| People with advanced rheumatoid arthritis often | | | | If your problems at mealtime are more complicated |
| experience deformities in their upper body joints that | | | | than this, you may need adapted utensils or dishes. |
| make it difficult for them to complete basic daily living | | | | Thanks to the internet, these are also readily available. |
| tasks. Eating is one of these basic tasks that can be | | | | There are many different types of adapted utensils |
| impaired by upper body arthritic deformities. If you are | | | | and the selection can be confusing at times. Here are |
| one of these people, meals may already be a | | | | some sample problems and solutions that involve |
| frustrating time of day for you. Here are some helpful | | | | adapted utensils and dishes: |
| tips to increase your independence during mealtimes. | | | | Problem: You are unable to close your fingers around |
| First, move your arms and hands and assess what | | | | small handled utensils. |
| motions you are able to use. Maybe you can't curl | | | | Solution: Purchase large handled adapted utensils or |
| your fingers around a spoon handle anymore, but | | | | purchase foam tubing to place around the handles of |
| maybe you can pinch it between your thumb and the | | | | the utensils you have. Foam tubing is less expensive, |
| side of your hand. Can you move your shoulder? Can | | | | but wears out faster. Large handled utensils cost |
| you bend your elbow? Can you turn your forearm to | | | | more, but are more sanitary and last longer. |
| make your palm face the ceiling? Move each joint and | | | | Problem: You can't cut your meat. |
| look at what kind of movement you have or don't | | | | Solution: Purchase a rocker knife. This type of knife is |
| have. This will help you determine how you should | | | | specially designed to allow you to use a rocking motion |
| adapt your place setting during meals. | | | | to cut, rather than the traditional sawing motion. |
| Next, eat a meal and pay attention to what the main | | | | Problem: Your food slides off your plate and you |
| problems are as you eat. Decide if the problem that is | | | | cannot stop it. |
| really bothering you is a simple one to fix. Maybe the | | | | Solution: Purchase a plate guard or a plate with a lip on |
| whole issue is that your food slides off your plate and | | | | it. Both of these items are designed to stop food from |
| you are unable to stop it. Maybe you can't cut meat. | | | | sliding or rolling off of a plate. |
| Maybe you can get the food on your spoon or fork, | | | | Problem: You have severe ulnar drift and you cannot |
| but you can't turn your wrist enough to bring it to your | | | | hang on to anything. |
| mouth without spilling it. These are just samples of | | | | Solution: Purchase a universal cuff. This is a simple |
| problems that might occur. You might have these or | | | | elastic band that slides over the palm of your hand. |
| others, or combinations. Try to determine what is | | | | The band has a pocket in it that will hold the handle of |
| causing the problem and how easy that problem is to | | | | a spoon or fork, allowing you to hold the utensil |
| fix. Having another person help you with this might be | | | | yourself. |
| a good idea, as another set of eyes may see an issue | | | | There are many more examples of adaptive utensils |
| with a plate, glass, or utensil that you don't notice. | | | | available. Adaptive utensils and dishes have been |
| After assessing the situation, you are ready to decide | | | | designed to overcome just about any obstacle to |
| what adaptations you might need during meals. Some | | | | eating. Many of these devices are available on the |
| adaptations are simple and some are specialized. Here | | | | internet at Arthritis Supplies, so please visit their |
| are some examples of simple problems and | | | | website at to browse their selection of adaptive |
| adaptations to correct them: | | | | utensils and dishes. |
| Problem: Your plate slides on the table and you can't | | | | If determining what adaptations you need for eating is |
| stop it. | | | | too overwhelming for you, an occupational therapist |
| Solution: Place a wet washcloth under it or purchase | | | | can help you decide. You do not need to see an OT |
| nonskid shelf liner at your local discount store and | | | | for months to do this. Two or three sessions to |
| place a piece of this under your plate. | | | | assess your eating and determine which adaptive |
| Problem: You are unable to tip your glass or cup to | | | | devices will work for you should suffice. Check your |
| drink. | | | | insurance plan to see if occupational therapy is |
| Solution: Use a short straw to drink liquids. | | | | covered and where an occupational therapist is |
| Problem: You are able to hang on to your silverware, | | | | located in your area. For more information on |
| but it just does not feel secure or you drop it | | | | occupational therapy, please visit The American |
| sometimes. | | | | Occupational Therapy Association at |
| Solution: Purchase plastic handled picnic ware or similar | | | | Eating does not have to be a frustrating, humiliating |
| silverware that has slightly larger handles. These | | | | experience. Adapting your utensils and dishes can help |
| utensils are easier to hang on to than traditional | | | | you regain your independence and your dignity during |
| silverware, but are not specialized and are readily | | | | meals, so take a look at your mealtime set up and |
| available at your local discount store. | | | | take control of it today. |