the situation where you can’t hold a knife, fork or spoon properly, there is still a solution to your dilemma. Specialized cutlery aids come in all shapes and sizes. From angled knives, forks & spoons which make eating easy thanks to the rocker type cutting action and an enhanced range of movement, to enlarged coated cutlery, there are always options to choose from. Those who have undergone sedation dentistry or any large dental procedure will love the comfort of eating with cutlery which is lightweight and coated to protect the teeth and gums. Weighted utensils are another asset which requires minimal strength to eat, making them ideal for anyone with limited hand control.
Specialized Cups, Glasses & Beakers
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a replacement to your coffee which leaves no room to spill, or whether you need standard glass which steady’s you while you drink, you will always be able to find a specialized cup, glass or breaker to suit your needs. Nosey cups or glasses are cut to leave room for your nose so that even when your coordination is slightly lacking, you’ll have no problem drinking. You also find non-spill cups (also known as adult sippy cups) featuring spouts or build-in straws for those who are in recovery from an oral procedure and are experiencing extreme oral distress. These and two handled mugs are also a fantastic help for the disabled who normally struggle with anything other than sipping.
Straws & Hydration Assistance
In addition to finding drinking aids for the elderly and those suffering from oral trauma, you also get a range of ways to help hydrate yourself. Clip-on straws are among the easiest option for anyone to adjust to, especially those waiting out the recovery period of difficult dentistry. Look for thermo-regulated lids which supply a straw or spout to any cup or beaker which you may already own. More dedicated options are also available such as plastic hydration containers featuring a straw-sipping mechanism. No matter how painful your mouth may be or how difficult it is to drink, a total solution with a long straw ensures that you have access to fluids at all times.
Handles & Grips
Just as easily as you can add a straw, spill-proof lid or spout to your glasses, cups, and beakers, you can also buy drinking aids in the form of detachable handles and grips. Handles and gripping mechanisms are available for your entire range of crockery from plates, to cutlery, cups to beakers and glasses. Two-handled grips and steadying attachments offer mobility to anyone in need, with most good designs offering universal fitment.
Convenience and comfort are not luxuries which need to be entertained but rather an integral part of living a normal lifestyle. Assistive eating and drinking devices are available to suit any specific condition. If your ease of eating and drinking is compromised in any way then rather take the time to find a solution which restores your given right and joy to indulge and sustain yourself.
