Expert Reviews - Utensils

Expert Reviews – Utensils

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INTRODUCTION

The right utensils can increase a person's ability to feed himself or herself, or simply make your job easier when assisting. We tested several utensils and one key difference in comfort is the handle's design. Some utensils we tried had hard, uncomfortable plastic handles. And others, believe it or not, had soft handles that only covered part of the utensil (though you couldn't tell from the manufacturer's marketing photographs), making the utensil awkward to hold. Less expensive utensils had sharper metal edges – not recommended for sensitive teeth and gums.

Many online companies carry a wide variety of helpful utensils, so we’re only including a few products that are

Attractive
Comfortable to hold
Hard to find

TIP Later on in the disease, it's more helpful to use only a spoon for serving if there is confusion over which utensil to use. Also, eating from a spoon is easier than eating from a fork.

Expert Review – Multi Purpose Utensil

Good Grips Utensils (available with weights)
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Good Grips Utensils - Bendable
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Good Grips Coated Spoon
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	MANUFACTURER
	North Coast Medical for Oxo Good Grips Utensils
	COST
	$7 to $10 each
	VENDORS
	North Coast Medical for Oxo Good Grips Utensils
	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.

	DESCRIPTION
	These stainless steel utensils, with their soft, rubber-like large handles, are available with special features to meet various needs. Each utensil has a special twist built into the metal shaft that allows the fork or spoon to be bent for either right- or -left handed use; this is helpful for persons who can no longer turn the utensil towards their mouth and are trying to eat from the edge.
	PROS
	This utensil has one of the most comfortable handles we tested: soft rubber-like handle with extra cushioning "fins" where the fingers grasp. All utensils have a bendable rubber shaft so you can bend it – though it takes a bit of force. Available with a coated spoon for sensitive gums (available in 3 different sizes). Available with an extra 6 oz. of weight in the handle for those with tremors. Dishwasher safe (except for the coated spoon)
	CONS
	Available in black only Weighted utensils may be too heavy or not heavy enough for effective use Discoloration may occur on the coated spoon (for example, tomato sauce left a bit of color on our test spoon)

Expert Review – Large Utensil Handles

Slip-on Handles
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	MANUFACTURER
	Parsons ADL (see dealer list)
	COST
	$8.00 each handle
	VENDORS
	Parsons ADL (see dealer list)

	DESCRIPTION
	If the person has arthritis or general gripping problems, utensils with large handles are easier to hold. This soft cushioned handle fits over the person’s existing utensil handles (tooth brushes also).
	PROS
	Soft comfortable grip, with ergonomic finger indentations Attractive For use on the person's own utensils
	CONS
	Not dishwasher safe - clean with sponge only Handle must be put on and taken off after each meal

Expert Review – Stainless Steel Weighted Utensils

KEatlery Weighted Utensils

	MANUFACTURER
	Kinsman Enterprises
	COST
	$10 each
	VENDORS
	Amazon.com Dynamic-Living Boomer Store

	DESCRIPTION
	Solid stainless steel utensils for people with mild tremors. The extra weight provides more control, as it can reduce unwanted movement. Each utensil weighs approximately 7.3 ounces.
	PROS
	Attractive "normal" design Indentation on handles increases comfort Spoon's recessed edge and slightly deeper bowl may prevent spilling Solid handles Dishwasher safe
	CONS
	The utensils may be too heavy or not heavy enough for effective use