Expert Reviews - Plates and Bowls

Expert Reviews – Plates and Bowls

Description

In one research study of persons with dementia, food intake was increased by as much as 25% when colorful contrasting plates were used at mealtimes. Colorful non-breakable plates are available at many home centers and department stores. Non-patterned plates are best – they help the person focus on the food, not on the pattern. Just be sure the food that is being served can be easily seen against color of the plate! The most popular plastics used in dinnerware are melamine (thicker plates will hold up better in the dishwasher and chip less, but melamine isn't microwave safe) and polypropylene (only some are microwave safe, depending on the quality of plastic used).

Expert Review – Colorful Melamine Non-Breakable Plates

Provence Solid Color Plates

	MANUFACTURER
	Le Cadeaux
	COST
	$10 - $14 each
	VENDORS
	Amazon.com (Try search with Le Cadeaux solid plates) Online Search Engine
	DISCLAIMER
	The listing of these products is for informational purposes and individuals must use their own caution and judgment when using these resources. Functional levels and changes in judgment and reasoning are highly variable in people with dementia. Interventions must be individualized and continually assessed because those that are effective for some individuals may only work briefly and may not work at all for others.

	PROS
	Thick durable plastic, hard to break, but they can chip (only with real force). Varied colors allow you to choose the right color depending on the color of the food served. Available in dinner and salad plate size Dishwasher safe
	CONS
	Cannot use in microwave; melamine gets dangerously hot when placed in the microwave The small decorative dot pattern on the plate's edge may be distracting to some persons with dementia; for example, they may count or try to pick the dot. The plates have a shiny finish; if there's lighting directly overhead, it may cause glare. Plates will show knife marks if sharp knives are used.

Expert Review – Colorful Plates and Bowls with Raised Edges (Scooper)

Product Name: Scooper Bowl
Bowl with suction base

Product Name: Scooper Plate
Small 7 inch plate

Product Name: Inner-Lip Plate
9 inch plate

Product Name:
Partitioned Scoop Dish with Lid
8 inch section plate (high sides)

	MANUFACTURER
	Maddak.com
	COST
	$3.50 to $8.00
	VENDORS
	Maddak.com (Click on "Eating")

	DESCRIPTION
	These plastic (polypropylene) plates and bowls have raised sides to help keep food from spilling onto the table. The person brings the fork or spoon to the edge of the plate and pushes the food against the edge and onto the utensil. Using the plates and bowls with the high, curved top, the person ideally would scoop the food up to the top of the curve and the food would stay on the utensil. Keep in mind that the height of the raised sides vary from bowl to plate and some persons will need a higher side to keep food from spilling. Use this tableware with a non-slip mat underneath to keep the plate from sliding or get a plate or bowl with non-slip base.
	PROS
	Dishwasher and microwave safe, except for the non-slip items Unbreakable and non-chip Available in several colors and sizes Strong opaque colors (some other plates we tested were semi-translucent)
	CONS
	Some dishes may not be high enough for some individuals and food may still spill. The person may think the item is too infantile and not use it; consider using one yourself to enhance acceptance of the product. Suction cup base only works on smooth surfaces.