Life is much easier for patients and their carers, with adaptive crockery and cups, to avoid spills and to encourage eating (bright colours for dementia etc). Such items also promote dignity.
ORNAMIN (Germany) makes crockery and cups with sustainability in mind, all have features to help avoid spills, with hidden features. Ideal for people with impaired vision, stiff fingers, shaky hands or tingling (read up on food safety to avoid choking hazards for swallowing difficulties).
Examples are plates with sloped bases, two-handled mugs with internal cones, non-slip cups and lipped trays. These items are also good when recuperating from broken bones (or older people who find it difficult to lift heavy plates and cups). Sold wholesale to nursing homes and hospitals.
Bright Crockery for Dementia Patients
It’s known that bright colours encourages people to eat more, so choosing such items is good for patients with dementia, who often forget to eat or drink.
Eat Well (invented by the granddaughter of a dementia patient) offers cups with rubber bases (and trays to clip on aprons, to catch dropped food and prevent clothing stains).
Kitchen Aids for Patients & Carers
Ensure kettles have ‘tippers’ to let water pour safely. Built-in water taps are good, but too expensive for most people (around £500).
Easi-Grip knives have stainless steel blades and bright ‘soft feel’ grips that are non-slip, so you don’t have to use your hand as much. The angled handles prevent wrist discomfort, and the knives are less likely to twist, in wet or greasy conditions.
Make use of disability benefits, as often this can access grants to adapt your kitchen and other rooms. The grants can be used to widen doors, install ramps and grab rails, or install heating and lighting controls. There are also Family Fund grants available for children.
Preventing Dehydration in Dementia Patients
Many people with dementia forget to drink (and some are even scared of running tap water). To avoid added issues of dehydration, Droplet is an invention used on the NHS and can also be used at home.
This lightweight mug monitors fluid levels with measuring lines, and relatives can record personal messages. The cup then offers an audible reminder (with flashing lights) if someone is not drinking enough.
