Utensils, Mats and Grabbers -The Self-sufficient Tools

Special weighted Utensils have been developed to help the impaired enjoy feeding themselves as long as possible. The large built-up handles for eating and kitchen utensils have made it easier to grip. Watch and see how many of the younger generation are using those tools developed for us oldsters.

Rimmed plates with rubber grip bottoms prevent slipping. They allow the rim to assist the user in placing food on the fork or spoon. Suggest making a placemat out of the new rubber shelf liners and use regular china as long as possible, keeps it normal and enjoyable.

Where rubber mats are used in the tub or shower, be sure that if the bottom surface has recently been cleaned that the mat is secured again and all air bubbles and water are removed before anyone steps on the mat. They are only as safe as the suction holding them to the surface. It is probably safer to remove them from the tub and replace with a non-skid surface, but not everyone is going to follow that recommendation.

Long handled grabbers offer a way to reach things on shelves. Care must be taken though, as it is not always easy to maintain a grip on the grabber spring handles and an item can prematurely be released. Better to have everything where it can be reached and if you have to have something up high enough to require a grabber, make sure it's soft stuff or call for assistance.