Eating and Drinking Assistive Aids at Home: A Guide to Safer, More Independent Mealtimes
Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is essential for our health, independence and overall quality of life. Good nutrition supports the immune system, helps prevent pressure sores, aids recovery from illness and contributes to our general wellbeing. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, can increase the risk of falls, infections, delayed wound healing and hospital admission.
But mealtimes are about far more than nutrition alone. They can provide comfort and routine, create opportunities for social interaction and, importantly, help people maintain their dignity and independence.
For some people, maintaining good nutrition is not simply about choosing the right foods. It also depends on being able to eat and drink safely, comfortably and as independently as possible.
Reduced strength or dexterity, tremors, arthritis, dementia, neurological conditions and other physical difficulties can all make everyday activities such as eating and drinking more challenging. In these circumstances, assistive eating and drinking aids can provide valuable support, helping to make mealtimes safer, easier and more enjoyable.
What Are Assistive Eating and Drinking Aids?
Assistive eating and drinking aids are specially designed pieces of equipment that can help people eat and drink more safely, comfortably and independently. Their purpose is not simply to make mealtimes easier; the right equipment can also help improve confidence, reduce frustration and support dignity and independence.
It is important that any eating or drinking aid is selected according to the individual's needs. An Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), or another appropriate healthcare professional may assess the person's needs and recommend suitable equipment. In some circumstances, equipment may also be available through NHS or local authority services.
This guide explores some of the most common assistive eating and drinking aids, who may benefit from them, and how professional carers and family members can safely support their use.
Important: Swallowing Difficulties
Eating and drinking aids should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment where swallowing difficulties may be present.
Signs such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), coughing or choking during meals, unexplained weight loss or repeated chest infections should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. Where swallowing difficulties are suspected, assessment by a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) may be required.
Common Types of Assistive Eating and Drinking Aids
Adapted Cutlery
A wide range of adapted cutlery is available to support different needs and abilities. Sometimes, a relatively simple change to the shape, weight or grip of a piece of cutlery can make eating easier and help a person maintain greater independence at mealtimes.
Features may include:
Enlarged, cushioned or ergonomically shaped handles, which can make cutlery easier to grip for people with reduced hand strength or arthritis.
Forks with a cutting edge on one side, which can help people who have the use of one hand to cut food and eat more independently.
Angled forks and spoons, designed to reduce the amount of wrist movement required and which may be helpful for people living with arthritis, the effects of a stroke, Parkinson's disease or limited upper-limb mobility.
Lightweight cutlery, which may be easier to manage where strength or fatigue is a concern.
Weighted handles, which may help some people achieve greater control when experiencing hand tremors.
Depending on the individual's needs, adapted cutlery may help to:
Improve grip and control.
Reduce hand pain and fatigue.
Support greater independence during meals.
Plate Guards and Scoop Plates
Some people may find it difficult to push food onto a fork or spoon when using a standard plate.
Plate guards attach to the edge of an ordinary dinner plate, helping to prevent food from being pushed off the side. Scoop plates have raised or curved sides that can make it easier to collect food, particularly when eating with one hand.
These simple aids can support greater independence at mealtimes and may be particularly useful for people with:
Reduced use of one hand following a stroke.
Parkinson's disease.
Reduced coordination.
Visual impairment.
Non-Slip Mats
Non-slip mats can be placed underneath plates and bowls to help prevent them from moving during meals. This simple adaptation can reduce frustration and make independent eating easier and safer.
Reusable non-slip materials, such as Dycem, can also be used to stabilise plates, cups, chopping boards and other everyday household items.
Non-slip mats may be particularly useful for people with weakness in one arm following a stroke or those with reduced upper-limb control.
Two-Handled Cups
Two-handled cups are designed to provide greater stability and control when drinking and can help reduce spills.
Depending on the design, features may include:
Wide or stable bases.
Easy-grip handles.
Measurement markings.
Compatible lids.
These cups may be helpful for people experiencing reduced hand strength, tremors or difficulties holding a standard cup securely.
Drinking Cups with Lids
Specialist drinking cups are available in a variety of designs to meet different needs. Features may include:
Spouted lids.
Flow-control inserts.
Small drinking openings.
Anti-spill designs.
These products can help reduce spills and may give some people greater confidence and independence when drinking.
Where a person has swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), the choice of drinking cup should follow appropriate professional advice. Not every adapted cup or drinking aid will be suitable for every swallowing difficulty.
Nosey Cups
Nosey cups have a cut-away section that allows space for the nose when drinking, reducing the need to tilt the head backwards.
They may be useful for people with:
Reduced neck mobility.
Cervical spine conditions.
Certain neurological conditions.
Where swallowing difficulties are present, professional advice should be sought to ensure that the cup is appropriate for the individual's needs.
Adaptive Straws
Different types of adaptive straws are available, including:
One-way valve straws.
Flexible straws.
Straw holders.
Depending on the individual's needs, these can reduce the effort required when drinking and may assist people with reduced oral muscle strength.
Where swallowing difficulties are present, the suitability of straws or other drinking aids should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional, such as a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT).
Built-Up Handles
Foam tubing or built-up grips can be added to everyday items such as cutlery, toothbrushes and pens.
Increasing the size of a handle can reduce the amount of grip strength needed to hold an item comfortably. This simple adaptation may make everyday tasks easier for people with reduced hand strength, dexterity or grip.
Choosing the Right Eating and Drinking Aid
Choosing the right eating or drinking aid should be based on the individual's needs and abilities, rather than simply selecting the most specialised product available.
Important factors to consider may include:
Grip strength.
Dexterity.
Vision.
Posture.
Range of movement.
Cognitive ability.
Swallowing safety.
Personal preference.
Sometimes, a simple adaptation such as a non-slip mat or angled spoon may be all that is needed to make mealtimes easier and support greater independence.
Supporting Someone During Mealtimes
Equipment alone is only one part of supporting someone to eat and drink safely and maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
Professional carers and family members can play an important role by creating a calm, comfortable and supportive mealtime environment while encouraging the person to maintain as much independence as possible.
Good practice may include:
Supporting the person to sit upright during meals.
Allowing plenty of time to eat and drink.
Encouraging independence wherever possible.
Avoiding rushing mealtimes.
Offering assistance when needed.
Monitoring food and fluid intake where appropriate.
Being aware of signs of tiredness or fatigue.
Where a person can swallow safely but has difficulty feeding themselves, appropriate support and suitable eating aids may help them maintain greater independence at mealtimes.
When Swallowing Difficulties Are Present
When someone experiences difficulties with eating or drinking, it is important to consider whether swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, may be a contributing factor.
Dysphagia can occur following a stroke and may also be associated with a number of neurological conditions.
Possible signs may include:
Coughing during or after meals.
Choking.
A wet or gurgly-sounding voice after eating or drinking.
A sensation of food sticking in the throat.
Food remaining in the mouth for longer than usual.
Recurrent chest infections.
Unexplained weight loss.
Difficulty chewing.
These signs should not be ignored and should be raised with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Swallowing difficulties can increase the risk of complications including aspiration, where food or drink enters the airway, as well as dehydration and malnutrition. Appropriate professional assessment is therefore important.
It is also important to remember that assistive eating and drinking aids do not treat swallowing disorders. Where dysphagia is suspected or identified, a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) may assess the person's swallowing and provide individual recommendations.
Depending on the person's assessed needs, professional recommendations may include:
Texture-modified foods.
Thickened drinks.
Changes to positioning.
Adjustments to the pace of eating or drinking.
Alternative methods of nutrition or hydration where necessary.
Any recommendations relating to swallowing safety, food texture or fluid consistency should be followed carefully and should not be changed without appropriate professional advice.
The Importance of Individual Assessment
Every person's needs, abilities and circumstances are different, which is why an individual approach is so important.
Different healthcare professionals may contribute different areas of expertise. An Occupational Therapist may recommend equipment or adaptations to support physical independence, while a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) can assess swallowing and advise on swallowing safety.
Where appropriate, a Dietitian may also provide advice about nutritional intake and support where there are concerns about weight loss, malnutrition or maintaining adequate nutrition.
By working together, the individual, their family, care professionals and relevant healthcare professionals can help ensure that nutrition, hydration, swallowing safety, independence and personal preferences are considered as part of the person's overall support.
Final Thoughts
Assistive eating and drinking aids can make a meaningful difference to everyday life, helping people maintain independence, dignity and confidence at mealtimes.
When combined with person-centred care and appropriate professional guidance, even relatively simple adaptations can help make eating and drinking safer, easier and more comfortable, while enabling people to retain as much independence as possible in their own homes.
If you or someone you care for is experiencing new or ongoing difficulties with eating, drinking or swallowing, speak to your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional. Early assessment can help identify the person's individual needs and determine the most appropriate equipment, professional advice and support.
Where Can I Find Assistive Eating and Drinking Aids?
A wide range of assistive eating and drinking aids is available from specialist mobility and independent-living retailers, pharmacies and online retailers.
However, the most suitable aid will depend on the individual's particular needs. Before purchasing specialist equipment, particularly where swallowing difficulties are present, it may be helpful to seek advice from an Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Some equipment may also be available through NHS or local authority services following an appropriate assessment.
Please note: Bennett Care Hampshire does not endorse or recommend any particular product, manufacturer or retailer. Any equipment should be suitable for the individual's assessed needs and used in accordance with relevant professional guidance.
If you or someone you care for could benefit from additional support with meal preparation, nutrition, hydration or everyday activities at home, Bennett Care Hampshire is here to help.
Our care is tailored around the individual — their routines, preferences, abilities and the things that matter most to them — with a focus on dignity, choice and independence.
Where can I buy assistive eating and drinking aids in the UK?
As well as being able to buy many items on Amazon, specialist retailers of assistive feeding aids include:
Essential Aids: https://www.essentialaids.com/kitchen-aids-feeding-aids.html
Mobility Smart: https://www.mobilitysmart.co.uk/daily-living-aids/kitchen-aids?_gl=1*1tcp9vs*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTA3OTY5MzYwLjE3ODY1MzExNTM.*_ga_C4WGN82GHM*czE3ODY1MzExNTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODY1MzExNjAkajUzJGwwJGgyNjA0NDIzMQ..
Complete Care Shop: https://completecareshop.co.uk/collections/eating-amp-drinking
Alzheimer's UK: https://shop.alzheimers.org.uk/collections/eating-and-drinking
ReliMobility: https://www.relimobility.co.uk/eating-aids/
Swivelware: https://www.swivelware.com/
Manage at Home: https://www.manageathome.co.uk/collections/eating-and-drinking
For more condition-specific advice on eating and drinking aids please see the following:
MS Support: https://revivemssupport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Adaptive-Equipment-Eating-and-Drinking.pdf
National Tremor Foundation: https://tremor.org.uk/diet-nutrition
Arthritis UK: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/living-with-arthritis/home-and-garden/aids-and-adaptations/
Muscular Dystrophy News: https://musculardystrophynews.com/assistive-technology-for-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/
MND Association: https://www.mndassociation.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/LW09%20Eating%20and%20drinking.pdf
Cerebral Palsy Scotland: https://cerebralpalsyscotland.org.uk/bernies-top-equipment-eating/
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Nutrition support for adults: oral nutrition support, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition (CG32). 2006. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg32
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Parkinson's disease in adults (NG71). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (EDS) Guidance. Available at: https://www.rcslt.org
NHS England. Adult Community Health Services. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk
NHS. Occupational Therapy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/occupational-therapy/
British Dietetic Association (BDA). Older People Specialist Group – Nutrition Resources. Available at: https://www.bda.uk.com
Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Independent Living and Daily Living Activities Guidance. Available at: https://www.rcot.co.uk
NHS England. Integrated Community Equipment Services (ICES). Local provision information available through individual NHS Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.
How Bennett Care Hampshire Can Help
Good home care is about much more than simply preparing or serving a meal.
At Bennett Care Hampshire, we provide compassionate, person-centred support with meal preparation, eating, drinking and maintaining good nutrition and hydration, while encouraging each person to remain as independent as possible in their own home.
Where appropriate and in accordance with an individual's care plan and professional guidance, our care professionals can support safe and comfortable mealtimes by:
Encouraging independence wherever possible.
Preparing meals and drinks according to the individual's needs, preferences and care plan.
Ensuring prescribed or recommended eating and drinking aids are available and appropriately positioned for use.
Following relevant guidance provided by healthcare professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), where swallowing difficulties are present.
Monitoring and recording food and fluid intake where this forms part of the person's care plan.
Recognising and reporting concerns such as changes in eating or drinking ability, coughing during meals, unexplained weight loss or signs of dehydration in accordance with the person's care plan and agreed reporting procedures.
Using specialist equipment in accordance with professional guidance and the individual's care plan.
For families, having the right support at mealtimes can provide valuable reassurance. For the person receiving care, it can mean something even more important: continuing to enjoy familiar meals and routines, while maintaining dignity, choice and as much independence as possible in the comfort of their own home.
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