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Best Dinnerware & Utensils For The Elderly
Updated:
Jul 16, 2022
Best Dinnerware & Utensils For The Elde...
Having full use of your hands is something that many of us take for granted. However, as muscle mass declines with age, the reality of life without the range of motion we are used to in our hands comes into focus. Declining strength in your hands doesn’t have to interfere with your quality of life, though. There are numerous products on the market that can help you regain the usefulness of your hands, specifically in the kitchen, as you’ll see in our Best Dinnerware and Utensils for Elderly 2022 review.
How We Found the Best Dinner & Utensils for Elderly
45 Products Considered
12 Hours of Research
7 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks
Products carousel
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Best Build-Up Handles
6-Pack of Foam Grip Tubing/Foam Tubing – Ideal Grip Aid for Utensils
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Best Large Grip
OXO Easy Grip Flatware Set (1 Knife, 1 Spoon, 1 Fork) – Non Weighted
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Best Weighted Utensils
BUNMO Adaptive Utensils – Weighted Knives Forks and Spoons Silverware Set
Dinnerware & Utensils We Reviewed:
- Impressa Products 6-Pack Of Foam Grip Tubing
- OXO Easy Grip Flatware Set
- BUNMO Adaptive Utensils
- Homecraft Queens Right-Handed Angled Cutlery Spoon
- Essential Medical Supply Power Of Red Complete Table Setting
- Sammons Preston 81005586 Hi-Lo Scoop Plate
- North Coast Medical NC35213 SureFit Plastic Food Guard
Best Build-Up Handles
6-Pack of Foam Grip Tubing/Foam Tubing – Ideal Grip Aid for Utensils, Tools and More
Features and Specifications
- Comfortable To Hold: Our foam padding is soft enough for comfort but firm enough for consistent use. By building up handles on every day items, our foam provides greater strength, control and a wider grip
- Compatible With An Array Of Items: Great for use with utensils, tools, pens, pencils, toothbrushes, razors, crochet hooks and other objects with small handles. Also great for guitar stands with worn-out or hardened foam
- Highly Functional: Ideal for those with grip strength, control or coordination issues. Excellent for occupational therapy or physical therapy use, for adults and children
- Easily Cut To Length – Slip Resistant: Easily cut to length with kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. The durable coating is slip-resistant and does not absorb water, making for easy cleaning (dishwasher safe)
- Multi-Color And Hole-Size Value Pack: Six 12″ tubes per pack (colors as shown). Comes in a variety of interior hole sizes to accommodate a wide array of objects. All tubes are 12” long. Red Tube 27mm Outer Diameter (OD) / 1.06” 9mm Inner Diameter (ID) /…
Pros
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They are versatile to fit over just about any item
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You can cut them to the length you need
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They have a comfortable hand feel
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They provide a slip-resistant, secure grip
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You can put them in the dishwasher
Cons
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Some may find them bulky and awkward to use
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They won’t fit over odd or oversized objects
The Impressa Products 6-Pack of Foam Grip Tubing solves a myriad of issues you may encounter in the kitchen, as the health of your hands becomes a consideration. The package includes two tubes in three different diameters so that you can match the size to the utensil or tool. All have bright, attractive colors which add a bit of vibrancy to the dining experience. They won’t absorb water so, feel free to throw them in the dishwasher for quick cleaning. They also fit snugly onto your utentsil and will stay in place.
Our Verdict
Foam grip tubing offers a versatile solution that extends beyond the kitchen and works with a variety of utensils
Best Large Grip
OXO Easy Grip Flatware Set (1 Knife, 1 Spoon, 1 Fork) – Non Weighted
Price not available
Features and Specifications
- Good Grips stainless steel utensils feature a 1-3/8″ (3.5 cm) built-up handle.
Pros
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The product is well-made
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You can adjust them for right or left-handed use
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The handles are latex-free
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The grips will conform to your hands over time
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They are comfortable to hold
Cons
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It is expensive for what it is
The OXO Easy Grip Flatware Set is a non-weighted set of dining ware grips that includes a fork, knife and spoon. The handles are textured to help you keep a firm grasp of the utensils. They are also slip-resistant and have a comfortable feel when held in-hand. The stainless steel pieces are dishwasher-safe, as well . Though this set is on the pricey side, it can be an worthwhile expenditure for individuals who truly require an alternative to traditional eating utensils in order to enjoy their mealtimes again.
Our Verdict
A quality product that works as described for customers to easily hold their utensils while eating.
Best Weighted Utensils
BUNMO Adaptive Utensils – Weighted Knives Forks and Spoons Silverware Set for Elderly People
Features and Specifications
- Curved sharp kitchen knife: These weighted utensils for Parkinsons, arthritis, handicap, hand tremor, mobility or disabled patients come with a razor sharp curved knife that can cut from above and horizontally unlike other cutlery.
- Premium stainless steel: This Adaptive Silverware Set is made of high quality rustproof stainless steel. This is to ensure durability and longevity to endure accidental drops and active handling of liftware. This set of flatware is designed to be easy to…
- Supportive utensils – This set of adaptive kitchen utensils for adults are wider with a weighted design fork, spoons and forks set with long rubber hand grip and moulded solid built construction. The teaspoons, dessert spoon, fork and knife set will…
- Large easy-grip handles: These adaptive weighted silverware make it easier than ever to hold utensils for individuals who suffer from arthritis, parkinsons, hand tremors, and trembling hands. It’s ideal for arthritis hand therapy since it ensures…
- Convenient four-piece set: This arthritis silverware set includes one each: tablespoon, teaspoon, knife and fork with rubberized handles to make mealtime easier and more pleasant. It’s designed to give better control for those with arthritis or…
Pros
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It includes a sharp knife rather than a dinner one
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The handles are comfortable
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They are well made to last
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You’ll notice an improvement immediately after the first time using them
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They provide welcome support for those with hand tremors
Cons
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Some may find the utensils a bit on the light side
The BUNMO Adaptive Utensils have rubberized handles that are slip-resistant and have a particuarly pleasing fee. The set comes complete with a couple of extra pieces that we don’t always see in these products. They aren’t heavier than regular eating utensils, employing a balance that makes them easy to pick up. Individuals who experience trembling will find that these utensils were made with them in mind, giving them back the agency to finish meals without frustration or messes.
Our Verdict
The grips are comfortable and slip-resistant.
Best Ergonomic Spoon
Sammons Preston-28597 Homecraft Queens Angled Cutlery, Right-Handed Angled Spoon, Lightweight Ergonomic Adaptive Spoon
Features and Specifications
- Ergonomic angled design makes it easier to eat for individuals with difficult time positioning regular cutlery
- Features an angled right-handed spoon with a handle that measures 1-1/4″ in diameter x 3-5/8″L, helps increase comfort for those with weak or painful grasp
- Lightweight stainless steel in plastic handle is easy to grip for individuals with limited grasp
- Ideal for patient care in a home or clinical setting to increase functionality while eating and during self-feeding
- Institutional dishwasher safe, BPA and phthalates free
Pros
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You can buy them to match the individual’s dominant hand
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You can run them through the dishwasher
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Occupational therapists recommend this product and others in the manufacturer’s line
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It is lightweight
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The manufacturer specializes in creating this class of products
Cons
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Some may find the bowl of the spoon too small
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It might work better if the angle were a bit sharper
The Homecraft Queens Right-Handed Angled Cutlery Spoon is designed to take a bit of a sharp departure from the standard utensil to create one more in tune with individuals who need assistance when eating. The unique shape makes it easier to use than conventional ones. It is comfortable to hold and designed to give those who limited mobility a helping hand, by allowing them to approach their food at a more comfortable angle.
Our Verdict
The unique ergonomic design makes eating easier for those with limited mobility.
Best Red Table Setting
Essential Medical Supply Power of Red Complete Adaptive Dinnerware Setting for Alzheimers and Dementia with Plate, Bowl, Cup, and Utensil Set
Features and Specifications
- Studies have shown that using red dinnerware increases eating with for individuals with alzheimers and dementia by making it easier to see and recognize food.
- Includes each adaptive item that you need to improve consumption and making eating easier
- Plate and Bowl feature a suction cup bottom that prevents movement and rimmed side to prevent spills
- Bendable utensils include built up handles that are easier to hold
- Each item is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Pros
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The manufacturer designed each piece with the individual in mind.
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The utensils bend to make using them more manageable.
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All the pieces are dishwasher-safe.
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The shapes of the cup and bowl reduce slips and drips.
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The bright color provides excellent contrast.
Cons
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Some might find the utensils too large and awkward to handle.
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You can’t put them in the microwave.
The Essential Medical Supply Power of Red Complete Table Setting offers a useful solution to help individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease maintain a healthier weight. The bright color provides diners with a bright color contrast to make distinguishing foods easier. Each piece makes eating more manageable as it is washed in a bright red that keeps you alert and engaged during meal time.
Our Verdict
The bright color provides improved contrast for a more pleasant eating experience and is specifically designed to help those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Best Non-Slip Plate
Sammons Preston – 33887 Hi-Lo Scoop Plate, 9″ Scooped Dish with Wall, Non-Slip ADL
Features and Specifications
- Ergonomic plate design meant to assist individuals in guiding food onto utensils with the help of the curved wall
- Features a 1 1/2″ vertical wall that helps guide food onto utensils, entry wall is 1/2″ high and steadily increases upward with 3/4″ rim for easy handling
- Lightweight, polypropylene 9″ plate with nonskid rubber-coated base to prevent sliding keeps food in place and prevents spills
- Ideal eating solution for indiviudals who need help eating independently without the help of a caregiver, such as the elderly, handicapped, and disabled
- Top rack dishwasher safe, microwaveable, non latex plate
Pros
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It has a non-slip base
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It is both microwave and dishwasher safe on the top shelf
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It improves the eating experience considerably
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It is solid and well-made to last
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The plate is the ideal size
Cons
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The rub coating on the bottom may come off over time
The Sammons Preston 81005586 Hi-Lo Scoop Plate is a lightweight item with a curved design that helps food remain inside of the plate. When an individual who may have trouble scooping food uses a fork or knife to grab food from the plate, the slanted surface aids them in digging into the contents inside. A lot of thoughtfulness went into the design for both the individual and the caregiver from the rubberized base to the 0.75-inch rim.
Our Verdict
This well-designed plate benefits both individuals and caregivers.
Features and Specifications
- Reduces spills off plate & supports independent eating
- Guard measures 1.25″ high
- Fits plates with diameter of up to 10.75″
- Microwave and top rack, household dishwasher safe
Pros
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It is a versatile solution
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It is both dishwasher (top shelf) and microwave safe
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It fits on plates securely
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It’s easy to put on and take off as needed
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It is discreet and unobtrusive
Cons
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It doesn’t work as well on smaller or thin-lipped plates
The North Coast Medical NC35213 SureFit Plastic Food Guard offers a universal solution to the worrisome issues of eating while experiencing mobility issues within the hand. The piece snaps onto the edge of the plate to provide a barrier that reduces spills. It is just the right height and will fit on most any dish. It’s a smart choice to take with you when going out to eat a restaurant. It also is an affordable option to use if you would rather modify your existing plates, rather than replace them.
Our Verdict
An affordable solution to a vexing problem.
What Factors Affect the Seniors’ Ability to Enjoy Eating?
Several things can affect you or your loved one’s enjoyment of mealtimes. Injuries can cause pain that makes it harder to hold utensils. Other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to weakness and numbness in your hands which can also interfere with eating. Arthritis is another common reason because of the subsequent swelling of the joints.
Sometimes, the discomfort borders on excruciating, especially if the symptoms involve any nerve contact. Pressure can trigger repeated firing of the neurons followed by chronic pain. And because it involves everyday things, it can affect your quality of life. That’s why these products are so valuable because they provide relief or at least another way to manage.
What Features Do These Items Offer?
Many of these products provide upgrades in the design and weight distribution of the utensils to make them easier to hold and handle. They typically make use of the principles of ergonomics to make you more comfortable whether it’s at home or work. While you may think of it only as improvements in the look of objects, the benefits often spill over into your mental and social well-being too.
You’ll find utensils and dinnerware for everyday use as well as others that the manufacturers have designed for specific health issues. Their purpose is to overcome the challenges and make your tasks easier and more efficient. You’ll find items that address any potential obstacle with a solution that is geared toward supporting both the caregiver and the individual.
The benefits of ergonomic design go well beyond making tools and utensils more comfortable. Other advantages it offers include:
- Quality Construction
- Increase in Physical Comfort
- Pleasing Hand Feel and Appearance
- Supportive of Independent Living
- Streamline the Manufacturing Process
It may surprise you to learn how much these factors affect your use and enjoyment of an item. They also alleviate some of the mental burden of feeling unable to take care of yourself and your needs. Even little things like the color of an object can impact the user experience. Manufacturers often work with professionals in the field including occupational therapists to provide practical solutions.
It’s worth noting that these upgrades in the technology benefit you on another perhaps unexpected front. If manufacturers can make their products more efficiently and less expensive, you’ll save money in the long run too. It’ll also increase your chances of getting something that is useful and fills a niche well.
If you’re not sure which ones to get, consult an occupational therapist who will help match the products you’ll need with your independent living goals.
What If I Am Self-Conscious Using These Products?
It’s natural to have second thoughts about using these items, especially if you’re new to them. It’s part of the human condition to want to feel that you’re part of the group and like everyone else. Using ergonomically designed products isn’t a sign of weakness. In reality, it is the opposite. You’ve chosen to make your life easier and take action. How could anyone find fault with that goal?
The essential thing to remember is that you’re not alone if you feel like you need extra help. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that about 25 percent of American adults have arthritis in one form or another. Researchers expect that figure to rise to nearly 50 percent by 2040 as baby boomers age. That’s good news for you and anyone else who uses these products.
The subsequent increase in demand will fuel a whole new generation of items and spur R&D toward better solutions. It’s the classic win-win situation. Everyone will benefit from it in the long run. However, we understand your concerns. Rest assured that improving your quality of life is an admirable endeavor. Congratulate yourself for taking the necessary steps.
The other thing to bear in mind is eating a healthy diet is imperative for your continued well-being. If it becomes difficult, you may miss out on vital nutrients. If these items can help you overcome any obstacles to enjoying your meals, they have served their purpose and have provided invaluable benefits. That fact alone makes them priceless and worth the investment.
Summary
The best dinnerware and utensils for the elderly seek to find ways to get rid of the frustration of simple tasks that have become difficult. They offer ways to improve your mental, and, thus, physical well-being by removing obstacles to a fulfilled life. Our advice is to see them as opportunities rather than anything negative. There’s nothing wrong with taking those extra steps in the direction of convenience.
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