Special needs cutlery, as the name itself suggests, are catered to the special needs of a person. Most of the time they are intended for the use by those who are physically challenged or have muscular disabilities. 

Having a good set of cutlery is important for us who are well and able-bodied. But it is even more so when it comes to those whose dexterity is challenged. Every household needs to have a good cutlery set if you want to make it sure that mealtimes are carried out in the most straightforward, tidy, and comfortable fashion. 

But anyone with a challenged or limited dexterity, including those who happen to have muscle issues or are afflicted by tremors in their hands will have a dire need for special needs cutlery. It will significantly help in giving them independence and control whilst attending to their food on their own. 

Requirements on Choosing Special Needs Cutlery

Choosing cutlery set for a person with a disability is not to be done without proper caution in mind. To find the best value, much in the same when shopping for an ordinary cutlery set, you need to remember what your special requirements are. 

For instance, if you have a loved one afflicted with dementia, we are highly recommending that you consider for him instead of colored cutlery set instead. Such kind of cutlery set is ideal for them to use since it will help them distinguish the food served on their plate and the cutlery itself. 

For those who are suffering from hand tremors, what we suggest that you give to them would be the weight cutlery type. Such a specially designed cutlery will give them some needed sense of control whilst eating.  

Points to Keep in Mind When Looking for Special Needs Cutlery

Dexterity 

        Is the intended use for this type of cutlery able to grip them securely?

Steadiness

        Will the intended user need weighted cutlery? 

 Colour 

       Is the intended user going to need to differentiate color between food items and cutlery? 

Angled 

       Is the intended user needing assistance/help in guiding or bringing his food to his mouth?

Is the intended user usually eat one-handed?  

Weighted Cutlery Set

This type of disability cutlery product is ideal for use by people who are afflicted by hand tremors. They usually have no control over these tremors, hence, handling food and bringing them over to their mouth becomes even more challenging, every time.

People suffering from conditions like Parkinson’s disease will benefit the most from this type of special type of cutlery. 

The built-up handle for this type of cutlery set substantially weights to promote better grip and control in handling the utensil, thus making the hands more steady and stable. As such, food and liquid spills over the table are minimized. 

And even if the handle seemed to be a lot heavier when compared to the standard cutlery we all have at home, they are usually ergonomically designed so that the user can have an easy and comfortable grip, every time. 

This is helpful to the intended user in such a way that it will help prevent pains or aches in their wrists. This type of cutlery will help the user gain good control over it while in use and keep the hand tremors from shaking the cutlery.  

Angled and Bendable Cutlery

The use of an angled cutlery system is best recommended for one-handed dining. It is also highly recommended to be used by those who are lacking in dexterity in hand or if the entire arm has been rendered immobile. 

As the name itself suggests, this type of cutlery comes with a curved or bent design. They are designed that way to enable the user to scoop up his food item onto the spoon or fork with the use of a single hand, without any need to push them on, whilst at the same time will not necessitate the user to twist their arm.

The use of this type of cutlery encourages the user to make use of a straight wrist at every meal at the perfect angle.  

Conclusion

Cutlery is undeniably part and parcel of a good dining experience. With the availability of adapted cutlery that comes in simple to modern designs, inclusive dining shared by all the members of the family becomes easier than ever.